What will an abdominal ultrasound show in dogs

What will an abdominal ultrasound show in dogs

Canine abdominal ultrasound provides a detailed view of the organs and structures within the abdomen. It is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that veterinarians use to evaluate a variety of conditions and monitor ongoing health problems. Below is some of the important information that an abdominal ultrasound can reveal:

Organs and Structures

Liver: Size, shape, texture, presence of masses, cysts or abscesses.

Gallbladder: Size, presence of stones, sludge or inflammation.

Spleen: Size, shape, texture, presence of lumps or abnormal growths.

Kidneys: Size, shape, texture, presence of stones, cysts or abnormal structures.

Bladder: Bladder wall thickness, presence of stones, masses or abnormal contents.

Stomach and intestines: Thickness of the stomach wall, presence of masses, foreign bodies, or abnormal peristalsis.

Pancreas: Size, shape, texture, signs of inflammation or mass.

Adrenal glands: size, shape, any lumps or abnormalities.

Reproductive Organs: Uterus and ovaries in females, prostate and testes in males.

Diseases and Diagnosis

Tumors and lumps Determine the presence and location of tumors or abnormal growths.

Inflammation and Infection: Detect signs of inflammation in organs such as pancreatitis or hepatitis.

Stones and crystals: Observe bladder or kidney stones and other mineral deposits.

Cysts and abscesses: Identify structures filled with fluid or pus.

Fluid accumulation: Detect the presence of free fluid in the abdomen (ascites).

Enlarged Organs: Evaluate abnormal enlargement of organs such as the liver (hepatomegaly) or spleen (splenomegaly).

Foreign bodies: Identify foreign bodies that may have been ingested and are causing blockages or other problems.

Vascular Abnormalities: Evaluate blood flow and identify problems such as portal vein shunts.

Benefits of Canine Ultrasound

Non-invasive: No surgery required and no discomfort for the dog.

Real-time imaging: Provides immediate results and real-time evaluation.

Surgical Guidance: Helps guide needle biopsy or fluid aspiration procedures.