When Does Your Pet Need an Ultrasound? How Imaging Helps Diagnose Illness

Quick Answer: A pet may need an ultrasound if they have vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, breathing changes, unexplained weight loss, a lump, pregnancy concerns, or abnormal blood test results. Ultrasound helps us look inside the body safely and in real time, so we can better understand what is causing illness and plan the right treatment.

Introduction

Many pet owners in Richmond, East Sheen, Twickenham and across South West London ask us when an ultrasound is actually needed. In simple terms, an ultrasound is a scan that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of your pet’s body. It is commonly used to examine the abdomen, bladder, liver, kidneys, heart and other soft tissues.

At The Vet on Richmond Hill, we regularly use ultrasound as part of a wider diagnostic approach alongside X-rays, blood and urine tests and, where needed, veterinary cardiology. Our experienced veterinary team supports pets across Richmond and South West London with practical, personalised care, and imaging often helps us reach answers more quickly and clearly.

If your pet has developed new symptoms or simply does not seem quite right, it is always sensible to book an appointment so we can advise whether an ultrasound may be helpful.

Main Content

What is an ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test. A small handheld probe is moved over the skin, usually after the fur has been clipped in the area being examined. The scan shows moving images in real time, which makes it especially useful for assessing soft tissues and fluid-filled structures.

Unlike X-rays, ultrasound does not use radiation. It is particularly helpful for looking at organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, intestines, bladder and womb, and it can also be used to check the heart in more detail.

Common reasons a pet may need an ultrasound

Our veterinary team often advises ultrasound when symptoms suggest a problem inside the chest or abdomen that cannot be fully assessed from an examination alone.

• Ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea
• Unexplained weight loss
• Reduced appetite
• Abdominal swelling or discomfort
• Difficulty passing urine or blood in the urine
• Abnormal blood test results
• Suspected pancreatitis, liver disease or kidney disease
• A heart murmur or signs of heart disease
• Pregnancy assessment
• Checking a lump or internal mass
• Investigating fluid in the abdomen or chest

In our experience supporting pets across Richmond and South West London, ultrasound is often most useful when symptoms are vague. A pet may seem quieter than usual, not be eating properly, or have blood results that point to a problem but do not yet tell the full story.

What can an ultrasound show?

An ultrasound can help us assess:

• The size, shape and texture of internal organs
• Whether there is fluid, inflammation or bleeding
• Bladder stones or bladder wall changes
• Changes in the intestines that may suggest inflammation or blockage
• Masses, cysts or enlarged organs
• Pregnancy and foetal development
• Heart structure and function in selected cases

Many local pet owners are surprised to learn that ultrasound is not just for pregnancy. In dogs, cats, rabbits and small pets, it can be an important tool for investigating both sudden illness and longer-term health concerns.

Ultrasound vs X-rays: what is the difference?

Both scans can be useful, but they show different things. X-rays are often better for bones, joints, swallowed objects, some chest conditions and overall organ size. Ultrasound is usually better for soft tissues and real-time movement.

At The Vet on Richmond Hill we commonly see pets who benefit from both types of imaging. For example, a dog with vomiting may have X-rays to look for a blockage and an ultrasound scan to assess the stomach and intestines more closely.

Will my pet need sedation?

Often, no. Many pets tolerate ultrasound very well while lying comfortably on a padded table. The area being scanned is usually clipped, and gel is applied to help create clear images.

Some pets do need gentle sedation if they are very anxious, painful or unable to stay still. If that is likely, we will explain why and talk you through the plan beforehand. Our local veterinary team always aims to keep the process as calm and low-stress as possible.

Can ultrasound help guide treatment?

Yes. Ultrasound does not just help with diagnosis; it can also guide next steps. Depending on what we find, we may recommend monitoring, further testing, hospital care or treatment.

For example, if a scan suggests your pet has a surgical problem, we may discuss options through our advanced surgery and medicine services, including soft tissue surgery where appropriate. If close observation is needed, we can also advise on hospitalisation and monitoring.

