Ultrasounds for Dogs & Cats Referral Animal Hospital Providing Specialist Veterinary Imaging for Accurate Internal Diagnosis & Specialist Treatment.
Specialist Veterinary Ultrasounds in Melbourne
Ultrasound for dogs & cats provides real-time imaging of soft-tissue organs, allowing specialists to assess internal structures without radiation. Our Melbourne team provides advanced veterinary ultrasound services for pets requiring detailed investigation of internal disease.
As a leading animal referral hospital in Melbourne, our vet imaging specialists and internal medicine specialists provide advanced diagnostic imaging to support accurate diagnosis and coordinated care for complex conditions.
Advanced soft tissue imaging for dogs & cats
Ultrasounds for dogs allow detailed evaluation of internal organs, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder and gastrointestinal tract. By providing real-time imaging, an ultrasound enables clinicians to assess structure, function and blood flow with precision.
An abdominal ultrasound for dogs & cats may be used to assess organs including the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder & gastrointestinal tract.
An ultrasound at MARS is performed by an experienced vet imaging clinician within a specialist animal referral hospital. This ensures immediate collaboration with internal medicine and surgical teams, supporting accurate diagnosis and coordinated care.
Ultrasounds form part of our advanced diagnostic imaging suite, alongside CT scans, fluoroscopy, and digital radiographs, allowing a comprehensive and integrated approach to patient care.
When is an ultrasound recommended?
An ultrasound for dogs and cats may be recommended when symptoms suggest an internal condition that requires a closer assessment of the organs, blood vessels or surrounding tissue.
These symptoms may include:
- Vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained weight loss
- Changes in appetite or lethargy
- Urinary issues
- Abdominal discomfort, swelling or fluid accumulation
- Suspected masses or changes in organ function
Ultrasound imaging can help diagnose a wide range of conditions, including:
- Liver disease, including liver cancer in dogs & cats
- Portosystemic shunt in dogs & cats
- Urinary tract disease in dogs & cats, including bladder & kidney conditions
- Abdominal masses & fluid accumulation
Ultrasound results can also support guided procedures such as biopsies & fluid sampling, helping provide a more precise diagnosis & informed treatment plan.
What to expect during imaging
An ultrasound is typically performed without sedation and is well tolerated by most patients. In some cases, mild sedation may be required to ensure accurate imaging.
Your pet is monitored closely throughout the procedure to ensure comfort and safety.
All imaging is performed and interpreted in real time by vet imaging specialists, allowing immediate clinical insight and faster decision-making.
Why choose MARS for ultrasounds
An ultrasound for dogs or cats is performed within our specialist animal referral hospital, ensuring every patient benefits from advanced imaging, clinical expertise and coordinated care. Our vet imaging specialists work closely with internal medicine and surgical teams to interpret findings in real time, supporting faster diagnosis and more informed treatment decisions.
We combine non-invasive imaging with a collaborative approach, delivering accurate results while ensuring your pet’s comfort and safety throughout the process.
Non-invasive, real-time diagnostic imaging
Integrated care across internal medicine and surgery
Advanced imaging technology for complex cases
Supporting patients across Melbourne and regional Victoria
How to arrange a veterinary ultrasound
An ultrasound for dogs and cats is usually arranged through your primary veterinarian.
Online referrals can be submitted directly to Melbourne Animal Referral Services, an animal referral hospital in Melbourne that provides advanced imaging for complex cases.
Pet owners may contact our team for guidance on referral pathways and expected timeframes.
Ultrasound costs
Costs vary depending on the complexity and duration of the scan. Clear, itemised estimates are provided prior to imaging so you can make informed decisions about your pet’s care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ultrasound used for in dogs?
An ultrasound for dogs is used to assess internal organs, detect disease, guide procedures and monitor ongoing conditions in real time. It is commonly used to investigate conditions such as liver cancer in dogs, portosystemic shunt in dogs, and urinary tract disease in dogs.
Is an ultrasound safe for dogs and cats?
Yes. An ultrasound is non-invasive, does not use radiation and is considered very safe when performed by an experienced vet imaging team.
Will my pet need sedation?
Most ultrasounds are performed without sedation, though some patients may require mild sedation to ensure accurate imaging and positioning.
How long does an ultrasound take?
Most scans take between 20–40 minutes depending on the complexity of the case and the area being assessed.
When is an ultrasound recommended for dogs?
An ultrasound is recommended when pets present with symptoms such as vomiting, weight loss, abdominal discomfort, or suspected internal disease. It is particularly useful for diagnosing liver conditions, vascular abnormalities like portosystemic shunt in dogs, and urinary issues.
Do I need a referral for an ultrasound?
Yes. An ultrasound for dogs and cats is typically arranged through your primary veterinarian, who can refer your pet to a specialist animal referral hospital such as Melbourne Animal Referral Services.
How quickly will results be available?
Because the vet imaging team performs and interprets imaging in real time, initial findings are often available immediately, with detailed reports provided promptly to your referring veterinarian.