One of the marvels of modern technology, a radiation-free way to peer inside the human body with remarkable precision - Ultrasounds have vast applications. They are widely used in human and pet healthcare for monitoring pregnancies and diagnosing conditions in organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.
On average, ultrasounds for pets cost about $300-$600, depending on the case1. With pet insurance, you can get up to 90% cash back on covered vet bills.
Before digging down into those conditions, let's review what ultrasounds are, when they are used for pets, if there are any alternatives, and how much they cost.
Ultrasounds for Pets
An ultrasound is a diagnosing tool that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the inside of the body. It’s a non-invasive, painless method often used to examine soft tissues, organs, and even blood flow.
They are used for the same reasons in pets as in humans – monitoring pregnancies or diagnosing any conditions inside the heart, liver, or kidneys. They can also be used for identifying the presence of cysts and tumors.
Various types of ultrasounds include (1)
Abdominal
Echocardiogram
Single organ
Thoracic
Soft tissue
When would a Dog/Cat need an Ultrasound?
Ultrasounds are extremely popular, second only to X-rays, even in pets. This is because there can be multiple cases where your pet may need one. These include: (1)
Traumatic injury – To look for free fluid in the abdomen that can indicate internal bleeding or a ruptured bladder
Cancer – To identify potential growths inside the abdomen or lymph nodes
Vomiting/ Diarrhea – To check inside the gastrointestinal tract for possible reasons of chronic vomiting or diarrhea
Urinary tract issues – To look for kidney stones
Heart disease – Echocardiogram for diagnosing any kind of heart problems
Chronic illness – To identify any changes in the functioning of organs and thus a chronic illness
Pregnancy - To determine the number of fetuses and monitor fetal development and viability.
Are there any risks of Ultrasounds for Pets?
Being a non-invasive procedure, an ultrasound is usually risk-free. Certain risks may be involved during a biopsy done with ultrasonographic guidance. For example, if an issue is detected in the liver, the vet may have to insert a needle in the abdomen to collect a sample. This procedure can lead to certain risks, separate from the ultrasound.
Is Anesthesia Needed for Ultrasounds in Pets?
No, neither general nor local anesthesia is usually needed during an ultrasound for a dog or cat. It is a completely non-invasive and painless diagnosing technique, but your vet may choose to sedate your pet if they are feeling restless or showing signs of stress.(2)
Will I have to shave my dog for an Ultrasound?
For an ultrasound to be performed successfully, the device needs to have contact with the skin. So, in most cases, the technician will shave the respective part. However, in some cases, it may be possible to get adequate images by moistening the hair with rubbing alcohol and a good amount of water-soluble ultrasound gel. The diagnosis is always better on a shaved area, though. (2)
How much do Ultrasounds cost for pets?
An ultrasound for dogs or cats will usually cost between $300 and $600 depending on the type of ultrasound technique, the pet's condition, and the type of facility you visit. A quick pregnancy diagnosis may cost even less. The cost may be higher if the pet needs sedation or anesthesia. (1) The costs may seem high, but the equipment used is expensive, and a technician with specialized training is needed to perform the ultrasound and interpret the images.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Ultrasounds?
Yes, pet insurance plans can help cover the cost of ultrasounds, as a vet-recommended diagnosis of any medical condition is usually covered under an accident and illness plan. There are exceptions, though. Most plans will not cover ultrasounds done for pregnancy or to address a pre-existing condition or a condition that appeared during the policy waiting period.
With Spot Pet Insurance, you can get up to 90% of ultrasound costs reimbursed, as well as the cost of other covered vet bills, like prescription diets, surgery, alternative therapies, and much more.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Dog Insurance can help provide financial assistance for covered veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:
Covers Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Spot pet insurance plans help cover the eligible costs of unexpected veterinary treatments, such as emergency surgeries, X-rays, and prescription medications for covered conditions.
Customizable Plans: Choose your annual limit, reimbursement rate, and deductible from a range of options, and create the plan that will fit the needs of your pet and your budget.
Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
I’m Charlie: canine enthusiast with a knack for figuring out why my dog, Dallas, is more infatuated with tennis balls than me. My lifelong passion for dogs has created a dedication to help other pet parents better understands their furry family members!
Koehler, R., DVM. (2024, July 16). Dog ultrasounds: What are they, and why would a dog need one? PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/dog/procedure/dog-ultrasounds
Ultrasound examination in dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). Vca. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ultrasound-examination-in-dogs
