Diagnosis Made Simple with Ultrasound

The Role of Ultrasound in Veterinary Diagnosis

The superior imaging quality, user-friendly workflow and portability of our extensive range of ultrasound systems makes them an essential diagnostic tool for the modern vet clinic.

Sonography as a Dynamic Diagnostic Tool

Sonography is a complimentary, multi-dimensional and dynamic imaging mode accessible to primary and referral practice. The detail provided makes it ideal for internal medicine investigations or to determine if surgical intervention is required.

Case Overview: Vomiting Patient With Inconclusive Radiographs

A great example of this is differentiating mechanical from functional ileus in the vomiting patient such as a case seen recently by Dr Jennifer Judd of SA Veterinary Sonology.

Ultrasound Findings and Diagnosis

A 2yr old vomiting Labrador underwent survey abdominal radiography that was inconclusive with no obvious evidence of intestinal obstructive disease. Using her Mindray ultrasound, Dr Jen found several sonographic signs pathognomonic for mechanical ileus secondary to an obstruction with a linear foreign body.

She found a fluid filled loop of small intestine with intraluminal dilation and serosa to serosa diameter of 2.82cm where > 1.5cm is suggestive of mechanical ileus due to obstruction distally (Sharma et al. 2011). Plicated loops of intestine were also observed distally with a foreign body identified sonographically (pictured) as the hyperechoic intraluminal lesion inside bunched intestines (above the lesion) with distal acoustic shadowing (below the lesion). 

Surgical Outcome and Patient Recovery

An exploratory laparotomy was performed based on these findings & a linear foreign body was successfully removed with the patient recovering uneventfully.

Enabling Accurate Diagnosis With High-Quality Ultrasound

This case highlights the critical role high-quality ultrasound plays in day-to-day clinical decision-making. Clear image resolution, intuitive workflow and reliable measurements enabled rapid differentiation between functional and mechanical ileus, directly informing surgical intervention and improving patient outcomes.

Supporting Better Clinical Outcomes With BCF Ultrasound

At BCF Ultrasound, we supply and support a range of advanced veterinary ultrasound systems designed to integrate seamlessly into busy clinical workflows. From image clarity and diagnostic confidence to portability and ease of use, quality ultrasound empowers veterinarians to make accurate, timely decisions—ultimately supporting better workflows, better diagnoses, and better patient care.