Learn when CT or ultrasound is most effective in large and giant breed dogs, including limitations, case examples and practical guidance for SA vets.
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Buddy was the sort of Labrador who usually bounded into the clinic with full-body enthusiasm, but on this particular morning, he arrived subdued, head lowered, and stomach tight.
Baxter had been quieter than usual for around two weeks, with his owner noticing a steadily enlarging abdomen and mild changes in breathing effort. During a home visit, the mobile vet found a distended abdomen with a palpable fluid thrill, a mildly increased respiratory rate, and muffled heart sounds.
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Yes. In the hands of experienced professionals, abdominal ultrasound can identify obstructive patterns, locate foreign bodies, and assess bowel wall condition, often before radiographs reveal abnormalities. For Adelaide and regional SA clinics, having these answers available in-clinic through SA Veterinary Sonography can significantly reduce delays in care.
Ultrasound is recommended when vomiting persists despite treatment, when abdominal pain is noted or when radiographs are normal but clinical suspicion remains high. SA Veterinary Sonography provides same-day, in-clinic imaging for South Australian vets, helping you clarify cases that don’t quite add up.
No. Radiographs reveal gas patterns and radiopaque material, while ultrasound detects non-radiopaque objects (such as wood, fabric, and rubber) and provides tissue detail. The most complete assessment often comes from using both modalities. SA Veterinary Sonography works alongside your radiographic findings to answer the “is something obstructed, and where?” question.
Mobile ultrasound brings rapid, high-resolution imaging directly to your clinic, reducing transport stress for patients with painful conditions and avoiding referral delays. For time-sensitive cases, such as suspected obstruction, SA Veterinary Sonography provides immediate feedback, allowing you to move confidently toward surgery or stabilisation.
Many dogs tolerate abdominal ultrasound well without sedation. Mild sedation may help if the patient is in pain, anxious or reactive, but many stable patients can be scanned comfortably. Sedation remains at the discretion of the referring vet, with SA Veterinary Sonography adapting the examination to the patient’s comfort and safety.
By confirming whether an obstruction is present, identifying its exact location and assessing for complications, SA Veterinary Sonography helps Adelaide and regional SA vets plan surgery confidently and communicate clearly with owners. The service supports your workflow without taking the case off your hands.
