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Ultrasound
Ultrasound has been used for over 20 years as a non-invasive means of studying internal organs in veterinary patients, and the technology has evolved to a high level of sophistication and image quality. Ultrasound is most often used to evaluate structures in the chest and abdomen, but is also useful in the evaluation of the eye, tendons, joints, blood vessels, and glands of the neck. Because it is rapid, safe, and painless, it is an important first-line diagnostic technique.

During an ultrasound, sound waves are transmitted into the body through a probe placed against the skin. These sound waves bounce back to the probe at different speeds depending on the density and structure of the organs, and this information is recorded and processed by a computer, which converts the data into a real-time image to reveal the size, shape, and structure of internal organs. The ultrasound evaluation lasts 15-30 minutes, and the majority of patients do not require sedation.

Thoracic ultrasound is useful for evaluating abnormalities of the heart, chest wall and chest cavity. Cardiac ultrasound evaluates the size, shape, and anatomy of the heart and surrounding structures. Visualization and measurement of the heart and great vessels reveals abnormalities such as alterations in blood flow, blood pressure, cardiac rhythm, chamber size, and muscle function. Cardiac ultrasound can also reveal congenital defects and evidence of heartworm disease.

Abdominal ultrasound is commonly used to study the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, reproductive tract, liver and spleen. Foreign bodies, tumors, or obstructions in the stomach or intestines that may not be visible on radiographs can often be seen with ultrasound. Strictures, stones, or masses in the kidney, ureters, bladder, or urethra can be seen. A pregnant uterus can be safely imaged and the wellness of each fetus evaluated. The architecture of the liver or spleen that may appear homogeneous on radiographs is revealed in great detail by ultrasound.

In an emergency setting, ultrasound is essential for the rapid assessment of patients with internal bleeding, heart disease, gastrointestinal obstruction, or trauma.