Ultrasound Basics: How to Read an Ultrasound Image

Sun, Oct 14, 2018 @ 02:45 PM Erika Wierman, DVM

Have you ever looked at an ultrasound image and wondered what are you looking at? Ever wonder which end is up? When others are discussing bull or heifer, ovarian diagnosis, or metritis treatment are you still looking to decide what it is?? Well, if you feel left in the dark when it comes to ultrasound images…..let’s start back at the basics.

Ultrasound is a non-invasive, immediate tool used to image tissue. It will not penetrate bone (like an X-Ray). So the first step to help you read the ultrasound image is to be familiar with the anatomy that you are imaging.

Various body tissues conduct sound differently. Some tissues absorb sound waves while others reflect them. The density of the tissue dictates the speed at which the echoes return.

If you remember that FLUID is always BLACK and TISSUE is GRAY. The denser the tissue, is the brighter white it will appear in ultrasound the brightest white being bone.

ultrasound-gray-scale

Now, let’s look at a few images...

 bovine ultrasound, cattle ultrasound
Bovine Ultrasound: Early Pregnancy

bovine ultrasound, heifer calf fetal sexing
Bovine Ultrasound: Heifer Calf

 13 day equine pregnancy ultrasound
Equine Ultrasound: 13 day Pregnancy

sheep ultrasound
Sheep Ultrasound: 63 day pregnancy

Hopefully this helps you to SEE the ultrasound image. Remember, the more images you see the easier and clearer they will become.

Of course, choosing the right ultrasound equipment from a creditable company should also be an important decision. To schedule a free demo, click here...or call us at 1.866.365.6596.

PLEASE NOTE: WE SELL VETERINARY ULTRASOUND—OUR EQUIPMENT IS FOR USE ON ANIMALS ONLY!


 

To learn more about portable, rugged veterinary ultrasound, click here or call 1.866.365.6596

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