Preparing for Your Cat's Ultrasound

What is an Ultrasound for Cats?

Cats can be susceptible to various internal illnesses and conditions, such as tumors, cysts, or the ingestion of foreign objects.

Ultrasounds are a diagnostic imaging technique that uses sound waves to create real-time images of the internal organs of your cat's body. 

Veterinary ultrasounds are quick and non-invasive tests that can be used to diagnose and monitor a variety of internal health problems. They are also useful for monitoring your pet's pregnancy.

Are there different kinds of feline ultrasound scans?

Your vet may perform these two types of ultrasounds:

Emergency Ultrasound

If your cat is distressed, the ultrasound will usually focus on the abdomen and chest to determine whether it is suffering from a serious internal hemorrhage (bleeding) or pneumothorax (a condition in which gas or air collects in the space surrounding the lungs). This will help us quickly diagnose the problem, and then we can devise an effective treatment plan.

Echocardiogram

Cardiac ultrasounds, also known as thorough scans, examine the heart and its surrounding structures, including the pericardial sac. These scans help determine whether the heart is beating normally or if there are any irregularities. While echocardiograms are usually painless, they require multiple measurements and calculations. 

If your cat has recently been diagnosed with a heart murmur or is displaying signs of heart disease, they may be referred to a specialist for an echocardiogram. 

In cases where an organ displays abnormalities, an ultrasound-guided biopsy may be performed to obtain a tissue sample for further examination under a microscope. This biopsy often aids in making a diagnosis.

What conditions are ultrasound scans used to investigate?

Your vet may recommend that your feline friend have an ultrasound to help identify a blockage, tumor, or other medical problem your pet may have. Ultrasound scans provide detailed insight into the cause of your cat's symptoms. Understanding the root cause of your cat's issue allows us to offer the most effective treatment possible.

Cat ultrasounds can be beneficial in the diagnosis and treatment of many internal health problems. Some of the ways that ultrasound can be used include:

Verifying Heart Problems

If your cat has been diagnosed with a heart condition, your veterinarian may recommend a specialist for a heart ultrasound or echocardiogram. These tests can help assess the health and function of your pet's heart and look for anomalies.

Investigating the Cause of Abnormal Blood or Urinalysis Results

Your veterinarian may suggest an ultrasound if your cat's blood or urine tests show any abnormalities. An ultrasound can help your vet get a better picture of your pet's internal organs, such as the bladder, kidneys, lymph nodes, and more, which can assist in determining the underlying cause of the problem.

Spotting Soft Tissue Injuries & Disease

Thanks to vet ultrasound imaging technology, almost all kinds of soft tissue can be examined in detail. Some of the most common areas examined using ultrasound include:

• Eyes
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Fetal viability and development
• Thyroid glands

If abnormal tissue is spotted during an ultrasound, the vet may also use the ultrasound to help collect tissue samples from the affected area.

Guiding Precise Tissue Collection & Biopsies

Samples are typically collected using these methods:

• Tru-Cut biopsies
• Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration

If your vet will be performing an ultrasound-assisted tissue collection, your cat will likely be sedated. Veterinarians can often perform biopsies in a less invasive manner with ultrasounds than with standard surgeries.

Determining Health of Pregnancy

Kitten ultrasounds can be performed if your cat is pregnant and it is beneficial to know how many kittens she is carrying. Ultrasounds can also be performed if there are concerns about your cat's pregnancy, or if she may require a scheduled C-section.

How should I prepare for my cat's ultrasound?

Different ultrasounds performed on your cat's body may require specific preparations. Consult your vet for specific guidelines on how to prepare your pet for the ultrasound.

For instance, certain ultrasounds, such as abdominal ultrasounds, may require you to deprive your pet of food and water for 8 to 12 hours before the procedure. This allows for a more thorough examination of the abdominal region. It is best not to let your cat urinate for 3 to 6 hours before the procedure so that the bladder can be adequately assessed.

The area being examined will typically be shaved to ensure clear images can be obtained. Many cats find the ultrasound process relaxing and remain still and cooperative during the scan. That said, more anxious kitties may require sedation to help them stay calm.

If biopsies are needed after the ultrasound, your cat will require a stronger sedative or anesthesia to help them relax and prevent complications. Your vet will inform you if this is necessary.

When will I get the results from my cat's ultrasound?

Your veterinarians can perform an ultrasound in real-time, meaning they will receive the results immediately. Sometimes, the images obtained through ultrasound may need to be sent to a veterinary radiologist for examination, and in such cases, you may have to wait a few days before a final decision is made.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.