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.
“We aim to help referring veterinarians gain the most information from an ultrasound.”
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is outpatient ultrasound for cats?
Our feline outpatient ultrasound service provides high-quality imaging for stable cats in a calm, cat-friendly environment. It allows referring veterinarians to obtain detailed ultrasound findings without transferring the patient’s ongoing care. Our feline medicine team reviews the case and provides expert insights to support diagnosis and management.
When might a cat be referred for an outpatient ultrasound?
We commonly perform outpatient ultrasound for follow-up imaging or to investigate conditions such as chronic kidney disease, liver disease, suspected masses, gastrointestinal foreign bodies or recurrent lower urinary tract disease. The service is designed for stable patients. Cats that are unstable may need referral to our medicine, surgery or emergency services instead.
How long does an outpatient ultrasound appointment take?
Most ultrasound examinations take around one to one and a half hours, depending on whether sedation or additional procedures are required. During this time, our clinicians and feline nurses monitor the cat carefully. Owners may wait during the procedure or leave their cat in our care if they remain contactable by phone.
Does my cat need to be prepared before the ultrasound?
Yes. Cats should be fasted for at least four hours before the examination, although water should not be restricted. In most cases, we will shave a small area of fur to obtain clear ultrasound images, although the exact size depends on the area being examined.
How are ultrasound results communicated?
This is a veterinarian-to-veterinarian service, so we communicate the findings directly to the referring veterinarian. When possible, we provide a verbal summary after the scan, followed by a full written report within two hours. If an owner wishes to discuss results directly with our clinicians, we can arrange a consultation with our feline internal medicine team.
Cat Specialist Services Reviews 
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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
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