A veterinary abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging tool that helps our doctors evaluate soft tissue structures inside your pet’s abdomen. Unlike some diagnostic tests that only show a general outline of internal structures, ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images of organs and surrounding tissues.

At Parkside Pet Hospital, we may recommend diagnostic ultrasound when an exam, symptoms, blood work, or X-rays suggest that we need a closer look inside your dog or cat’s abdomen. This technology can help reduce guesswork, support earlier answers, and create a clearer plan for your pet’s care.

Vomiting, stomach pain, and abdominal discomfort can happen for many reasons. Some pets have a mild digestive upset, while others may have inflammation, organ changes, urinary concerns, a possible foreign object, or a more serious internal condition.

Your pet may benefit from an abdominal scan if symptoms are ongoing, severe, recurring, or paired with other changes, such as:

• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Abdominal swelling
• Lethargy
• Urinary changes
• Pain when picked up or touched
• Suspected toxin or foreign material ingestion

Our team begins with a thoughtful exam and clear conversation about what you are seeing at home. From there, we can determine whether pet ultrasound imaging, blood work, X-rays, or another diagnostic step makes the most sense.

A veterinary ultrasound can help evaluate the size, shape, texture, and structure of abdominal organs. It may also help identify concerns that are harder to assess through an external exam alone.

Depending on your pet’s symptoms, ultrasound may help our team evaluate:

• Organ changes
• Abnormal fluid
• Masses or unusual tissue patterns
• Bladder stones or urinary concerns
• Pregnancy
• Inflammation
• Digestive tract abnormalities
• Possible foreign material
• Changes in the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, pancreas, stomach, intestines, or reproductive organs

Ultrasound is often one piece of a larger diagnostic picture. We may recommend lab work, radiographs, sample collection, or follow-up care based on what we find and how your pet is feeling.

Yes, an ultrasound exam can help veterinarians look for abnormal masses, changes in organ appearance, fluid buildup, and structural concerns. While ultrasound does not always provide a final diagnosis by itself, it can give our doctors valuable information about what may be happening inside your pet’s abdomen.

For example, ultrasound may help us see whether an organ looks enlarged, whether tissue appears irregular, or whether a mass needs additional testing. In some cases, the next step may include blood work, X-rays, sample collection, monitoring, medication, or referral for advanced care.

Our goal is to explain what we see in clear language so you understand your pet’s condition and the options available.

Yes, animal ultrasounds can be especially helpful when we need to evaluate soft tissue organs and abdominal structures. It allows our team to look beyond surface symptoms and gather more detailed information about possible internal concerns.

Kidney Concerns

A canine ultrasound or feline ultrasound may help evaluate kidney size, shape, structure, cysts, stones, or other visible changes. If your pet has abnormal kidney values, increased thirst, changes in urination, or unexplained illness, ultrasound may be recommended along with lab testing.

Liver Concerns

Ultrasound may help assess liver size, texture, masses, bile-related concerns, or other structural changes. This can be useful when a pet has abnormal liver enzymes, appetite changes, vomiting, weight loss, or signs that suggest an internal issue.

Bladder and Urinary Concerns

For pets with urinary symptoms, diagnostic imaging may help evaluate the bladder for stones, sediment, wall thickening, masses, or inflammation. This can be especially useful when paired with a urinalysis or blood work.

Digestive Concerns

Ultrasound may help evaluate portions of the stomach, intestines, pancreas, lymph nodes, and surrounding abdominal structures. If your pet has recurring vomiting, diarrhea, appetite changes, abdominal discomfort, or weight loss, this type of imaging may help guide the next step.

Yes, a vet ultrasound can help confirm pregnancy in dogs and cats during the appropriate stage. Timing matters, so our team can help you determine when imaging is most likely to provide helpful information.

A pregnancy ultrasound may help confirm fetal presence and general pregnancy status. However, abdominal imaging has many medical uses beyond pregnancy. We may also recommend ultrasound for pets with vomiting, abdominal pain, suspected organ concerns, urinary issues, or unexplained changes in health.

Ultrasound and X-rays are both valuable diagnostic tools, but they show different types of information.

X-rays are often helpful for evaluating bones, certain foreign objects, gas patterns, body size changes, and some internal structures. Ultrasound is better suited for soft tissue detail and real-time views of abdominal organs.

In many cases, these tools work together. A veterinarian may recommend X-rays first, ultrasound first, or both depending on your pet’s symptoms and exam findings. Parkside Pet Hospital offers modern diagnostics, including digital radiography and ultrasound veterinary imaging, so we can choose the right tool for your pet’s needs.

A pet abdominal ultrasound may allow our veterinary team to evaluate several internal organs and structures, including:

• Liver
• Gallbladder
• Spleen
• Kidneys
• Bladder
• Stomach
• Intestines
• Pancreas
• Lymph nodes
• Reproductive organs
• Portions of the abdominal cavity

The exact structures we can evaluate depend on your pet’s size, body condition, comfort level, symptoms, and the reason for the exam. Our doctors will explain what we are looking for and how the findings may affect the treatment plan.

Your pet’s visit usually begins with a physical exam and a conversation about symptoms, medical history, appetite, bathroom habits, medications, and any recent changes you have noticed. If ultrasound is recommended, our team will walk you through what to expect before we begin.

For many pets, the process is well tolerated. A small area of fur may need to be clipped so the ultrasound probe can make better contact with the skin. A water-based gel is applied to help capture clearer images. Some pets may need gentle restraint or calming support depending on their comfort level, symptoms, and temperament.

Our practice is designed around comfort and communication. We take time to explain what we are doing, reduce unnecessary stress when possible, and help pet parents feel informed rather than rushed.

The timing for results can vary depending on your pet’s case, the findings, and whether additional testing or review is needed. In some situations, our veterinarian may be able to discuss initial findings during or shortly after the appointment. In other cases, we may recommend lab work, comparison imaging, specialist review, or follow-up testing before making a complete care plan.

Parkside Pet Hospital also offers in-house CBC and chemistry testing with same-day results when appropriate. This can help our doctors connect imaging findings with lab values and make more informed recommendations for your pet.

The cost of a pet ultrasound can vary depending on your dog or cat’s needs. Pricing may be affected by the type of imaging needed, the complexity of the symptoms, whether additional diagnostics are recommended, and whether calming support or follow-up testing is needed.

Factors that may influence cost include:

• Pet size and temperament
• Type of ultrasound being performed
• Severity or complexity of symptoms
• Whether blood work or X-rays are needed
• Whether additional testing is recommended
• Whether follow-up care is required

Because every pet’s situation is different, we recommend contacting Parkside Pet Hospital for guidance based on your pet’s symptoms and recommended diagnostic plan. Our team values clear communication and will help you understand the next steps before moving forward.

When your pet needs answers, you deserve a veterinary team that combines modern medicine with personal care. Parkside Pet Hospital offers diagnostic imaging for dogs and cats in a setting built around comfort, clarity, and trust.

Our practice provides:

• Abdominal ultrasound for dogs and cats
• In-house CBC and chemistry testing
• Digital radiography
• Echocardiography
• Thoughtful exams and clear explanations
• A familiar care team that gets to know you and your pet
• Transparent communication about findings and next steps
• A calm, supportive environment designed to reduce stress

Dr. Rebecca Parker brings strong diagnostic skills in ultrasound and radiography, along with a calm and empathetic approach to care. Dr. José Hernandez is known for his hands-on style, surgical and dental skills, and ability to help pets and owners feel more at ease. Together, our doctors focus on personalized medicine, long-term relationships, and practical answers for pet parents.