The Ultimate Guide to Ultrasound for Pets
Dr. Rita Echandi performs an ultrasound on a cat.
Ultrasound for animals? Really?
It comes as a surprise to many people that the same advanced diagnostic imaging used with humans is also used in vet medicine right here in Austin and Round Rock. There’s a lot of advancement in veterinary science happening. It’s exciting! And our furry friends now have more access to advanced medical technology then ever before, like:
MRI machines
CT “cat scanners”
ultrasound/sonography
state-of-the-art PET CT
and even nuclear medicine!
Next to x-ray, ultrasound is the most widely used diagnostic imaging modality in veterinary medicine. And here’s why: ultrasound is relatively inexpensive compared to other advanced imaging tools and provides a lot of information for the price.
Plus, it’s easy to work with. Most vets are comfortable using it for everything - from simple puppy checkups to things more serious like intestinal obstructions. It’s also more available compared to other advanced imaging modalities such as a CT or MRI. Because of this, you can understand why veterinary ultrasound for pets is so widely available in Central Texas now. That being said, SVI has fully-equipped diagnostic imaging centers ready to serve your pet should they require an MRI, a CT, X-ray, and more.
The Different Types of Veterinary Providers in Central Texas
When searching for ultrasound for pets you will come across a few different types of providers:
Outpatient imaging centers
Specialty centers
Small vet offices
Mobile veterinary sonographers
So how do you know what’s best for your pet when location, cost, and quality vary considerably between each provider? It’s truly a task trying to find affordable, trust-worthy, and reputable doctors when there are so many options in our area.
To help you out, there are answers below in the ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ULTRASOUND FOR PETS in Austin, Texas. You’ll learn how each type of provider compares and your best options.
A little note: FAQs are at the bottom of the page if you want quick answers to your questions!
Compare your options for veterinary service providers.
Veterinary Outpatient Imaging Centers
If you or someone you know has ever needed an MRI or a CT scan for something routine like shoulder or knee pain, you may have visited an outpatient imaging center. These facilities are common in human medicine. Imaging centers perform diagnostic imaging services using advanced technology and techniques to get a deeper understanding of one’s nervous system, blood vessels, organs, and soft tissues.
We’re happy to say outpatient ultrasound for dogs is gaining popularity in veterinary medicine, too! Did you know Sage Veterinary Imaging is the only outpatient veterinary imaging center in Central Texas? That makes us experts on the differences between us and other providers.
Pros:
One-stop shop for imaging and diagnosis
No referral needed and very little paperwork
Fast and easy so you save time
Direct access to board-certified radiologists and trained techs so you have confidence in the results and the diagnosis
Operates with state-of-the-art, high-tech imaging equipment so you get the best images available with the most information
Lower total cost compared with visiting a specialty center for ultrasound
Cons:
Patient needs to be stable because there’s no onsite emergency department
Must arrange for post-ultrasound treatment somewhere else, if needed
Veterinary Specialty Centers
Otherwise known as “emergency hospitals”, specialty centers bring together a range of veterinarians with advanced training in particular specialties such as internal medicine, dermatology, surgery, cardiology, and more. It’s a lot like a human hospital, packed into a smaller building.
Pros:
One-stop shop for advanced veterinary medicine of all kinds
If your pet needs advanced treatment or complicated surgery after the ultrasound, you’re already there
In general, images are sent to a radiologist for expert consultation, leading to more accurate diagnosis
Cons:
Generally more expensive compared to your regular vet
Can be a long process to get in for just an ultrasound
Significant paperwork to set up a new patient file
Your vet may not want to refer you because they lose management of your pet’s care
Can lead to unexpected costs for other tests
Small Veterinary Clinics
It’s a good bet that your regular vet will be able to perform an ultrasound for your pet, wherever they are located. In cases where they don’t have an ultrasound machine or the right training, many general practice vets will outsource a mobile ultrasound service that visits a few times a week for scheduled cases.
Pros:
Familiar environment for your pet
May be a slightly lower cost
Cons:
Limited appointment availability for ultrasound
Ultrasound equipment is usually older and less powerful meaning you won’t get the highest-quality images, running a higher risk for misdiagnosis or an issue being missed altogether
General practice vets may not have formal training in ultrasound or reading images
No quick access to radiologists, the experts at reading images. Cases will be sent out to a teleradiology provider where case reports routinely take 24-48 hours to process. With SVI you will get a same-day report.
