Abdominal Organ Evaluation in Dogs & Cats
Vomiting, weight loss, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, and abnormal bloodwork often point to disease in the abdominal organs. While X-rays show organ silhouettes and CT excels at cancer staging, ultrasound is the frontline imaging modality for evaluating the internal architecture of abdominal organs in real time.
At Sage Veterinary Imaging (SVI), our board-certified radiologists use high-resolution ultrasound to evaluate the liver, spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, and lymph nodes — identifying masses, inflammation, obstruction, and structural changes that guide diagnosis and treatment.
SVI offers advanced ultrasound services at our centers in Round Rock, Texas; Spring, Texas; and Sandy, Utah.
Common Abdominal Conditions We Diagnose
Abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive, radiation-free way to evaluate organ health in detail. Below are the conditions our team most frequently diagnoses with this modality.
Liver Disease & Hepatic Masses
Ultrasound reveals the liver’s internal architecture, showing diffuse changes (hepatitis, lipidosis, cirrhosis) as well as focal lesions (nodular hyperplasia, hepatocellular carcinoma, metastatic disease). Doppler ultrasound evaluates hepatic blood flow and is essential for identifying portosystemic shunts. For focal masses, ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) can provide a cytologic diagnosis without surgery.
Learn more about liver disease →Splenic Masses & Disorders
Splenic masses are common incidental findings and emergency presentations in dogs. Ultrasound identifies mass size, echogenicity, and vascularity — helping differentiate between benign conditions (hematoma, nodular hyperplasia) and malignant tumors (hemangiosarcoma). While ultrasound alone cannot definitively determine malignancy, it guides decisions about surgical planning, biopsy, and staging. Free abdominal fluid associated with a splenic mass raises urgent concern for rupture.
Learn more about splenic masses →Pancreatitis & Pancreatic Disease
Pancreatitis is one of the most common abdominal emergencies in dogs and cats. Ultrasound shows pancreatic enlargement, changes in echogenicity, peripancreatic fat inflammation, and free fluid — findings that support the clinical diagnosis alongside bloodwork. In chronic cases, ultrasound monitors for complications including pseudocysts and abscessation. Pancreatic nodules or masses that may represent neoplasia can also be identified and sampled.
Learn more about pancreatitis →Adrenal Gland Tumors & Hyperplasia
Adrenal ultrasound is critical for evaluating pets with suspected Cushing’s disease, unexplained hypertension, or incidental adrenal enlargement. Ultrasound measures adrenal size, detects asymmetric enlargement or masses, and evaluates for vascular invasion — particularly invasion of the caudal vena cava by adrenal carcinoma or pheochromocytoma. These findings directly influence whether medical management or surgical adrenalectomy is recommended.
Learn more about adrenal conditions →Abdominal Lymph Node Evaluation
Enlarged abdominal lymph nodes can indicate infection, inflammation, or neoplasia — most commonly lymphoma. Ultrasound identifies lymph node enlargement, altered shape, and abnormal echogenicity throughout the abdomen. Combined with ultrasound-guided FNA, our radiologists can provide a cytologic diagnosis that guides treatment planning. Abdominal lymph node evaluation is an essential component of cancer staging in veterinary patients.
Learn more about lymph node evaluation →Breeds Commonly Affected
Abdominal conditions affect all breeds, but certain breeds face elevated risk for specific conditions. German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers have higher rates of splenic hemangiosarcoma. Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, and Shih Tzus are predisposed to portosystemic liver shunts. Miniature Schnauzers have increased risk of pancreatitis and liver disease. Poodles and Dachshunds have higher rates of Cushing’s disease with adrenal involvement. Siamese cats are predisposed to hepatic lipidosis.
How Ultrasound Helps
Abdominal ultrasound provides real-time, cross-sectional imaging of every major organ in the abdomen without radiation, sedation, or anesthesia in most cases. High-frequency transducers allow our radiologists to evaluate organ parenchyma, measure structures precisely, assess blood flow with Doppler, and guide fine-needle aspiration for cytologic sampling — all in a single examination.
Each study is performed and interpreted by our board-certified veterinary radiologists, who provide a comprehensive written report and work directly with your veterinarian to develop the best care plan.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Abdominal ultrasound studies typically take 30–45 minutes. Most pets tolerate the examination well with gentle restraint, though light sedation may be recommended for anxious patients. A small area of fur on the abdomen is clipped to ensure good transducer contact.
Results are interpreted in real time, and your veterinarian typically receives a detailed report the same day. If cytology samples are collected during the exam, those results are usually available within 24–48 hours.
Learn more about veterinary ultrasound at Sage →Why Choose Sage Veterinary Imaging
Get Answers for Your Pet
If your pet has unexplained abdominal symptoms, abnormal bloodwork, or a known mass that needs further evaluation, abdominal ultrasound can provide the detailed organ assessment your veterinarian needs to guide treatment.
Schedule an Abdominal Ultrasound
Visit one of our three locations to learn more and schedule your pet’s abdominal ultrasound study.
Abdominal Ultrasound FAQ
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Ready to Get Answers?
Advanced abdominal ultrasound can identify the cause of your pet’s symptoms and guide effective treatment. Visit one of our locations to get started.