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An ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure used to evaluate the internal organs. For many abdominal disorders, both ultrasound and X-rays are recommended for optimal evaluation. The X-ray shows the size, shape and position of the abdominal contents, and the ultrasound allows the veterinarian to see inside the organs.
An abdominal ultrasound is indicated to evaluate pets with abdominal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, straining to urinate or urinating blood. This test can also be helpful in cases of reproductive abnormalities, unexplained fever, loss of appetite or weight loss. An abdominal ultrasound is often done if an X-ray, blood tests, or physical examination indicate a problem with an abdominal organ such as the liver, spleen, or pancreas.
What Does an Abdominal Ultrasound Reveal?
Abdominal ultrasound helps in the evaluation of abdominal organs including the liver, spleen, stomach, intestines, kidneys, bladder, uterus and prostate gland. This test can be extremely useful for detecting changes in the shape, size, tissue density, internal structure, and position of organs. The exam also can identify most abdominal masses or tumors, abdominal fluid, and abnormal lymph nodes. Frequently abnormal tissue or fluid is sampled with a needle or biopsy instrument using the guidance of the ultrasound exam.
Ultrasound is an excellent diagnostic tool and is noninvasive and painless. However, as with all tests it is neither 100 percent sensitive or specific. In some cases, additional diagnostic procedures such as endoscopy (scoping), contrast X-ray with barium or intravenous contrast (dye) study will be needed to diagnose an intra-abdominal problem. The last resort in most cases of unexplained abdominal disease is an exploratory surgery.
Ultrasound applied to the heart is called an "echocardiogram".
For many problems, both ultrasound and X-rays are recommended for optimal evaluation. The X-ray shows the size, shape and position of the heart and chest contents, and also permits the veterinarian to examine the lungs. In contrast, the echocardiogram cannot be used to examine the lungs, but this ultrasound exam allows the veterinarian to see inside the heart. For moving organs such as the heart, the size, tissue character, and muscle function can be assessed in what is called a "real time" examination that resembles a motion picture.
What Does an Echocardiogram Reveal?
Echocardiograms help to evaluate the structure and function of the heart. This test can be extremely useful for identifying birth defects, diseases of the heart valves, and heart muscle diseases (cardiomyopathy). The exam also can be used to identify fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion), cardiac tumors, and certain types of heartworm infections. The chest cavity and cranial mediastinum (upper chest cavity) also can be evaluated, though in most cases the lungs cannot be visualized (due to the air in this organ).
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