Veterinary ultrasound scanners give veterinarians an invaluable glimpse of a pet’s heart, liver, and reproductive organs as well as act as a second pair of eyes catching any abnormalities that might go undetected by humans alone.
The veterinary ultrasound market is experiencing significant growth due to several factors. These include rising pet adoption and rising animal healthcare expenditure; technological innovations have made ultrasound devices more portable and simpler to use than ever.
1. X-ray Vision for Animals:
All animals possess binocular vision, which allows them to see parts of the world simultaneously with both eyes. As animals move forward, their binocular region widens, allowing them to see around objects that obscure their view. Science continues to research this phenomenon, often known as “x-ray vision.” For instance, Edward Baylor Frederick Smith reported in 1958 that exposed water fleas exhibit phototaxis-like behavior when exposed to X-rays.
Veterinary clinics and hospitals were the dominant and-use in 2022, due to rising pet population numbers and rising expenditure on pet health in the U.S. This trend is expected to remain consistent over time.
2. Veterinary Technicians are Handling Ultrasound Scanners:
Ultrasound imaging allows veterinarians to visualise soft tissue structures. The imaging technique produces real-time images, which can help diagnose various conditions in real-time. Veterinarians utilise ultrasound technology to examine abdominal structures, diagnose pregnancy, measure heart function, and identify eye disease in animals. This noninvasive diagnostic tool is an invaluable asset in any veterinary hospital.
Sonography in human medicine requires extensive training, and sonographers must undergo an intense certification program to become sonographers. However, veterinary technicians can also receive the appropriate education needed for ultrasound studies.
3. Portable Ultrasound Machines are Taking Over:
Ultrasound imaging has become one of the primary tools in animal healthcare, second only to X-rays in terms of usage. Veterinarians rely on it to quickly and accurately diagnose issues, while it also can provide essential insights during difficult pregnancies. Pet ultrasound differs from other imaging technologies like MRI and CT in that it uses harmless sound waves instead of magnetic fields to produce images on a computer screen. When these soundwaves bounce off internal structures, they produce two-dimensional real-time images in two dimensions.
Digital ultrasound systems dominate the market for veterinary ultrasound imaging systems, as their higher image quality and easier user control make them the go-to solution for many vets. Major players include GE Healthcare, Esaote S.p.A, Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co. Ltd., and Siemens Healthcare as key players.
4. The Future of Veterinary Ultrasound Imaging is Bright:
Ultrasound machines use high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of internal body structures without using ionizing radiation and are extremely cost-efficient. The veterinary ultrasound market is flourishing due to advances in technology and an emphasis on pet health. Companies have introduced exciting tools such as AI-powered image analysis for faster diagnoses and portable ultrasound scanners with user-friendly interfaces.
Vet clinics are among the primary users of veterinary ultrasound equipment, serving as primary points of care and offering diagnostic procedures. Esaote North America recently unveiled its MyLab FOX ultrasound system—named to represent its agility—making this an attractive product choice.
5. AI is Changing the Way We Do Ultrasound:
Ultrasound technology now includes AI-driven image processing algorithms for measurement, quantification, and computer-aided detection. This enables physicians to conduct more comprehensive examinations faster while also decreasing error rates.
Ultrasound imaging is non-invasive, easy to use, and relatively cost-effective compared to other diagnostic imaging modalities, making it the go-to imaging modality for veterinarians assessing internal body structures like organ enlargement/inflammation, foreign bodies, cardiac function, etc. Veterinarians find that investing in an ultrasound system quickly pays for itself by opening new revenue streams and improving patient care. GE Healthcare ultrasound systems are tailored specifically for your specialty and patients.
6. Ultrasound Scanners Are Changing the Way We Train Veterinarians:
Ultrasound imaging is one of the most frequently utilized imaging modalities in veterinary medicine, frequently employed to examine abdominal organs or diagnose heart conditions as well as monitor fetal development during gestation. Ultrasound can also provide valuable insight into internal organ health, such as liver and kidney health.
Medical ultrasound is a highly specialized field and only licensed physicians can operate an ultrasound machine safely and legally. Due to this fact, most veterinarians outsource their ultrasound needs to a specialist. Clarius portable ultrasound systems enable veterinarians to perform diagnostic scanning without being trained by an outside sonographer, leading to faster diagnoses and improved patient outcomes.
7. Ultrasound Scanners Are Changing the Way We Treat Animals
Ultrasound imaging is non-invasive and painless; all that remains are minor sore spots or any hair cut off during treatment that will grow back quickly. Veterinarians use ultrasound as an invaluable tool for inspecting internal structures and diagnosing conditions like fluid accumulation in the abdomen or pregnancy.
Ultrasound allows veterinarians to perform minimally invasive procedures, such as fluid aspiration or biopsies, quickly and without surgery or downtime for their pets. While X-rays and CT take days for results to arrive back to them, ultrasound offers fast and accurate diagnosis.
8. Ultrasound Scanners Are Changing the Way We Care for Animals:
When your pet exhibits abnormal symptoms, ultrasound imaging can help veterinary practices quickly and confidently make a diagnosis. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasound uses safe, non-invasive sound waves that pass through it, creating real-time images of its internal structures.
Ultrasound can detect organ and tissue abnormalities such as tumours, cysts, or enlarged blood vessels. Furthermore, ultrasound permits guided biopsies and fluid aspiration with precision.
Pregnancy confirmation and monitoring foetal development during gestation is of vital importance, while veterinaries use ultrasound imaging to evaluate musculoskeletal structures such as tendons, ligaments, eyes, and muscles. Furthermore, ultrasound can assist in placing drainage tubes after surgery to avoid seroma or hematoma formation.
9. Ultrasound Scanners Are Changing the Way We Treat Animals
Veterinary ultrasound can be used to accurately diagnose various health conditions in pets without the need for sedation or any invasive procedures. Furthermore, this diagnostic tool is also effective at assessing any injuries to their muscles or bones.
Example applications include helping locate foreign bodies (like a splinter in a dog’s foot) that may be hidden by other anatomical structures and aiding in diagnosing ocular conditions like retinal detachment and intraocular tumours.
Ultrasound imaging is an essential diagnostic tool that general practice veterinarians rely on regularly. You can hire mobile sonographers who come to your office or speciality center to take care of scheduled cases if you do not have an ultrasound machine.
