Unlike x-rays, which are particularly effective for examining bones, ultrasounds provide a detailed look at soft tissues like the liver, kidneys, heart and other organs.
In some cases, a CT scan or MRI might be recommended for very specific issues, though these options are usually less common and more expensive.
How Safe Are Ultrasounds for Cats?
The procedure is non-invasive and does not use any radiation, unlike X-rays. There are typically no side effects, so your cat can resume normal activities immediately afterward.
Why Do Cats Need Ultrasounds?
Ultrasounds can help veterinarians investigate a range of health concerns, such as:
Digestive Issues:
If a cat shows signs of digestive discomfort (vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation), an ultrasound can help identify issues like inflammatory bowel disease, tumors, or blockages.
Kidney and Bladder Problems:
Ultrasounds are useful for detecting kidney stones, cysts, or urinary tract issues, which are common concerns in older cats or cats with urinary symptoms.
Heart Health:
Known as an echocardiogram when used for the heart, an ultrasound can help detect heart disease, an important screening tool for conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Unexplained Weight Loss:
When a cat loses weight without an obvious cause, an ultrasound can help identify underlying issues in organs like the liver or pancreas.
Monitoring Existing Conditions:
For cats already diagnosed with conditions like chronic kidney disease or liver disease, regular ultrasounds can help track the progression of the illness and guide treatment (e.g. shrinkage of kidneys, etc).
Detecting Growths:
Ultrasounds can help identify tumors or abnormal growths, though further testing (like a biopsy) may be necessary to determine if they’re cancerous.
What to Expect During a Cat Ultrasound
If your veterinarian recommends an ultrasound, here’s what you and your cat can expect from the procedure:
Preparation:
Cats generally do not need to fast or have other specific preparations for an ultrasound. However, some vets may ask for a fasting period, especially if the abdomen needs to be scanned so that the stomach will be empty.
Sedation (if needed):
Most cats tolerate ultrasounds well without sedation, but for particularly anxious or active cats, a mild sedative such as gabapentin, may be given to keep them calm and ensure accurate imaging.
The Procedure:
During the ultrasound, the vet or veterinary technician will typically shave a small area on your cat’s abdomen or chest, depending on the organ being examined. Just like in humans, they will then apply a gel to help transmit sound waves for the handheld probe to examine the internal organs. The process usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
Interpretation of Results:
The images might be interpreted by a veterinary radiologist or internal medicine specialist for a detailed report, especially if you were referred to a specialist to do the ultrasound.
How much does an ultrasound cost?
The cost of a cat ultrasound can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of ultrasound (e.g. abdomen vs heart) and whether a specialist is involved, and the clinic you choose to go to. A decent range would be $200 - $500++.
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