Dog & Cat Pet Ultrasound
A pet ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of your dog or cat’s internal organs and tissues.
Dr Sarah Carter is one of our highly experienced general practice veterinarians. She offers comprehensive abdominal ultrasounds at Tooronga Veterinary Hospital.
Dr Aisha Young, a specialist radiologist is based at our hospital on Mondays. She offers advanced specialist ultrasounds (via an initial appointment with Tooronga Veterinary Hospital). Dr Aisha also performs urgent ultrasounds at Tooronga throughout the week (subject to availability).
We are generally able to accommodate urgent ultrasounds at short notice.
What types of ultrasounds are available?
There are several types of pet ultrasounds, each designed for different diagnostic purposes:
Abdominal ultrasound: Used to examine the organs in the abdomen, such as the pancreas, liver, kidneys, intestines, and bladder. This is very useful to diagnose issues such as tumours, pancreatitis, or internal bleeding.
Cardiac ultrasound: Focuses on the heart to assess its structure and function, identifying conditions such as mitral valve disease or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound: Evaluates muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints to diagnose injuries or inflammatory conditions, often used in cases of lameness or pain.
Reproductive ultrasound: Used to assess the reproductive organs for conditions such as pregnancy, ovarian cysts, or prostatitis, and to monitor fetal development.
What's involved in an ultrasound?
Pets often require light sedation for ultrasounds. This is because we need them to remain relaxed and still in order to obtain clear diagnostic images. We require patients to be fasted the morning of the ultrasound, as a full stomach makes it difficult to fully evaluate the abdominal organs. Please note that your pet’s fur will be clipped for this procedure in order to obtain the highest quality images.
Is a pet ultrasound safe?
Yes, a pet ultrasound is generally considered safe. It is a non-invasive procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal structures.
The process is usually painless and involves applying a gel and moving a transducer over the pet’s skin.
Getting your pet’s ultrasound results
After your pet’s ultrasound, our veterinarians will provide immediate feedback and then follow this up with a detailed written report (the formal report typically takes ~ 48hrs).
If you have questions or need further clarification, all of our vets are available to provide additional information and guidance. For more information, please get in touch with the team today.
The cost of a pet ultrasound typically ranges from $450 to $900, depending on the complexity of the scan. Scans performed by GP veterinarians are typically cheaper than the scans performed by a specialist radiologist.
Please note, additional charges may occur if your pet requires sedation for the ultrasound.
What's the cost of a pet ultrasound?
Talk to our expert team for more information on our ultrasound services
Pet ultrasounds are crucial for diagnosing internal issues and assessing your pet’s health. Our veterinary team is here to provide expert imaging and tailored care, ensuring your pet receives accurate diagnoses and effective treatment.
