Abdominal ultrasound explained
Ultrasound reads texture and structure: organ interiors, fluid, pregnancy, bladder walls and stones. It complements X-rays rather than replacing them. No radiation, usually no sedation (clipping required).
🧾 Before the test
- ✓Fast 8-12 hours for abdominal scans (less gas)
- ✓Keep the bladder comfortably full (don't empty early)
- ✓The scan area will be clipped
📊 Reading the key values
| Search | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| Liver | Abnormal echo suggests hepatitis, lipidosis or tumors | Normal |
| Kidneys | Cysts (PKD), structural changes, stones | Normal |
| Bladder | Stones, tumors, wall thickening | Normal |
| Uterus / ovaries | Pyometra, pregnancy | Normal |
| Free abdominal fluid | Bleeding or effusion (FIP / cardiac / tumor) — find the cause | No fluid |
💡 How to read it Ultrasound is the workhorse of breed screening: feline PKD and breed cardiac/abdominal programs rely on it. Quality depends heavily on operator experience — complex cases go to imaging specialists.
🤖 AI report interpretation
Type the values from your report below (e.g. “ALT 250, BUN 40”) and the AI will interpret them against each test’s reference meanings.
FAQ
Ultrasound or X-ray first?
Depends on suspicion: bones and foreign-body patterns start with X-ray; organ interiors, pregnancy and fluid start with ultrasound. They're usually complementary.
Will the clipped fur grow back?
Yes, typically in 2-6 weeks. The probe needs direct skin contact — clipping is unavoidable.