ULTRASOUND

An ultrasound is used to provide information about internal body systems such as the liver, gastrointestinal and urinary tracts.

Ultrasound probes send out high-frequency sound waves, directed at the tissue being examined and then record the reflected sound to create an image.

Common reasons for ultrasound scanning include investigations of a cat's abdominal organs, chest cavity and musculoskeletal and vascular systems.

Our ultrasound is one of the newest available and we have a wide range of the highest quality ultrasound probes to obtain the most detailed and superb images.

Our team are highly experienced in performed ultrasounds on cats and have undergone a lot of additional training.

Ultrasounds are typically performed with cats sedated to reduce their anxiety and help keep them still. This means that better images are obtained.

The fur over the region being scanned is clipped and a gel applied.

Although an ultrasound can give a large amount of information, additional testing such as biopsy or aspirates (see link) maybe required to obtain a definitive answer. These procedures are performed under heavy sedation or anaesthesia and we will always discuss the requirement for this with you prior to any procedure being performed.

There is often a large number of ultrasounds performed every day. We will contact you once the is ultrasound performed to discuss results, however can sometimes be a few hours after admission.

For patients having repeat ultrasounds we aim to do this within the repeat consultation appointment, however this may not always be possible.

A written report of the ultrasound will be provided to your veterinarian.

The benefit of having an ultrasound with us is that if these procedures are required we can typically proceed with this on the same day.

Although some cancers have a "typical" appearance on ultrasound, it is only assessment of cells or tissues under the microscope that can allow a definitive diagnosis.

We have the unique ability to provide specialist feline medicine care together with specialists in the fields of surgery, anaesthesia, cardiology and critical care to provide the best comprehensive care for your cat.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Can an ultrasound tell me if my cat has cancer?

Ultrasounds can be very good at identifying abnormalities such as lumps and bumps in organs such as the liver, kidneys and intestines. Although some cancers have a typical appearance the ultrasound itself will not tell us the "type" of cancer present and a lump is not always cancer!
Only analysis of cell types under the microscope can determine this information.
These samples can be obtained using fine needle aspiration or trucut biopsy guided by the ultrasound or sometimes surgery is required.

What happens when my cat has an ultrasound?

Typically cats will have a sedative prior to ultrasound examination - not because it is painful at all, but to help reduce any anxiety and keep them still.
Cats lie on a large mattress on the ultrasound table - it is very comfortable!
The region being examined will have the fur clipped and ultrasound gel applied which allows the ultrasound probe to generate good images.
A variety of different images are obtained and a detailed report is prepared.

Is an ultrasound for my cat invasive? Are there any risks?

Ultrasound scans for cats are non-invasive and the procedure does not involve the use of ionising radiation such as x-ray but low-power sound waves. There are no known risks.

Does an ultrasound have any limitations?

Ultrasound is a really useful tool for investigating diseases in cats but it is not perfect. Sound waves don't travel well through air or bone, so ultrasound isn't good at imaging body parts that have gas in them or are hidden by bone, such as the lungs or head.
We may recommend other tests such as CT or MRI scans or X-rays.

When will I get my cat's ultrasound results?

We will call you with your cats results after the scan is finished and will discuss if any further procedures will be necessary.