Ultrasound uses sound waves to detect differences in tissue density. The adaptation of Ultrasound techniques to equine science has revolutionized the veterinarians ability to diagnose and treat soft tissue injuries. With the use of Ultrasound, it is possible to see inside the soft tissues.
Ultrasound Allows Veterinarians to Image a Large Number of Soft Tissue Structures in the Horse
In an ultrasound, the veterinarian holds a transducer against the horse’s body. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves. The veterinarian slowly moves the transducer over the area being examined. The sound waves bounce off internal tissues and organs. Tissues of different densities reflect sound waves differently. The transducer separates and identifies the sound waves, ‘echoes’. The echoes are then converted into electrical energy. Complex equipment uses them to produce video images called sonograms on a computer monitor. Sonograms can be recorded and transmitted.
Common Uses of Ultrasound
- Visualize kidneys and capable of ultrasound guided biopsy
- Lungs for pneumonia diagnosis and treatment
- GI for colics – small intestinal distension, large colon wall thickness, peritoneal fluid, diagnosis of abcesses and tumors
- Foals – GI disease, umbilical structures (diagnose umbilical infections), ruptured bladder
- Liver – ultrasound guided biopsy
- Assist with lameness diagnosis, including the extent of tendon and ligament damage
- Eyes
- Monitor the mare’s reproductive tract and optimize the time for breeding
- The genital tract in stallions
- Early detection of pregnancy
- Early detection of problem pregnancies, including fetal abnormalities
- Cardiovascular
- Ultrasound can be used to image the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, spleen, and intestines, even during colic episodes.
An ultrasound of a mare’s reproductive organs can show an embryo at just 12 to 14 days. In contrast, rectal palpation usually cannot detect pregnancy until 30 to 35 days. By day 25, ultrasound can reveal a heartbeat to verify the presence of a viable fetus.