From scanning a cow or a horse on-site to taking an examination at your clinic, it’s important to find the right ultrasound for your specific needs. There are many different types of systems with varying imaging technologies, and to achieve high-resolution images of various organs and tissues of farm animals, it’s also essential to have a compatible, high-quality transducer.
Some of the most common ultrasound uses for bovine and equine animals include:
For many cows and horses, you can use ultrasound to diagnose infections and damages associated with the mammary glands, lungs, liver, bladder, kidneys, and more. You can address some musculoskeletal concerns as well.
Even when you’ve narrowed down the choice for a veterinary ultrasound, you still have to choose a transducer (probe). Many ultrasound units come with many different choices of compatible probes, but it’s important to understand your options and find a transducer optimal for your imaging needs.
For instance, when imaging for reproductive purposes in cattle, linear transducers are often a good choice that produces a rectangular image. A curved linear transducer, which produces the pie-shaped image commonly associated with ultrasonography, has a short surface at the end of the transducer, making it ideal for establishing contact with the rectal wall to achieve the targeted imaging. Curved linear transducers are also gentler on the rectal wall. As a result, examinations such as fetal sexing are much easier to conduct.
In addition to the probe type, it’s also important to consider the MHz of the probe. Generally, veterinary transducers have a frequency of 2-15 MHz, and, historically, a 5 MHz transducer was enough for most cow and horse veterinary imaging. If the animal has a deeper uterus, however, consider a lower frequency so that your ultrasound can achieve the necessary penetration.
When scanning equine or bovine animals, make sure you get the right ultrasound by contacting our support team at Providian Vet. Our experts will work with you to find the right system for your veterinary clinic’s needs and budget. Call a vet imaging expert today at (877) 959-3725.