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Ultrasounds: A Non-invasive Window into Feline Health
Cats can be as puzzling as the symptoms they develop when illness first appears. Thankfully, modern veterinary medicine gives us the accuracy and tools to examine those changes properly and support better feline health.
Ultrasound is one of the most valuable technologies we use because it provides a clear, non-invasive view of the organs and structures that need closer assessment. It helps diagnose conditions that aren’t obvious on examination or routine testing.
At Cat Specialist Services, we see a wide range of complex feline cases and use advanced imaging every day to investigate them. Here’s how ultrasound fits into that process.
Taking a closer look, no surgery required
A comprehensive imaging study lets us examine internal structures with a level of nuance that physical examination and routine testing cannot provide. It is often the point where scattered clinical information starts to form a clearer pattern. Subtle variations in texture, contour or internal architecture can explain discrepancies between symptoms and initial findings, and these small details often influence how a case progresses.
Another advantage is the ability to assess how different organs relate to one another. Changes in one area can influence another, and looking at the abdomen as a whole helps us understand how those pieces fit together. Quite frequently, this broader perspective clarifies whether a condition is focal or more widespread and whether further investigation is needed.
This type of structured, step-by-step evaluation provides clinicians with a reliable foundation for informed decision-making. It guides whether targeted sampling is appropriate, whether additional imaging will add value and whether the case would be best managed in general practice or with specialist involvement. It brings together information that directs the next stage of care without resorting to more invasive procedures.
What can we diagnose using ultrasound?
Different diseases and conditions create distinct patterns that become recognisable on ultrasound, even when physical examination or lab work has been inconclusive. Some findings are diagnostic in themselves, while others provide a strong indication of what is developing and the urgency with which it needs to be addressed.
Here is a range of conditions that ultrasound can detect or strongly suggest, grouped by organ systems.
Abdomen
Liver
- Hepatic lipidosis
- Inflammatory liver disease
- Biliary obstruction
- Portosystemic shunts
- Liver masses or nodules
- Changes consistent with fibrosis or chronic disease
Gallbladder and biliary system
- Cholecystitis
- Mucocele
- Sludge accumulation
- Biliary obstruction or dilation
Spleen
- Nodules or masses
- Splenic enlargement
- Infiltrative disease
- Infarcts or vascular abnormalities
Kidneys
- Chronic kidney disease indicators
- Pyelonephritis
- Kidney stones
- Cysts
- Masses
- Renal pelvic dilation
- Congenital abnormalities
Bladder and urethra
- Cystitis
- Bladder stones
- Masses or polyps
- Wall thickening
- Urethral obstruction indicators
Gastrointestinal tract
- Thickening of specific layers (suggesting inflammation, IBD or neoplasia)
- Obstruction
- Intussusception
- Foreign material
- Lymph node enlargement
- Intestinal masses
Pancreas
- Pancreatitis indicators
- Pancreatic enlargement
- Masses or cysts
- Peripancreatic fat inflammation
Reproductive System
Uterus
- Pyometra
- Pregnancy assessment
- Uterine masses
- Fluid accumulation
Ovaries and testes
- Masses or enlargement
- Cysts
- Retained testicles (abdominal)
Thorax (where ultrasound is appropriate)
Pleural space
- Effusion
- Masses
- Consolidation
Heart (when part of a focused assessment)
- Pericardial effusion
- Basic chamber assessment before full echocardiography
Lymphatic System
- Lymph node enlargement
- Lymphadenopathy patterns that help differentiate inflammation from neoplasia
- Guidance for fine needle aspirates
Why specialist interpretation helps
We see complex feline cases every day, and are familiar with patterns and variations that aren’t always obvious. This extensive experience helps us refine the list of likely conditions, identify unusual diseases early and understand which findings genuinely influence the next step in investigation or treatment.
At our cat-only hospital, ultrasound can be combined with fine-needle aspiration, echocardiography, and advanced laboratory testing during the same visit. This enables samples to be taken with precise visual guidance and reduces the need for a patient to return for additional procedures.
It also means imaging and pathology findings can be reviewed together, which gives a more accurate understanding of how the results fit with the cat’s clinical signs.
“Small changes in organ structure can help explain clinical signs.”
