The Difference between cat sonogram pictures and dog sonogram pictures

Due to differences in anatomical structure, ultrasound images of cats and dogs are also different. The following will discuss in detail the characteristics of cat and dog organs in ultrasound images, as well as the problems that veterinarians may encounter when using portable veterinary ultrasound machines for ultrasound diagnosis.

Similarities

1. Basic principles and techniques
Whether it is a dog or a cat, the basic principles and techniques of abdominal ultrasound examination are the same. The probe emits ultrasound waves that cannot be recognized by the human ear, and these sound waves are reflected back when they encounter tissues of different densities to form an image.
2. Common applications
In dogs and cats, abdominal ultrasound is often used to evaluate the following organs and structures:
Liver: evaluate size, shape, echo characteristics, and the presence of tumors, cysts, or inflammation.
Gallbladder and bile duct: check for stones, inflammation, or obstruction.
Spleen: evaluate for enlargement, nodules, or rupture.
Kidneys: observe the size, shape, echo characteristics, and stones or tumors of the kidneys.
Gastrointestinal tract: check the thickness and shape of the gastrointestinal wall and the presence of foreign bodies or tumors.
Bladder: evaluate for stones, tumors, or inflammation.

Differences

1. Anatomical differences
Although the general layout of the abdominal organs of dogs and cats is similar, there are still some differences in the anatomy. For example:
Liver position: The liver of a cat is usually closer to the midline of the abdomen than that of a dog.
Stomach shape and position: The stomach of a cat is longer and narrower, while the stomach of a dog is relatively larger and closer to the diaphragm.
Spleen size: The spleen of a cat is relatively small and longer, while the spleen of a dog is larger and wider.

Liver

Dog: The liver usually appears as a uniform medium echo structure on ultrasound images. The size, shape and internal structure of the liver should be carefully evaluated, especially paying attention to any nodules, cysts or irregular echoes.
Cat: The liver of a cat is smaller and closer to the midline of the abdomen, and the echo of the liver on ultrasound images is usually more uniform. In cats, fatty liver is a common problem, which will cause the liver to have increased echoes and requires special attention to identification.
Tip: Fatty liver is more common in cats, while dogs may have more liver tumors or inflammation. When using a dog ultrasound machine, it may be difficult to identify small lesions and distinguish between benign and malignant lesions.

Gallbladder and bile ducts

Dogs: The gallbladder of a dog usually appears as a fluid-filled, anechoic structure on ultrasound, and the bile duct is usually not visible. Watch for sludge, stones, or cholecystitis.
Cats: Cats have smaller gallbladders, but the imaging characteristics are similar to those of dogs. The bile ducts of cats may be dilated due to cholangitis or bile duct obstruction, which appears as a tubular, anechoic structure on ultrasound.
Tip: Cholangitis and gallbladder disease are more common in cats, especially cholangiohepatitis syndrome. Dogs need to watch out for gallstones and cholecystitis.

Pancreas

Dogs: If you find that your dog's pancreas is difficult to find on ultrasound, it actually proves that this is a healthy dog. Because the echo characteristics of the dog's pancreas are similar to those of the surrounding tissue. Only acute pancreatitis will cause the pancreas to swell and increase echoes, and fluid may accumulate around the pancreas at this time.
Cats: The pancreas of cats is also usually difficult to identify on ultrasound images, but chronic pancreatitis is more common in cats and may appear as an enlarged pancreas with uneven echoes.
Tip: Pancreatic disease in both dogs and cats is difficult to examine. Acute pancreatitis usually presents as an enlarged pancreas and fluid around the organ, while chronic pancreatitis may result in uneven echogenicity of the pancreas, which requires the veterinarian to have extensive experience and keen observation.

Spleen

Dogs: The spleen of dogs usually appears as a uniform medium echogenic structure located in the upper left abdomen. Beware of splenic enlargement, nodules, or splenic rupture.
Cats: The spleen of cats is relatively small and elongated, located closer to the midline of the abdomen. The echogenicity of the spleen in ultrasound images is relatively uniform, but may change in the case of chronic disease or tumors.
Tip: Splenic tumors and splenic rupture are more common in dogs, while cats are more likely to have splenic enlargement caused by chronic disease. The size, shape, and internal echogenicity of the spleen should be carefully observed during ultrasound examination.

Kidneys

Dogs: The kidneys of dogs appear as medium echogenic renal cortex and hypoechoic renal medulla in ultrasound images, and the renal pelvis usually appears as an echoless structure. Beware of kidney stones, renal cysts, and renal tumors.
Cats: The echogenicity of cat kidneys is similar to that of dogs, but the boundaries between the renal cortex and medulla are usually more distinct. Chronic kidney disease is more common in cats, and the image shows a smaller kidney with uneven echogenicity.
Tip: Chronic kidney disease is more common in cats, while acute kidney injury and kidney stones are more common in dogs. Careful evaluation of kidney size, morphology, and internal structure during ultrasound examinations are required to identify subtle lesions.

Bladder

Dogs: The dog's bladder appears as a fluid-filled, anechoic structure on ultrasound images, and the wall thickness is usually uniform. Be aware of bladder stones, tumors, or cystitis.
Cats: The cat's bladder imaging characteristics are similar to those of dogs, but the bladder may be significantly distended in the case of urethral obstruction. Careful inspection of bladder wall thickness and internal structure is required.
Tip: Bladder stones and urethral obstruction are more common in cats, while cystitis and tumors are more common in dogs. Pay attention to the uniformity of the bladder wall and the presence of stones or masses inside during ultrasound examinations.

Intestines

Dogs: The dog's intestines are layered and have uniform wall thickness. Be aware of intestinal obstruction, foreign bodies, and tumors.
Cats: Cats have similar intestinal image features to dogs, but the intestinal wall is usually thinner. Inflammation and tumors need to be noted.
Tip: Intestinal obstruction and foreign bodies are more common in dogs, while cats are more common in inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal tumors. During ultrasound examination, the thickness, morphology and internal structure of the intestinal wall should be carefully observed to identify possible lesions.

Conclusion

Through detailed ultrasound image analysis and interpretation of anatomical differences, veterinarians can more accurately diagnose abdominal diseases in dogs and cats. Of course, this also relies on the veterinarian's rich experience and keen observation to accurately identify and distinguish various lesions during the diagnosis process.