Importance Of Ultra Sound For Your Cat

If your cat has undergone an ultrasound procedure at The Cat Vet, it’s likely that you’ve met our very own ultrasound specialist, Dr. Monica Mora. Today, we have the opportunity to interview Dr. Monica to become better informed about feline ultrasounds and how the procedure could be beneficial for our cats.

Q: Good Morning Dr. Monica. Many of our readers may not be familiar with feline ultrasounds. Will you please provide us with a bit of general information regarding the procedure?

A: Good morning. Of course. Feline veterinary medicine often relies on diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans and ultrasounds. In some cases, an ultrasound is the only way for veterinarians to diagnose certain conditions in cats. The procedure is a non-invasive imaging technique that does not involve radiation and is considered safe, not much different from the ultrasound procedure that humans experience!

Q: What can an ultrasound detect?

A: An ultrasound procedure allows for an accurate view of the internal organs, such as the kidneys, liver and bladder; with the ultrasound, we can detect abnormalities such as infections, tumours, congenital defects, etc. Thanks to special cardiac probes, we can assess a heart condition by measuring the heart walls, its contractility, the motion of the valves, etc. Echocardiography and ultrasounds in general allow us not only to make a proper diagnosis but also to monitor the progression of a certain disease without being invasive.

Q: How do clients know whether or not their cat may need an ultrasound?

A: This can be decided by a vet during a health checkup. In many cases there may be an underlying cause for a cat’s poor health or odd behaviour. In such circumstances, the vet may suggest an ultrasound to facilitate a diagnosis. Of course, not everything can be detected through an ultrasound, but the vet will at least be able to eliminate some conditions or diseases.

Q: If the vet were to recommend an ultrasound, what can owners expect during that day for their cat? Are any particular preparations necessary in advance?

A: Yes, in many cases, the vet will advise owners to fast their cats approximately 8-9 hours before an ultrasound. This is because they may need a mild sedation, but also to be able to better visualise abdominal organs. The hair of the interested area will also be shaved, as the probe needs to be in direct contact with the skin.

Q: How much time would be needed for the whole procedure?

A: On average, approximately 20 to 30 minutes is needed for an ultrasound, but of course, this may differ for each cat and each case, and also depending on whether the cat is sedated, and if not, how cooperative the cat is.

Q: Thank you very much for the information. I am sure our readers have gotten more insight into ultrasounds. Lastly, we would like to ask you how you became particularly interested in ultrasounds?

A: I always had a special interest in cardiology, which was the reason why I studied for the certificate. I particularly like ultrasound imaging of the heart, abdomen, and other parts because it is a non-invasive way to get useful information and find out the right diagnosis.

If you believe your cat may benefit from an ultrasound or want to receive more information on the procedure, please give us a call at 800 CATVET.