Veterinary diagnostic ultrasonography
Detailed diagnostic imaging and ultrasound-guided procedures for referred patients, with the examination focused on the clinical question and findings returned clearly to the primary veterinary practice.
Led by Fabrizio Tucciarone, DVM MRCVS GPcert(SAM) MSc PgCert (Endo) CertAVP
Imaging with a purpose
A useful ultrasound examination is more than a collection of images. The history, examination findings, laboratory results and previous imaging are reviewed so the scan can concentrate on the structures and abnormalities most likely to affect the next clinical decision.
Ultrasonography may be used as a stand-alone diagnostic investigation or integrated with an internal medicine assessment, echocardiography, endoscopy or targeted sampling when appropriate.
Ultrasound services
The examination is tailored to the patient and referral question. The examples below describe the principal areas available through the service.
Liver · gastrointestinal tract · urinary system
Systematic assessment of the abdominal organs, gastrointestinal tract, lymph nodes, peritoneal space and major vessels. It can help investigate gastrointestinal signs, weight loss, abdominal pain, organ enlargement, laboratory abnormalities, masses and free fluid.
Heart structure · function · blood flow
Echocardiographic assessment for stable dogs and cats with a murmur, suspected structural heart disease, exercise intolerance, syncope or other cardiac concerns. Findings are interpreted alongside the history, examination and any available ECG or thoracic imaging.
Thyroid · salivary glands · lymph nodes
Targeted examination of cervical structures, including the thyroid and parathyroid regions, salivary glands, lymph nodes and visible soft-tissue abnormalities. Sampling can be considered when it is likely to change clinical management.
Pleural space · chest wall · accessible lung
Focused assessment of pleural fluid, the chest wall, diaphragm, cranial mediastinal region and accessible peripheral pulmonary changes. The examination is planned around the clinical question and used alongside radiography or other imaging where appropriate.
Muscle · tendon · joint · superficial tissue
Dynamic, high-resolution assessment of selected muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and superficial soft-tissue structures. Ultrasound can help localise a lesion, assess its character and guide targeted sampling where indicated.
FNA · core biopsy · selected retrieval
Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA), core biopsy using a Tru-Cut technique, and selected foreign-body retrieval when the anatomy and case are suitable. Every procedure is planned around diagnostic value, patient safety, consent and available facilities.
Image-guided procedures
Fine-needle aspiration and core biopsy can provide cytology or histopathology from selected lesions while avoiding a more invasive surgical approach. Ultrasound guidance helps visualise the target and surrounding structures throughout the procedure.
Before an intervention, the likely benefit is balanced against patient stability, the target location, coagulation status, sedation or anaesthesia requirements and whether the result will change management. Selected foreign bodies may also be suitable for ultrasound-guided retrieval after individual case assessment.
How referral works
Appointments are arranged through your usual veterinary practice. Please speak to your own vet first if you think your pet may benefit from ultrasonography.
The practice shares the clinical question, history, medication, laboratory results and previous images or reports.
We agree the examination, location, fasting, clipping, sedation or anaesthesia and any proposed sampling or intervention.
A systematic or focused scan is completed, with agreed sampling or intervention performed only when appropriate.
The referring vet receives a written report, representative images and practical recommendations for the next step.
Common questions
If you are unsure whether ultrasound or an image-guided procedure is suitable, send the referral question and available records for review.
No. Appointments are arranged through the patient’s primary veterinary practice, which provides the relevant history and referral question.
No. Sampling is recommended only when it is clinically justified, sufficiently safe and likely to influence diagnosis or management. Consent and the individual risk assessment are discussed before any procedure.
A core biopsy obtains a small cylinder of tissue for histopathology. Suitability depends on the target, patient stability, coagulation status, sedation or anaesthesia requirements and whether the result is likely to change the clinical plan.
Preparation is case-specific. Fasting, clipping, medication instructions, blood tests, coagulation assessment, sedation or anaesthesia may be required. The plan is agreed with the referring practice before the appointment.
Most appointments take place at a selected local host clinic. A mobile visit to the referring practice may be considered for a suitable case, subject to facilities, procedure and availability.
This is not an emergency service. Urgent or unstable patients should follow the referring practice’s emergency pathway.
Discuss a case
Share the case details and we’ll help identify the most useful next step.