Why Should Dogs and Cats Have an Abdominal Ultrasound?

Many pets may appear healthy on the outside while underlying health conditions are developing internally without obvious symptoms. An abdominal ultrasound is an important diagnostic tool that allows veterinarians to evaluate internal organs and detect potential abnormalities at an early stage.

For dogs and cats experiencing symptoms such as reduced appetite, vomiting, weight loss, urinary problems, or for senior pets undergoing routine health screening, abdominal ultrasound can provide valuable information that may not be visible through a physical examination alone.

What Is an Abdominal Ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of internal organs within the abdomen.

Unlike X-rays, which primarily show the size and shape of organs, ultrasound allows veterinarians to evaluate the internal structure, texture, and function of soft tissues in greater detail.

Because it does not use radiation and is generally painless, ultrasound is considered a safe diagnostic procedure for both dogs and cats.

What Conditions Can an Abdominal Ultrasound Help Detect?

An abdominal ultrasound can assist in the diagnosis and evaluation of various medical conditions, including:

• Liver disease and liver abnormalities

• Kidney disease and kidney inflammation

• Bladder stones and urinary tract disorders

• Gallbladder abnormalities and gallstones

• Inflammatory conditions affecting abdominal organs

• Abdominal masses, tumors, or cysts

• Uterine infections (Pyometra)

• Gastrointestinal abnormalities

• Pregnancy diagnosis and fetal assessment

In some cases, ultrasound is also used to monitor disease progression, evaluate treatment response, and guide further diagnostic procedures or treatment plans.

When Should a Pet Have an Abdominal Ultrasound?

Your veterinarian may recommend an abdominal ultrasound if your pet is experiencing:

• Loss of appetite

• Chronic or recurrent vomiting

• Unexplained weight loss

• Abnormal urination

• Abdominal enlargement or bloating

• Lethargy or reduced activity levels

• Abnormal blood test results

• Age-related health concerns requiring advanced screening

Because many abdominal diseases develop gradually and may not show obvious signs in the early stages, ultrasound can play a key role in early detection and preventive healthcare.

Is an Abdominal Ultrasound Painful?

Abdominal ultrasound is generally painless, non-invasive, and well tolerated by most pets.

To obtain clear images, a small area of fur on the abdomen may need to be clipped. Most patients remain awake during the procedure, and sedation is typically not required unless recommended for specific medical reasons.

Abdominal Ultrasound Services at HATO

At HATO, we provide abdominal ultrasound examinations for dogs and cats performed by our experienced veterinary team. Ultrasound imaging helps us evaluate internal organs, investigate clinical symptoms, and detect abnormalities that may not be visible through routine examinations alone.

Early diagnosis often leads to more effective treatment and better long-term outcomes, making ultrasound an important part of comprehensive pet healthcare.

Contact HATO

If you have questions about abdominal ultrasound or would like to learn more about our veterinary services, our team is here to help.

Tel: 02 037 8900

LINE: @hatopetwellness

Facebook: Hato Pet Wellness Center