1-15 Lexington Rd, Underwood, QLD, AU, 4119
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Out Patient Ultrasound
High-quality imaging for stable patients
We offer a Feline Outpatient Ultrasound service where stable patients can receive high-quality ultrasound imaging in a calm, cat-friendly environment. Our feline medicine team can support referring veterinarians with expert insights, without the need to transfer ongoing care.
This service is appropriate for follow-up imaging and the investigation of conditions such as chronic kidney or liver disease, suspected masses, gastrointestinal foreign bodies and recurrent lower urinary tract disease.
Outpatient ultrasound does not include echocardiography and is not suitable for unstable cats, who should be referred to our medicine, surgery or emergency service as appropriate.
“Cats do things differently. We want to help your cat patient, your client, and your team get the most information from an ultrasound. We will chat with you to discuss ultrasound findings, differential diagnoses and further investigation and treatment options that you can pursue at your own clinic, with the additional support of our feline medicine team by your side.”
— Dr Rachel Korman, Feline Internal Medicine Specialist
About the service
Once a patient is booked, a consent form (including sedation consent), an estimate and sedation risk information will be sent to the owner. The referring vet should provide relevant patient history, blood test results and supporting documentation.
Our clinicians will assess the provided history and perform a physical examination on admission. If sedation safety is a concern, we will contact the referring vet to discuss an alternative plan.
If a biopsy, fine needle aspiration or surgery is needed, this will be communicated to the referring vet, who can then discuss options with the owner. The sample can be sent back with the patient to the referring vet for submission, or the patient can be transferred to the relevant CSS service for ongoing management.
If the cat arrives in an unstable condition or requires diagnostics before the imaging procedure, the Emergency Service will evaluate the patient first, which will incur additional fees. We will inform the referring veterinarian as soon as possible.
Examinations generally take 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on sedation needs and any additional procedures. Our clinicians and feline nurses carefully monitor cats throughout their stay. Owners are welcome to wait during the procedure or leave their cat in our care, provided they’re available by phone if needed.
Booking and preparation
For bookings, please complete the form below with any history, blood work, radiographs or supporting information in advance, or you can send these details with the owner.
Cats should be fasted for at least 4 hours before the exam, but water should not be restricted.
We will strive to complete exams on time. However, emergency cases or delays may result in the exam occurring later in the day. Most cases take about one hour.
Clients or staff are welcome to drop off the cat for the day.
We would ask that you please inform the owner that we will shave their cat. While we aim to minimise the shaved area, the size may vary depending on the region being examined and the specific condition.
Communication and case management
This is a veterinarian-to-veterinarian service. All communication regarding ultrasound findings, differentials and next steps will be directed to the referring vet. We provide a verbal summary following the scan when possible, and a complete written report within two hours.
Clients wishing to discuss results directly with CSS clinicians can be referred for an initial consultation with our internal medicine team.
Sedation Risks
Sedation may be required for optimal imaging. While generally safe, it does carry potential risks, including:
- Adverse Reactions: Cats may very rarely have allergic reactions or unexpected responses to sedatives.
- Respiratory Issues: Sedation can lead to respiratory depression, resulting in difficulty breathing.
- Cardiovascular Effects: Sedation may affect heart rate and blood pressure, leading to potential cardiovascular complications.
- Over-Sedation: Over-sedation can result in prolonged recovery times or complications.
- Vomiting and Aspiration: Sedated cats may vomit, which poses a risk of aspiration into the lungs. Fasting your cat helps reduce this risk.
- Prolonged Recovery: Some cats may take longer to recover from sedation than others.
- Interaction with Medications: Sedatives may interact with other medications your cat is currently taking.
Our veterinarians review each patient’s history and perform a physical examination before proceeding. If there are any concerns about the safety of sedation, we will contact the referring veterinarian to discuss alternatives.
Throughout the procedure, cats are closely monitored by our clinicians and experienced feline nurses until they’re ready to go home.
For fee estimates, please see our pricing page (referring vets, please call for the password).
Out Patient Ultrasound Request
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