Abdominal organs
Ultrasound can help assess the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, prostate, gastrointestinal tract and other abdominal structures.
Veterinary Ultrasound Adelaide
Veterinary Ultrasound Services in Adelaide
Referral-level ultrasound services for dogs and cats, provided in collaboration with your regular veterinarian.
SAVMR provides abdominal, urinary tract and focused ultrasound assessments to help investigate internal disease, guide diagnostic planning and support practical treatment decisions.
Diagnostic imaging
What veterinary ultrasound can help assess
Ultrasound allows internal structures to be examined without surgery. It can help your veterinarian investigate changes that may not be clear from physical examination or blood testing alone.
Urinary tract concerns
Urinary tract ultrasound can help investigate bladder changes, kidney abnormalities, prostate concerns and selected causes of urinary signs.
Gastrointestinal signs
Ultrasound may be recommended for ongoing vomiting, diarrhoea, appetite changes, weight loss or abdominal discomfort.
Unexplained illness
For pets with abnormal blood results or unclear clinical signs, ultrasound can provide more information about internal organs and disease patterns.
Abdominal ultrasound
Abdominal ultrasound for dogs and cats
Abdominal ultrasound is commonly used when a pet has signs that may involve the digestive system, liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, pancreas or other internal organs.
The aim is to give the referring veterinarian clearer information about what may be causing the problem and what should happen next. This may include further testing, medical treatment, monitoring or referral planning.
Ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea
Unexplained weight loss
Abdominal pain or swelling
Abnormal liver or kidney blood results
Suspected masses, fluid or organ changes
Poor appetite or persistent lethargy
Book or refer an ultrasound appointment
Urinary tract ultrasound
Urinary tract ultrasound
Urinary tract ultrasound can help assess the kidneys, bladder, prostate and related structures. It may be useful when a pet has urinary signs, abnormal urine results, blood in the urine or changes seen on other tests.
Kidneys
Ultrasound can help assess kidney size, structure and selected changes that may relate to urinary or systemic disease.
Bladder
Ultrasound can help investigate bladder wall changes, sediment, stones, masses or other abnormalities.
Prostate
In male dogs, ultrasound may be used to assess prostate size and structure when prostate disease is suspected.
When ultrasound may help
When your vet may recommend an ultrasound
Your regular vet may recommend ultrasound when a more detailed internal assessment is needed. The reason for the scan depends on your pet’s signs, test results and clinical history.
Persistent digestive signs
Vomiting, diarrhoea, poor appetite or weight loss that has not resolved with initial care.
Abnormal blood or urine results
Changes in liver, kidney, pancreatic or urinary markers that need further investigation.
Suspected internal disease
Concerns about organ changes, masses, fluid, inflammation or structural abnormalities.
Treatment planning
Ultrasound can help guide the next step, such as monitoring, medication, further testing or referral care.
Appointment process
What happens during the ultrasound appointment
The appointment process depends on the type of ultrasound required and the information provided by the referring veterinarian. SAVMR reviews the clinical details and performs the ultrasound with the goal of giving useful findings and clear recommendations.
Clinical details are reviewed
The referring vet provides relevant history, examination findings and test results so the ultrasound can be planned properly.
Your pet is assessed
The SAVMR team performs the ultrasound assessment. Some pets may need clipping of fur over the area being scanned.
Findings are interpreted
The ultrasound findings are considered alongside your pet’s broader clinical picture.
Results go back to your vet
Findings and recommendations are shared with the regular veterinarian to help guide ongoing care.
Will my pet need sedation?
Some pets can be scanned without sedation, while others may need light sedation for comfort, safety or image quality. The team will advise what is suitable for your pet.
For referring vets
Information for referring veterinarians
SAVMR supports general practice veterinarians with referral-level ultrasound assessment and practical case guidance. The service is designed to extend the diagnostic options available through the regular clinic.
Helpful information to provide with a referral
Relevant clinical history
Current medications
Physical examination findings
Recent blood and urine results
Previous imaging reports
Main clinical question
Preferred contact details
Related services
Related referral services
Ultrasound is often part of a broader diagnostic plan. SAVMR also provides related referral services for cardiac, medical and endoscopic cases.
Veterinary Cardiology
Echocardiography and cardiac assessment for pets with murmurs or suspected heart disease.
View veterinary cardiologyVeterinary Endoscopy
Gastroscopy, bronchoscopy and selected endoscopic procedures where clinically appropriate.
View veterinary endoscopyInternal Medicine
Referral support for complex medical conditions, chronic illness and diagnostic planning.
View internal medicineQuestions
Veterinary ultrasound FAQs
SAVMR works closely with general practice veterinarians. In most cases, your regular vet will recommend ultrasound and provide the clinical information needed for referral care.
Ultrasound can help assess internal organs and structures, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, prostate and gastrointestinal tract. The findings are interpreted with your pet’s history and other test results.
Ultrasound is not usually painful. Some pets may feel mild pressure from the ultrasound probe, and some may need light sedation if they are anxious, painful or unable to stay still.
Yes. SAVMR provides findings and recommendations to the referring veterinarian so they can guide your pet’s ongoing care.
No. Ultrasound provides useful internal imaging, but some conditions may need blood testing, urine testing, sampling, repeat imaging or other diagnostics. Your vet will discuss the next step based on the findings.
Next step
Need to arrange a veterinary ultrasound?
Submit a booking or referral request and the SAVMR team will help guide the next step for your patient or pet.
For urgent appointment enquiries, please contact the team directly by phone.