Ultrasound for Dogs and Cats in Nicosia
A gentle scan with no radiation that lets us look inside the belly organs. We see the image straight away and explain what it shows.
What ultrasound is
Ultrasound uses sound waves we cannot hear to look inside the body in real time. It uses no radiation and does not hurt. We gently place a small probe on the skin with a little gel, and the image appears on the screen straight away.
What it shows
- The belly organs from the inside: liver, gall bladder, kidneys, spleen, bladder, intestines, stomach and pancreas.
- Fluid in the belly or around the heart and lungs.
- Lumps and cysts, and how big they are.
- Stones in the bladder or kidneys.
- Pregnancy from early on, and whether the babies are alive.
Ultrasound shows soft organs very well. An X-ray shows bones and lungs better. That is why we often use both.
When your pet may need one
- Vomiting, diarrhoea or weight loss without a clear cause
- Changes in blood tests, for example in the kidneys or liver
- Urine problems or blood in the urine
- A swollen belly
- Pregnancy checks
- Monitoring a known condition
How it works at our clinic
- Your pet lies quietly, usually on their back or side.
- We often clip a small patch of fur on the belly to get a clear image. The fur grows back.
- Most pets stay calm without sedation. If your pet is very anxious or in pain, we may give light sedation.
- The scan usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and we talk you through what we saw during the same visit.
How to prepare
What happens next
What we see on the scan, together with the exam and blood tests, helps us understand what is going on and decide on treatment. We explain the findings in simple words, along with the next steps.
In some cases more tests are needed, such as a urine test or an X-ray, or a repeat scan after a few weeks to see how a condition is doing. If more specialised tests are needed, we will refer you to the right centre.
Frequently asked questions
Does an ultrasound hurt?
No. We gently place a probe on the skin with a little gel.
Will you clip the fur?
We often clip a small patch on the belly for a clear image. The fur grows back.
Should my pet skip food before?
For a belly scan, usually yes, for a few hours. Water is fine. We will give you instructions when you book.
Is sedation needed?
Most pets stay calm without it. If your pet is very anxious or in pain, we may give light sedation.
Can it show pregnancy?
Yes, from early on, and whether the babies are alive.
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Sources and further reading
The facts in this article are based on guidance from international and European veterinary organisations.