The use of abdominal ultrasound in small animal gastrointestinal medicine

Abdominal ultrasound is increasingly available in the veterinary sector in both primary care and specialist practice. This has led to its employment in gastrointestinal (GI) medicine. GI disorders, ie vomiting and diarrhoea, both acute and chronic disease form a large part of the primary care and specialist veterinary case load. When applied appropriately, abdominal ultrasound can lead to improved patient outcomes and more efficient clinical practice. Small animal medicine involves both canine and feline practice. Although ultrasound is utilised in other small mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and non-mammalian species its development is in its infancy. In the majority of veterinary patients some form of sedation is used to allow a thorough and comfortable examination. Patients are starved for up to 12 hours prior to scanning and abdominal hair coat is clipped.

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