Mobile Veterinary Sonographers
Mobile sonographers provide a vital service to vet offices and specialty centers that don’t have their own ultrasound machine. Their ultrasound systems are highly portable (think laptop size), which means they can go practically anywhere - including zoos, where they get to do cool stuff like health checks on pregnant tigers!
Pros:
Fills in service gaps for vets and specialty centers
Less expensive equipment results in lower ultrasound prices
Usually sends ultrasound images to a board-certified radiologist
Cons:
They don’t visit your home, only vet offices
May not be operated by a certified vet or radiologist
Because the equipment is portable, it is also less powerful
May not be able to perform ultrasound-guided biopsies, if needed
The Best Ultrasound for Pets in Austin, Texas
Sage Veterinary Imaging has been operating in Texas since 2015, and in 2022 opened a new state-of-the-art imaging center in Utah. We believe that advanced imaging is the foundation of advanced veterinary medicine and the key to exceptional treatment outcomes. We want to help you get answers and an accurate diagnosis that leads to the most effective treatment for your best animal friend.
When you need the latest imaging technology and a board-certified radiologist, look no further. Sage Veterinary Imaging provides same-day appointments and outpatient efficiency. Combined with the highest quality diagnostic images available, you get the best treatment and the right information. Our mission is to deliver world-class outpatient veterinary diagnostic imaging to pets, using cutting-edge MRI, CT, x-ray, and ultrasound technology.
FAQs
Where can I find ultrasound for pets in Austin or Round Rock?
Ultrasound is widely available throughout Central Texas. Exams are available from many different providers, such as small vet offices, specialty centers, and outpatient imaging centers.
Costs and quality can vary considerably between these different locations, so make sure to read the information at the top of this page before you make a decision that is right for your pet’s situation.
What is veterinary ultrasound?
An ultrasound examination, also known as ultrasonography, is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows your vet or specialist to see the inner workings of your pet. Ultrasound works by recording reflections of ultrasonic waves.
The equipment emits a beam of high-frequency sound waves into the area that needs examination. The sound waves may reflect, absorb, or move through the tissues they come in contact with.
The ultrasound waves then return as "echoes" to the probe. The equipment converts these signals into a picture that is shown on the monitor. The end result is a 2D image of your pet’s area of concern.
Why does my pet need an ultrasound?
Because ultrasounds gather more information than X-rays, they are a powerful and useful tool for diagnosing a range of potential health concerns. When a pet has a tumor or ingests something it shouldn’t have, an ultrasound can be helpful to locate and identify what’s going on inside.
Other indications for ultrasound:
bleeding disorders
abdominal pain
pancreatitis
enlarged abdominal organ
stones in the kidney or bladder
portosystemic shunts
needle biopsies
Veterinarians also find ultrasound good for pregnancy diagnosis, evaluation of the internal organs, assessment of heart function, and evaluation of certain eye diseases. Being able to accurately diagnose these conditions can be lifesaving in an emergency situation. This makes ultrasound an invaluable, non-invasive diagnostic tool that helps protect your pet's well-being.
How much does an ultrasound for dogs cost?
Ultrasound prices vary widely, depending on the location you visit, the age and quality of the equipment, and the skill of the operator. Generally speaking, a standard ultrasound (not including biopsies) will range from $350-$700.
For example, a general practice vet in a rural area with an older machine might charge $350, while a board-certified radiologist using the latest technology might charge $500-$700.
Why is an ultrasound for pets so expensive?
Although the initial cost of a scan may seem high, a few things are considered to understand pricing for this special exam:
high cost of ultrasound equipment
specialized training required to interpret the image and make an accurate diagnosis
a significant amount of time and teamwork is involved in carrying out the exam and follow-up consultations
With a wide range of services available, you have your choice of which route will be the best for your budget. Overall, the price will include the operating cost of the equipment, the experts that know how to run it, and the team it takes to make a diagnosis and give you the best care.
Is anesthesia required for an ultrasound for dogs?
Anesthesia is not usually needed for most ultrasound examinations unless biopsies are needed. An ultrasound exam is totally painless and most dogs will lie comfortably while the scan is being performed. Occasionally, if the dog is very nervous or just not having it, a sedative may be administered. This just makes them a little sleepy for a short period of time. Propofol is commonly used in veterinary medicine as a sedative and it is considered very safe.
What are the risks associated with an ultrasound for pets?
Unlike x-rays, which are potentially dangerous at very high doses, ultrasound waves are widely considered safe. If your pet requires anesthesia, sedation, or a biopsy, there may be a low risk involved. These risks can be explained in detail to you by your veterinarian
