As a veterinarian, you know there are a lot of tools in your arsenal when it comes to diagnosing and treating your furry patients—and while it’s important to continue learning and adding to that arsenal—it’s also important not to forget about tried-and-true methods! 

As you’re well aware, dogs can’t tell us what’s wrong or where it hurts. So when a patient comes in with non-specific clinical signs, your job is to provide a correct diagnosis as quickly, simply, and cost-effectively as possible. That’s where ultrasound diagnostics in canines comes in. 

Ultrasound Diagnostics in Canines

Ultrasounds, whether you’re performing them to get a better look at the gastrointestinal tract, the gallbladder, the kidneys, or the adrenal glands, provide a large amount of information in real time—without an invasive procedure. Keep reading for some common applications in which ultrasound can be useful. 

Adrenal Glands

If hypoadrenocorticism or hyperadrenocorticism is suspected, using ultrasonography to assess the size of the adrenal glands is crucial. If the size of the gland or glands has increased or there is a mass present, it’s most likely pituitary hyperadrenocorticism. If it’s the opposite, hypoadrenocorticism is likely. Both scenarios, however, are highly specific—utilizing ultrasound technology allows you to rule out other possible problems. 

Gastrointestinal Tract

Ultrasound diagnostics in canines can be especially useful when it comes to the gastrointestinal tract. This is because so many of the most common symptoms in dogs stem from this area—vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and more. The stomach’s lumen, the gastric and intestinal wall thickness, stratigraphy, and peristalsis are all major focuses of ultrasonography in this region. 

Pancreas, Kidneys, and Urinary Tract

Much like the gastrointestinal tract, a lot of common issues in canines stem from the pancreas, kidneys, and urinary tract. These issues can also lead to vomiting and diarrhea, as well as the most frequently diagnosed disorder: acute pancreatitis. Ultrasonography can also allow for easy detection of any renal parenchymatous masses—even if further investigation is required for a specific diagnosis. 

Spleen, Liver, and Gallbladder

When it comes to the spleen, ultrasonography is extremely useful in determining its size, parenchyma, and vascularization. Using this technology on your patient’s liver can be particularly important when it comes to clarifying common clinical symptoms like abdominal pain, jaundice, or an increase in circulating liver enzymes. Some of these signs also suggest a need to look at the gallbladder for any thickening of the bile. 

Using Ultrasound to Deliver the Best Possible Care

Diagnosing dogs can be difficult—there are a lot of common signs that can be caused by a myriad of different problems. Using the technology at hand, like ultrasonography, can help you narrow down your diagnosis quickly, non-invasively, and cost-effectively. Ultrasound diagnostics in canines is a tool you should always keep in your veterinarian toolbox to deliver the best possible care. 

After diagnosis, make sure you’re treating your patients with the best possible care, too! With Vetrix as a partner, you can be sure you’re getting the latest and greatest regenerative technology for your patients. Get in touch with us to learn more.