What is Abdominal Ultrasound?

Abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time, 2D moving images of internal abdominal organs.

It allows evaluation of organ structure, size, echotexture, and vascular blood flow. It provides excellent soft tissue detail and facilitates guided sampling for cytology, histology or fluid analysis.

A hand holding a pen pointing at an ultrasound

Abdominal Ultrasound Indications

UNEXPLAINED CLINICAL SIGNS

Investigation of patients presenting with clinical signs such as chronic vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss or abdominal pain

ABNORMAL LABORATORY FINDINGS

Localising causes of abnormal laboratory findings, such as elevated liver enzymes, azotemia, or inflammatory leukograms

ORGANOMEGALY, EFFUSION OR MASSES

Defining the origin, size, and architecture of palpable abdominal abnormalities

GUIDED DIAGNOSTICS

Providing real-time visualization for safe fine-needle aspirates (FNA), tissue biopsy or abdominocentesis.

How Our Abdominal Ultrasound Service Works

1. PATIENT REFERRAL

The primary care vet sends a referral request to PAUS and an appointment is made for the client.

Cases can be booked via phone, email, or online referral.

2. ADMISSION AND
EXAMINATION

Patients are admitted, an intravenous catheter is placed, the patient is sedated if required and hair is clipped from their abdomen.

The ultrasound examination is then performed.

3. READING AND
REPORTING
The patient is recovered and returned to their owner.

Images are documented, findings are analysed and a report is written.

PAUS then relays the results to primary vet.

Why Refer To PAUS?

FOCUSED IMAGING SERVICE

Our skilled veterinary team is highly experienced in interpreting ultrasound images and providing a dedicated ultrasound service

ADVANCED FACILITIES

We utilise advanced ultrasound equipment, including the GE Vivid IQ and Mindray Vetus 9, at our purpose-built site, for highquality imaging and patient care

QUALITY REPORTING

We offer timely, concise reporting with practical recommendations to support clinical decision-making

FLEXIBLE BOOKING

Our referrals are easily scheduled for your patients using text, phone, or email