FAQs

Most clinics contact us directly when a case needs rapid clarification, such as suspected obstruction, cardiac uncertainty or abdominal pain that is progressing. SA Veterinary Sonography offers mobile ultrasound services across Adelaide and its surrounding regions, with same-day support available for urgent cases whenever possible.

In-clinic ultrasound is ideal when the patient is stable enough to remain in your care, when transport would add risk or stress, or when you need timely clarity to guide same-day decisions. Referral is still important for advanced intervention, but mobile ultrasound often provides the diagnostic answers you need before escalation.

Yes. Many SA clinics use in-clinic imaging for patients who are anxious, painful, dyspnoeic or otherwise unsafe to move. Keeping the patient in a familiar environment reduces handling stress and supports safer assessment, especially for cardiac, respiratory and abdominal emergencies.

SA Veterinary Sonography routinely supports regional and semi-regional practices by offering abdominal, thoracic, reproductive and cardiac imaging on-site. This helps clinics avoid unnecessary transport and maintain continuity of care for clients who may struggle to access city-based services.

Ultrasound provides real-time clarification of the clinical picture. Whether it’s an unclear murmur, persistent vomiting, abnormal bloodwork, or a suspected effusion, in-clinic imaging offers immediate insight to help refine treatment, triage urgency, and support owner communication.

Yes. Verbal findings are discussed immediately after the scan, allowing you to make informed decisions about stabilisation, surgery, medication or further testing. A written report follows within 24–48 hours for your medical records.

Absolutely. Ultrasound frequently answers questions that radiographs cannot, particularly with non-radiopaque foreign bodies, early pyometra, pancreatitis, pleural fluid, cardiac enlargement or soft tissue lesions. Many clinics call us when the radiographs look normal, but the patient clearly isn’t.

Yes. Ultrasound-guided FNAs are performed safely and efficiently in the clinic for many lymph nodes, abdominal organs and soft tissue lesions. This reduces risk, improves sampling accuracy and helps determine whether a biopsy or referral is needed.

By keeping diagnostics inside your clinic, you remain the primary clinician guiding the case. We complement your workflow by providing immediate imaging support, reducing referral delays and helping you maintain strong relationships with clients who prefer care delivered by their trusted GP vet.

SA Veterinary Sonography performs in-clinic echocardiography for small and large breed dogs across Adelaide and regional SA. Imaging helps clarify murmurs, assesses chamber size, identifies early heart failure, and guides decisions on when to begin evidence-based therapies.

Yes. Collaboration is central to the SA Veterinary Sonography model. You remain the case manager while we provide diagnostic clarity, discuss clinical reasoning and support your decision-making without redirecting cases to external referral pathways.

Many clinics contact us when they require a focused assessment or a more in-depth examination of something observed (or not observed) on initial imaging. A mobile second opinion keeps the patient calm and avoids unnecessary travel, while giving you the confidence to proceed with your plan.

Yes. While not a replacement for emergency hospitals, mobile ultrasound can often be arranged promptly for cases where rapid imaging will influence stabilisation, surgery or referral decisions. Dyspnoeic cats, acute abdomen cases, cardiac collapse and suspected foreign bodies are common examples.

We routinely collaborate with the GP vet to determine whether sedation is appropriate. Many stable patients manage well without it, but anxious, painful or defensive animals may benefit from light sedation to ensure safe, accurate imaging.

In-clinic ultrasound provides a practical middle ground between basic diagnostics and full specialist referral. You can address many questions in real-time, escalate only when necessary, and keep your workflow efficient without compromising patient care.