What to Expect When Your Dog Needs an Ultrasound

If you suspect your pup has swallowed something he shouldn't (you could have sworn you had two socks, not just one), appears to have bumps or lumps that weren't there before or just seems like he's not his usual self, you may want to pay a visit to your vet — and an ultrasound may be needed.

Read on to find out how an ultrasound can be helpful in diagnosing issues with your pet, what an ultrasound for your dog costs and how the procedure works.

Why Your Dog May Need an Ultrasound

An ultrasound, also called ultrasonography, is a noninvasive way for your veterinarian to see your dog's internal body structures when there is a potential injury, health concern or suspected pregnancy.

Ultrasounds for dogs can be a useful tool in diagnosing a variety of health conditions, including internal blockages, masses (like cysts or tumors), injuries, heart issues and foreign objects. Ultrasounds are used to both confirm and monitor pregnancies in dogs.¹

In summary, a dog ultrasound may be recommended when your veterinarian needs to get a closer look at your dog due to concerns about:¹

• Your dog swallowing a foreign object
• An intestinal blockage
• Swollen lymph nodes
• A mass or tumor
• Heart problems
• Lingering muscle or ligament injury
• Abnormalities in blood work or urine tests (which may indicate kidney or bladder issues)
• Unexplained symptoms like lethargy, vomiting or diarrhea¹

How Much Does a Dog Ultrasound Cost?

If you have pet insurance, your dog's ultrasound may be covered as a diagnostic tool for an injury or illness, but may not be covered for pregnancy or other conditions, so be sure to ask your carrier about your specific coverages. That being said, the average cost of an ultrasound for dogs ranges between $300 and $600.²

Different types of ultrasounds or more complex imaging have different costs. For example:

• An echocardiogram for the heart typically ranges from $300 to $600, depending on if performed by an experienced veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary cardiologist.³
• An abdominal ultrasound (to check the liver, kidneys, spleen, lymph nodes, urinary bladder, etc.) can range from $300 to $500, again depending on who is performing the ultrasound.³
• A sonogram, to confirm or monitor pregnancy, ranges from $300 to $600 (lower end for a general veterinarian, higher end for a specialist).²

There are several other factors that can affect how much an ultrasound costs for your dog:

• Your location and accessibility to a veterinarian with ultrasound equipment. Some vets have the equipment, while others may need to refer you to a specialist practice, which is usually more expensive.¹
• If a specialist needs to examine the ultrasound, that may increase the cost.¹
• Sedation or anesthesia can increase the cost considerably.¹

How an Ultrasound for Dogs Works

Some veterinarians are trained in ultrasonography, but others may need to refer you to a specialist for the procedure.³

Blood work is typically only required for surgery or procedures that require anesthesia, so unless your dog is being anesthetized for their ultrasound there is often no preparation needed.⁴ However, if your dog is getting an abdominal ultrasound, your vet may ask you to withhold food and/or water for eight to 12 hours before the procedure.³

Ultrasounds are noninvasive, but it's important for the handheld probe to make contact with skin, so your vet will likely shave the area of your dog that they are going to examine. The results are typically available immediately, unless further consultation with a veterinary radiologist is needed. If this is the case, it usually takes a few more days for the report to be finalized.⁵

Ultrasounds vs. Other Diagnostic Tools for Dogs

Ultrasound equipment sends sound waves into the body, which reflect off tissue and result in a 2D sonogram (picture). The sound waves reflect differently on different structures, which is why they're so useful in finding tumors or other masses in a dog's organs.⁶ However, they aren't effective for examining lungs or the skeletal system because the waves stop when they hit bones and pass through air with nothing to reflect off.⁵

An ultrasound of the heart is often called echocardiography and shows the heart walls, chambers and valves.⁵ This type of ultrasound is a combination of M-mode (motion mode) and the typical 2D ultrasound, but a veterinarian may also use a Doppler ultrasound to measure the direction and speed of blood flow in the heart.⁵ Sedation is not usually necessary unless your dog is especially anxious or in pain.⁶

Depending on what your vet is trying to diagnose, they may recommend other imaging procedures, including:

• X-ray. This is best for seeing major abnormalities, joint or bone injuries or dental issues. X-rays may require sedation and are limited to a 2D view.⁶
• CT scan. This is best for examining the head or chest cavity, but can be used for any body part. They are similar to X-rays but require anesthesia and offer a 3D view.⁶
• MRI. This is best for diagnosing a tissue injury, often in the brain or spinal cord for dogs. The procedure can take an hour or more, so general anesthesia is required.⁶

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Dogs

Taking good care of your pet's well-being from nose to tail is essential. Make sure to stay up to date on their regular checkups at the vet to help keep your pet happy and healthy for a lifetime of love. You can use your CareCredit credit card for pet care throughout the year for routine veterinary services as well as emergencies and surgeries.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian near you that accepts CareCredit.

CareCredit is there for you and your pet every step of the way; continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

Author Bio

Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 10 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women's Health Online, Headspace and more.