If your pet is already due a routine visit, it is also worth keeping up with regular health checks, as these can help us spot subtle concerns before they become more serious.

What We Commonly See at The Vet on Richmond Hill

One of the most common concerns we hear from local pet owners is, “Do they really need a scan, or should we just wait a few days?” Sometimes watchful waiting is reasonable, but in other cases an ultrasound helps avoid delays and gives a much clearer picture of what is happening internally.

We regularly help owners who are worried because their pet’s symptoms seem mild but persistent. A cat may be eating less and losing weight slowly. A dog may have repeated stomach upsets that keep returning. A rabbit may seem quieter and less comfortable than usual. In these situations, imaging can be very valuable.

A common misunderstanding is that ultrasound is only useful for obvious emergencies. In reality, it is often most helpful for those less clear-cut cases where examination findings, history and test results need to be pieced together carefully.

At The Vet on Richmond Hill we regularly help pets from Richmond Hill, Kew, Barnes, Mortlake and nearby parts of South West London where owners want practical answers and a sensible plan. We commonly see ultrasounds used to investigate bladder problems, tummy upsets, suspected internal masses, and age-related changes in older pets.

Practical Advice

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming a pet is fine because symptoms come and go
• Delaying a check because your pet is still eating a little
• Thinking imaging is only needed for severe emergencies
• Forgetting that changes in thirst, urination or weight can point to internal illness

How to prepare for an ultrasound appointment

We will let you know if your pet needs any preparation. In some cases, we may ask you not to feed your pet for a few hours before the scan. For urinary or abdominal scans, timing can matter, so it is best to follow the guidance given by our team when you arrange an appointment.

Bringing a fresh urine sample can also be useful in some cases, particularly if your pet has urinary signs and may need blood or urine testing alongside imaging.

Prevention still matters

Not every illness can be prevented, but routine care does make a difference. Regular preventative healthcare, parasite control, and check-ups can help us identify problems earlier. Keeping up with vaccinations and flea, tick and worm prevention is also an important part of lifelong care.

Many local pet owners in Richmond ask us about spreading the cost of routine care, and our team can talk you through suitable options including our VIP plans if helpful.

When To Contact A Vet

You should contact a vet if your pet has ongoing vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, difficulty urinating, unexplained weight loss, weakness, reduced appetite, or a change in breathing.

Urgent assessment is especially important if symptoms are severe, sudden, or getting worse. If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure, has eaten something toxic, or is in severe pain, contact a vet immediately. If you need urgent help, please use our 24-hour emergency vetcare service.

Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps pet owners across Richmond and South West London decide when imaging is appropriate. If you are unsure, speaking to a veterinary professional early is always the best step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an ultrasound hurt my pet?

No, the scan itself is not painful. Some pets may dislike being held still or having fur clipped, but the procedure is generally very well tolerated.

How long does a pet ultrasound take?

It depends on what we are investigating, but many scans are completed within a routine appointment time or shortly after admission for diagnostics.

Can rabbits and small pets have ultrasounds too?

Yes. Ultrasound can be helpful for rabbits and some small pets, depending on the problem we are assessing.

Will my pet get results straight away?

Often, we can discuss initial findings with you on the day. In some cases, we may recommend additional tests before giving a full picture.

How do I know if my pet needs an ultrasound or another test?

The right test depends on your pet’s symptoms, age, examination findings and medical history. Our veterinary team will advise whether ultrasound, X-rays, lab tests or another approach is most useful.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general guidance only. If your pet is unwell, showing concerning symptoms, or you are unsure what to do, please contact your vet for professional advice.

Need Advice About Your Pet’s Symptoms?

If your dog, cat, rabbit or small pet is showing signs of illness and you would like reassurance from a trusted local veterinary team, we are here to help. You can book an appointment online, register your pet with The Vet on Richmond Hill, or find and contact our Richmond Hill practice. We are proud to support local pet owners across Richmond, Twickenham and South West London with thoughtful, practical veterinary care.