Understanding Veterinary Ultrasound Machine: Common Questions All in One

It is well known that ultrasound equipment has become an indispensable tool in animal hospitals and farms. However, many novice breeders and veterinarians often encounter various questions when purchasing and using ultrasound equipment. This blog will answer some common questions to help you better understand the selection and use of ultrasound equipment.

1. How does an animal ultrasound machine work?

During an ultrasound examination, the transducer converts electric current into sound waves and transmits them into the body tissue. The sound waves are blocked by tissue structures and reflected back to the transducer, which converts the sound waves into electric current. The computer converts the electrical signal pattern into an image, which is displayed on the monitor and recorded as a digital computer image. Since no X-rays are used, there is no radiation exposure during the ultrasound examination, and you do not need to worry about ultrasound examinations harming animals.

2. What are the main functions of animal ultrasound equipment?

The main functions of ultrasound equipment include:
Pregnancy detection: It can accurately detect the pregnancy status of animals, the vitality of the fetus, the due date, etc.
Disease diagnosis: It helps to identify abnormalities in abdominal organs and intervene as early as possible to avoid serious diseases.
Health monitoring: Regular checkups can identify potential health problems and take timely measures.

3. What factors should be considered when purchasing an ultrasound machine?

When choosing an ultrasound machine, you need to consider the following factors:

Purpose: Clarify the main purpose of your purchase of the device, such as pregnancy testing or disease diagnosis, which determines what machine model you want to buy and what probe to match.

Usage scenario: Whether it is used for outdoor ranches or pet hospitals or laboratories, this determines what appearance of ultrasound machine you need to buy, portable and laptop, or fixed cart-type.

Animal size: Different animals have different probes. Choosing the right probe ensures that the device is suitable for your target animal.

Budget: Set a reasonable budget according to your own needs. Compared with "buying expensive", "buying the right" is more important.

4. How to choose an ultrasound machine that suits your animal?

Dawei is known for its high cost-effectiveness and friendly after-sales service, suitable for various veterinary needs. The following will take Dawei as an example to explain how to choose a machine that meets your needs.

In terms of appearance, Dawei's ultrasound machines are divided into three types: portable, laptop, and cart-type.

• Portable: ergonomic design, can be operated with one hand, suitable for outdoor farms.
• Laptop: can be opened and closed like a laptop, also suitable for outdoor farms, at the same time, the laptop animal ultrasound machine will be more powerful, in line with the needs of pet hospitals.
• Trolley: the most powerful type of animal ultrasound machine, can be used for rare animals. Suitable for animal hospitals, scientific research teaching or laboratories, but due to the high price, only a few animal hospitals will choose a trolley animal ultrasound machine.

Summary: Outdoor farms can choose portable animal ultrasound machines, pet hospitals can choose laptop ultrasound machines or trolley ultrasound machines, and laboratories or rare animals can use trolley animal ultrasound machines.

5. How to choose a probe?

Linear array probe:
Features: This probe has parallel crystals that can produce high-resolution images, especially suitable for shallow tissue and small animals.
Application: Mainly used for bone examination, superficial tissue (such as skin, muscle), blood vessels and small animals.

Convex array probe:
Features: This probe has arc-shaped crystals, suitable for deep tissue examination, providing a wide field of view.
Application: Mainly used for abdominal examination, examination of large animals (such as horses, cattle, pigs), and animal pregnancy examination.

Micro-convex array probe:
Features: This probe has a smaller contact surface than the standard convex array probe, suitable for small spaces and difficult-to-access areas.
Application: Commonly used for abdominal examination and cardiac examination of small animals, and also for obstetric examination of small animals.

Phase array probe:
Features: This probe can provide high frame rate and high-resolution images of deep tissue, and is often used for cardiac examination.
Application: Mainly used for cardiac ultrasound examination of animals.

Rectal probe:
Features: This probe is designed for in vivo examination and provides high-resolution images.
Application: Used for rectal examination of animals, especially during pregnancy.

Backfat probe:
Features: The probe can be equipped with a holder, which is designed to facilitate contact with the animal's back, ensuring the accuracy and convenience of measurement.
Application: Used to measure the backfat thickness and eye muscle area of ​​livestock, calculate lean meat rate, evaluate the health status and meat quality of animals, and help farmers with breeding selection and feeding management.

6. How to maintain the ultrasound machine?

Proper maintenance can extend the service life of the ultrasound machine. Here are some maintenance suggestions:
Clean the probe and the machine in time after each use.
Avoid pulling the probe wire, and handle it with care when using it to avoid bumps.
If the machine is not used for a long time, it should be powered on regularly to avoid battery damage.
Use coupling agent during inspection, and do not use other oil liquids instead.

Conclusion

It is crucial for farmers and veterinarians to understand the basic knowledge and common problems of ultrasound machines. By reading this blog, you can better choose and use ultrasound equipment. If you have other questions, please feel free to ask us.