Ultrasonography

Abdominal Ultrasound:

• Organ structure and size (liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, intestines, stomach)
• Masses or tumours within organs
• Fluid accumulation in the abdomen
• Bladder stones or thickened bladder wall
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Intestinal wall thickness or abnormal layering
• Gallbladder abnormalities
• Pregnancy and foetal development

Echocardiography (Cardiac Ultrasound):

• Heart chamber size and wall thickness
• Valve function and abnormalities
• Blood flow through the heart
• Fluid around heart (pericardial effusion)
• Cardiac masses or blood clots

We apply gel to your pet’s skin (the gel improves sound wave transmission), then move a probe across the area being examined. High-frequency sound waves create real-time images displayed on a monitor. The procedure is painless – most pets tolerate it calmly with gentle restraint.

Hair may need to be clipped for optimal image quality, particularly for abdominal ultrasound, where fur can interfere with sound wave transmission.

Most pets lie comfortably on padded examination tables. Ultrasound requires skill and experience for accurate interpretation. Our imaging-qualified veterinarians perform and interpret studies, recognising normal variations from pathological changes that require intervention.

We review ultrasound findings in real-time, often displaying images during the examination and explaining what we’re seeing. You’ll understand findings before leaving the appointment, enabling same-day treatment decisions for many conditions.

For complex cases, we can arrange external specialist radiologist review of recorded images, typically receiving detailed reports within 24-48 hours. This collaborative approach ensures diagnostic accuracy when cases warrant additional expert interpretation.

Ultrasound excels at visualising soft tissue structures and fluid. It’s ideal for:

• Investigating vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain
• Detecting masses or tumours in abdominal organs
• Monitoring kidney disease progression
• Confirming pregnancy and assessing foetal health
• Evaluating heart function and structure
• Guiding needle biopsies or fluid aspiration

Ultrasound cannot visualise bones, air-filled structures, or detect small changes in organ tissue composition that appear normal on ultrasound but are diseased microscopically. Some conditions require additional diagnostic tests (radiography, CT scans, biopsy) for a complete assessment.

Anxious pets don’t hold still well, which compromises image quality. Our familiar environment and gentle handling approach help keep patients relaxed, resulting in better diagnostic images with reduced stress. This is one advantage of receiving ultrasound from veterinarians and nurses your pet already knows and trusts.

For more information on Ultrasonography, contact Vet HQ Darlinghurst or Double Bay.