Conventional, CT and MR imaging technologies are limited in their availability, to depict soft tissue, or to show dynamic activity, like cardiac muscle contractility and blood flow. Easy applicability, real-time sonography and biopsy facilitation are important advantages in veterinarian medicine. Veterinary ultrasound has a very high sensitivity to show the composition of soft tissues, but the low specificity is a disadvantage. High ultrasound system performance includes Doppler techniques, contrast enhanced ultrasound, 3D ultrasound, and tissue harmonic imaging to improve resolution.
Technical and physical requirements of veterinary ultrasound are the same as in human ultrasonography. The higher the sound frequency, the better the possible resolution, but the poorer the tissue penetration. Image quality is depended of the ultrasound equipment. For example, a 10 MHz transducer is excellent for imaging of superficial structures; a 3.5 or 5.0 megahertz transducer allows sufficient penetration to see inner structures like the liver or the heart. In addition, the preparation and performing of the examination is similar to that of humans. The sound beam penetrates soft tissue and fat well, but gas and bone impede the ultrasonic power. Fluid filled organs like the bladder are often used as an acoustic window, and an ultrasound gel is used to conduct the sound beam.

From ALOKA Co., Ltd.;
'A High-Quality, Portable Veterinary Ultrasound System.
The SSD-500V is a rugged, portable convex sector/linear scanner that offers versatility, superb image quality and reliable performance in a compact design. This 22 lb system has Electronic dynamic focus and 256 shades of gray that produces high-quality images.
The SSD-500V includes comprehensive measurement and analysis packages. Measurements include distance/depth, area, circumference, velocity, heart rate, ratio and angle. The system also included obstetrical analysis functions that can calculate estimated gestational age and expected date of confinement.
In addition, customized obstetrical tables can be easily created. The SSD-500V software package also includes left ventricular function software for M-mode Cardiac evaluation.
The 500V provides excellent clinical versatility − for use in both small and large animal applications − using a wide range of optional convex and linear array transducers.'

From SIUI Inc.;
'Portable Veterinary Ultrasound Scanner'

'Pie Medical, acquired by Esaote from the Philips Group in 1998, is a Dutch group that in more than 20 years has built a reputation for providing the medical profession with high quality ultrasound systems. Pie Medical was one of the most experienced producers of scanners for the veterinary market.'

From ALOKA Co., Ltd.;
'Veterinary portable ultrasound system:
The SSC-210 Vet is a price performance breakthrough in diagnostic imaging. The variable frame rate, up to 30 frames/sec., combined with dynamic focusing produces highly detailed images that can be optimized and frozen at the touch of a button. The push key controlled, linear distance calipers permit fast, accurate measurement of any structure within the two-dimensional image. The built-in digital scan converter let you output the image directly to a video recording system.'