{"id":47691,"date":"2016-08-23T23:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-08-23T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.imv-imaging.com\/2016\/08\/an-introduction-to-small-animal-veterinary-probes\/"},"modified":"2024-04-18T11:47:13","modified_gmt":"2024-04-18T11:47:13","slug":"an-introduction-to-small-animal-veterinary-probes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.imv-imaging.com\/en\/2016\/08\/an-introduction-to-small-animal-veterinary-probes\/","title":{"rendered":"An introduction to small animal veterinary probes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ultrasound Frequency Range<\/h4>\n

With regard to image quality related to frequency, there is a trade-off between resolution and penetration.<\/p>\n

A higher frequency produces a higher resolution image, but the ultrasound wave will not penetrate as deeply into the patient. A lower frequency means that you will get a decrease in image resolution, but the ultrasound beam will be able to penetrate to a greater distance into the patient. It is important to strike a balance between these two factors to achieve an acceptable image of the area that you want to evaluate.<\/p>\n

Most small animal ultrasound scans are performed at a depth of 2 \u2013 15 centimetres. A frequency range of 4 \u2013 10 MHz should allow you to scan within these depths.<\/p>\n

A modern electronic probe can scan at multiple frequencies while an older mechanical probe often only operates at a single, fixed frequency.<\/p>\n

Types of veterinary ultrasound probes<\/h2>\n

Micro-convex veterinary ultrasound probe<\/h3>\n

This is the main probe that is used for small animal abdominal scanning. A smaller footprint allows better surface contact to be achieved which will result in better image quality. Compared to using a large convex probe, it is easier to scan through rib spaces and underneath the costal arch with this probe and the frequency range is always of a higher frequency.<\/p>\n

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GE Mindray M5 6C2s micro convex probe<\/span><\/p>\n

Convex veterinary ultrasound probe<\/h3>\n

A convex probe has a large point of contact with the skin surface, with the ultrasound beam spreading to a wider field of view within the patient, giving a sector-shaped image. This type of probe is often supplied with ex-NHS systems as it is good for human abdomens and is always used in maternity departments. Maternity units have the highest turnover of systems so are commonly available second hand along with their probes. However, these probes are really not suitable for small animal work as they are too large to fit into areas like the intercostal spaces for viewing the heart or lateral lobes of the liver, xiphisternum for scanning the liver and behind the costal arch for viewing the kidneys. They also typically have a lower frequency range (3.0-5.0 MHz), therefore the resolution you can achieve will be less than with other types of probe. Although they can be useful for scanning the liver in extremely large dogs!<\/p>\n

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Sonosite M-turbo C60 radius convex probe<\/span><\/p>\n

Linear veterinary ultrasound probe<\/h3>\n

Linear probes are primarily used for superficial abdominal structures, especially in cats, such as the small intestine and the kidney. It is also excellent for imaging the eyes! Linear probes normally give a higher resolution image than convex probes for several reasons:<\/p>\n