When ultrasound gives us the answers we need
While most people know what an ultrasound is and does, not everyone realises it is the only practical way to see inside a cat without putting them through surgery. Ultrasound bridges the gap between clinical signs and the physical reality of disease, and that is why it remains such an essential part of feline medicine.
For cats that only need imaging, we can book an ultrasound as a single visit in our outpatient service. Cats are admitted, settled in, examined and imaged in our cat-only hospital, but their care remains with the referring vet. We send the findings promptly for case management without any disruption.
If a sample is needed or if another test will provide useful information, we can arrange for it during the same visit. If the imaging identifies a problem that requires more than an ultrasound alone, the case is referred to the relevant team for immediate assessment and evaluation.
Putting it all in perspective
Ultrasound has been part of veterinary medicine for decades. While early machines offered only basic outlines of abdominal organs, image quality limited how much could be interpreted with confidence. Modern systems provide far greater detail and consistency, which makes the diagnostic process more seamless for clinicians.
At Cat Specialist Services, ultrasound is part of our everyday work with feline patients and continues to shape how we investigate and understand a wide range of conditions in the most non-invasive way possible.
If your cat needs further investigation, contact us. If you’re a veterinarian with a patient requiring specialist care or advanced diagnostics, please complete a referral form. We’re available to discuss complex cases as needed.
Are you worried about your cat’s health?
If you are concerned about your cat, please reach out to our friendly team. Call us on 1300 228 377 or fill out the contact form below. In an emergency, please contact your local vet.
For vets – to refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation, please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form.
Meet The Author
Dr Rachel Korman
Specialist in Feline Internal Medicine
BVSc MANZCVS (Internal Medicine) FANZCVS (Feline Medicine)
Dr. Korman’s childhood love for cats led her to veterinary medicine, and early on, it was clear that feline care was her calling. After graduating from the University of Queensland in 2000, she worked in small animal and feline-only practices across Australia and the UK.
She received a Senior Clinical Training Scholarship from the Feline Advisory Bureau (now International Cat Care) at the University of Bristol, where she researched feline infectious and haematological diseases, and in 2018, became a Fellow of the Feline Medicine Chapter of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and a registered Feline Medicine specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a feline ultrasound used for?
Ultrasound allows us to examine internal organs without surgery. It helps identify changes in tissue structure and assess how organs interact with each other.
Why might a vet recommend ultrasound for a cat?
We may recommend ultrasound when symptoms cannot be explained by examination or routine tests. It helps us investigate underlying conditions in greater detail.
Which organs can be examined using ultrasound?
Ultrasound can evaluate abdominal organs, soft tissues and other internal structures. This imaging technique helps us look for abnormalities that may affect a cat’s health.
Is ultrasound invasive for cats?
Ultrasound is considered a non-invasive diagnostic procedure. It uses sound waves to create images rather than requiring surgical exploration.
How does ultrasound help guide treatment decisions?
Ultrasound findings can clarify whether disease is localised or affecting multiple organs. This information helps us determine the most appropriate next steps for diagnosis or treatment.
Patient Stories
Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.
Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.
Kitty, a lymphoma survivor
We first met Kitty after she was referred to CSS for the evaluation of a large intestinal mass
Poppi finds her feet again
Following surgery to remove a hairball obstruction, Poppi was referred to us at CSS as she had not bounced back as expected
Rusty and his ongoing chronic rhinitis journey
Lifelong nasal issues, including persistent discharge and breathing noise, have been a bit of a thorn in Rusty’s side.
Lando’s long game with cryptococcus
Lando was referred to CSS because he had a swelling under his jaw that wouldn’t go away.
Popeye coughs up the culprit
Ares is a handsome young Maine Coon who was referred to CSS after presenting at AES with sudden lameness in his back leg.
Key Takeaways
Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging tool that helps us examine internal organs and structures in cats.
It can reveal subtle changes in tissue structure or organ relationships that may not appear during routine examination or testing.
The information gained can guide decisions about further testing, treatment or specialist care.
Cat Specialist Services Reviews 
on 
Tanya Bell
6 months ago
We transported our cat here from another animal hospital, as his condition was too complex for them. Our pet was given the highest quality of care, multiple investigations/procedures being able to be done at the one place a godsend. We were kept up to date frequently throughout his stay. All questions & options explained thoroughly. Being able to have private visits certainly helped us and our cat too. I would highly recommend Cat Specialist Services at Underwood. Amazing staff from reception, vet nurses, vets & specialists. Oh, and yes he is recovering wonderfully at home.
