“I want vets to feel confident about what they’re seeing and when it’s time to look further.”
Dr Jennifer Judd BVMS GCertSAUA MANZCVS (Small Animal Radiology)
Clear, Detailed Abdominal Ultrasound Support
Abdominal ultrasound provides live visualisation of the major abdominal organs and surrounding structures, helping vets investigate a variety of abdominal conditions including, but not limited to, vomiting, weight loss, changes in bloodwork and possible obstruction with confidence. SA Veterinary Sonography brings veterinary abdominal ultrasound directly to your clinic, offering calm handling, accurate interpretation and same-day verbal findings.
From identifying effusion to assessing organ architecture and masses, we provide detailed imaging that supports your diagnostic plan while the patient remains comfortably under your care.
Benefits of Mobile Abdominal Ultrasound
Having abdominal ultrasound performed in your clinic keeps the patient in a familiar, low stress environment and avoids the need for external referral. This is particularly helpful for painful, nauseous or unstable patients who may not tolerate transport well.
Mobile imaging also supports faster decision making, with same day verbal findings and detailed reports that guide whether medical management, surgery or further testing is required. It streamlines workflow for busy SA clinics while maintaining continuity of care.
Organ Assessment With Confidence
Abdominal ultrasound enables a targeted assessment of the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, gastrointestinal tract, and associated lymph nodes. For cats, it is especially valuable for evaluating a wide range of gastrointestinal concerns, including but not limited to vomiting, weight loss, pancreatitis and chronic disease patterns where clinical signs often overlap.
In large and giant breed dogs, cranial abdominal structures may be more challenging to assess due to body size and depth, although ultrasound still helps rule out major masses and effusions. In such cases, CT may provide further detail if necessary.
Clarity For Complex Presentations
When the clinical picture is unclear, abdominal imaging can provide clarity. Abdominal ultrasound for dogs and cats can help differentiate a variety of causes of abdominal discomfort, including foreign bodies, food, gas or fluid patterns and identify secondary signs such as intestinal dilation or mesenteric inflammation. Ultrasound can also help determine the likely source of abdominal effusion in feline patients.
Some conditions, such as poorly exfoliative masses or lesions that require tissue architecture, may not yield a definitive diagnosis, and biopsy, CT, or repeat imaging may be recommended.
If you would like to arrange an abdominal ultrasound or discuss a patient, please get in touch.
Mobile Veterinary Ultrasound Services
Advanced in-clinic ultrasound for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, delivered through abdominal, thoracic, cardiac and reproductive imaging.
Abdominal
Comprehensive abdominal imaging assessing organs, effusion, masses, inflammation, and gastrointestinal changes.
Thoracic
Targeted thoracic ultrasound evaluating pleural effusion, lung changes, and masses, ideal for unstable or dyspneic patients.
Echocardiogram
Detailed cardiac imaging assessing structure, chamber size, function, and mitral valve disease staging for informed treatment.
Reproductive
Focused urogenital imaging assessing pregnancy, pyometra, prostatic changes, urinary tract issues, and suspected bladder stones.
Abdominal
Comprehensive abdominal imaging assessing organs, effusion, masses, inflammation, and gastrointestinal changes.
Thoracic
Targeted thoracic ultrasound evaluating pleural effusion, lung changes, and masses, ideal for unstable or dyspneic patients.
Echocardiogram
Detailed cardiac imaging assessing structure, chamber size, function, and mitral valve disease staging for informed treatment.
Reproductive
Focused urogenital imaging assessing pregnancy, pyometra, prostatic changes, urinary tract issues, and suspected bladder stones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We’re here to support you. Below are answers to common queries about our veterinary ultrasound services.
When should I recommend an abdominal ultrasound for a patient?
Abdominal ultrasound is useful for investigating symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, abdominal pain, elevated liver or kidney values, and suspected foreign bodies. It provides detailed organ assessment to support clinical decision-making for SA vets.
What can an abdominal ultrasound diagnose that radiographs cannot?
Ultrasound evaluates organ architecture, wall layering, focal lesions, effusion and subtle structural changes that may not be visible on radiographs. It is ideal for identifying soft tissue abnormalities and early disease patterns.
Can foreign bodies be reliably identified with abdominal ultrasound?
Yes, in experienced hands. Ultrasound can identify the surface of most foreign materials and secondary signs such as bowel dilation or mesenteric inflammation. Repeat imaging may be advised if stomach contents are unclear.
Is sedation required for abdominal ultrasound?
Many patients tolerate the procedure without sedation. Mild sedation may be recommended for anxious, painful or tense patients to improve image quality and reduce stress. Sedation choices are tailored to each case.
Can FNA be performed during an abdominal ultrasound?
Ultrasound-guided FNA can be performed for accessible solid organs or lymph nodes when appropriate. Cavitary masses are avoided due to the risk of bleeding, and biopsy may be recommended if tissue architecture is required for a definitive diagnosis.
How quickly can I expect to receive results from abdominal imaging?
We provide same-day verbal findings and a detailed written report within 24 to 48 hours, supporting efficient treatment planning for clinics across Adelaide and regional SA.
Where does SA Veterinary Sonography provide services?
We are based in Adelaide and offer mobile ultrasound services across the Adelaide metropolitan area and other parts of South Australia. As a mobile service, we travel to your clinic, making high-quality imaging accessible to veterinary practices in various regions of SA.