Ultrasound
Veterinary Ultrasound in Dublin 15 & Dublin 7
Ultrasound scanning gives our vets a real-time view of your pet’s internal organs without surgery or radiation. At Cara Veterinary Group (Ballycoolin, Dublin 15 & Phoenix Park Gate, Dublin 7) we use modern ultrasound to assess the abdomen (liver, kidneys, spleen, stomach/intestines, bladder), soft tissues, and to confirm pregnancy.
BOOK A CONSULTATION • Call 01 885 3253 • In an emergency, see our Emergency Care page
What Ultrasound Helps Us Find
- Abdominal problems - vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, abdominal pain, fluid build-up
- Urinary issues - bladder stones, thickened bladder wall, kidney changes
- Organ changes - liver/spleen masses, nodules, inflammation
- Reproductive checks - pregnancy confirmation (typically from day 28–30), foetal viability
- Guided sampling - fine-needle aspirates of lesions/cysts when clinically appropriate
Why Choose Ultrasound?
- Non-invasive & painless - no ionising radiation
- Real-time detail - shows organ texture/architecture that X-rays can’t
- Usually no sedation - most pets relax with gentle handling
- Same-day answers - your vet explains initial findings before you leave
How to Prepare Your Pet
- Fasting: please withhold food for 8–12 hours before the scan (water is OK).
- Bladder scans: try to avoid toileting for 2–3 hours before your visit; bring a fresh urine sample if requested.
- Clipping: a small patch of fur is clipped to allow clear contact with the probe.
- Medications: give as normal unless your vet advises otherwise.
What to Expect During the Scan
Your pet lies comfortably on a padded table while a small amount of gel is applied to the skin. Most scans take 15–30 minutes. Sedation is rarely needed; if your pet is very anxious or painful we’ll discuss light sedation for comfort.
Ultrasound vs X-ray
X-rays are excellent for bones, overall organ size and the chest. Ultrasound is better for soft-tissue detail inside the organs. We often use both for a complete picture. For heart murmurs or suspected cardiac disease, see our Veterinary Cardiology page.
Locations
Cara Veterinary Hospital - Unit 233, Blanchardstown Corporate Park 2, Ballycoolin, Dublin 15 (D15 Y384)
Cara Veterinary Clinic - 1A North Circular Road, Phoenix Park Gate, Dublin 7 (D07 HE48)
Book an Appointment
- Ultrasound is booked by phone so we can advise prep times: call 01 885 3253.
- For non-imaging visits, you can book online here.
Ultrasound FAQs
Do pets need sedation for ultrasound?
Usually not. Most dogs and cats tolerate scanning well with gentle handling. If a pet is very anxious or painful, we may recommend light sedation for comfort and image quality.
How long does an ultrasound take?
Most abdominal scans take 15–30 minutes. Complex cases or guided sampling can take a little longer.
Can you confirm pregnancy?
Yes - we typically confirm pregnancy from day 28–30 after mating and can assess foetal heartbeats later in gestation.
Will my pet’s fur be clipped?
Yes, a small area is clipped to ensure clear contact between the probe and skin (and clearer images).
When will I get results?
Your vet will discuss initial findings on the day. If samples are taken, lab results usually follow in a few days.
What’s the difference between ultrasound and X-ray?
X-rays show bones and overall shapes; ultrasound shows the inside texture of soft tissues. We often use both for the most accurate diagnosis.