Melinda Cox
A month ago
So very happy we were asked to come here for advice for our NORBIT. He has had 2 x UTI blockages within weeks of each other since turning 6. Surgery seemed to be his only option and he didn’t feel it was very fair on him if we didn’t at least exhaust all other avenues first.
Dr Allison was very thorough in her tests and has let us know she would like to treat the cause of the problem. Great news.
It may lead to removal of crystals in his bladder if his diet doesn’t let him pass them naturally.
At least this surgery won’t be as severe at taking his penis off him – so as his fur parents – we are very happy with this.
We await further tests to see what’s in store for him.
NORBIT will now be a patient of the clinic as we are so far very happy with his treatment thus far.
Lesley Rosekrans
A month ago
Hi has only been a week since losing my beautiful Peaches but can’t thank Dr Cindy, Maree and Jackie enough for the tender care they gave her and they after care they gave me. I sincerely thank them and can’t recommend the Clinic highly enough they are such caring people. Peaches I’m happier times.
Madison McEwan
A month ago
I cannot thank the entire CSS team enough and especially Dr Cindy for the care they provided for our boy with a urinary blockage, and we will be taking both our cats here from now on. The clinic is exceptionally clean and calming compared to all other clinics we’ve been too, and all staff from the reception to the nurses/vets were so supportive during a stressful time. I knew from the first minute that I got to see him after he was transferred that he was in the best place, and that the staff genuinely care about their well-being and positive long term outcomes. We were given regular updates and full transparency, so much information including QR video codes on how to administer medications, along with print outs and emails about how to best help avoid future issues or recurrence. Our boy got to smooch on everyone and was beyond well looked after. Thank you again, you all made an incredibly stressful situation actually manageable and calming.
Astrid El Gamal
6 months ago
Dr Wan-Ju has been treating my baby since her first seizure in November 2025 and she has been fantastic.
Everybody at the clinic is so friendly and caring and I know my baby is in good hands.
Thank you team!
Deeba M
3 months ago
Dr Alison Jukes from CSS Underwood is an AMAZING feline physician. She is kind, professional, thorough and our cat is blessed to have her on his side. She even was able to save us money and invasiveness by being skilled to the level of doing ultrasound on two separate occasions without our cat needing to go under full sedation. Our other cat was recently seen by Dr Jukes as well, and she made sure our cat’s heart was ok. I also want to thank the lovely Jacqueline and Mairead from customer care. They are very kind each time I see them and call up. Sending thanks from our family, including Smokey and Floozy!
Judith Dionysius
A month ago
My whole experience with CSS was positive – from the first email I received giving lots of information regarding the process of radioactive iodine treatment to the expected costs, to checking my cat in for the treatment, boarding for 2 weeks after the treatment and picking her up to come home. They didn’t push for any tests that were not necessary.
Janelle Wieden
5 months ago
We never knew this service existed but we are very grateful we were referred to them. Our vet Cindy was really great, she made us feel at ease during a very stressful time. We got the sense straight away the Leo was in good hands. This service made us feel better knowing that they specialise is cats only. Would highly recommend their services
Georgia Carter
5 months ago
My Lani finished her I-131 treatment today and I am beyond impressed with the way she was looked after. I am by definition a neurotic pet owner and sending my fur child away for a week was seriously daunting.
I was given daily updates about how kitty was eating, toileting and behaving. This really put my mind at ease. Vets and vet nurses were so accomodating and allowed Lani to have her favourite foods from home prepared her favourite way.
Her vet was so thorough when explaining her treatment and condition to me.
The ladies at reception were so friendly and understanding.
I honestly cannot recommend this clinic enough and I am so thankful for the positive experience Lani and I have had.
Lauren Woodward
A year ago
My sweet ginger boy Louis was hospitalised at CSS for a Urinary Obstruction. Dr Cindy and all the reception staff were amazing and empathetic. I would often ring up with questions post procedure and Dr Cindy would make time to talk and explain things to me
Service Locations
Cat Specialists accepts referrals for cats across Brisbane and surrounding regions, working closely with local veterinary clinics to provide specialist diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
Contacting Us
Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.
Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.
Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pmSaturday/Sunday - Closed