Ultrasound examination is the most under-used diagnostic technique in farm animal practice yet it often yields significant information that cannot be gleaned from a detailed clinical examination.

Ultrasound examination of any organ system in cattle and sheep takes less than five minutes and is an invaluable diagnostic technique.

Bovine Learning Objectives:

1. Chest

• Identification of common lung and pleural pathologies.
• Diagnosis of endocarditis & confirmation of septic pericarditis, cardiac tumors etc.
• Ultrasound findings to select antibiotic therapy.
• Applications after respiratory disease outbreak in calves, and in adult cattle after calving.

2. Abdomen

• Diagnose peritonitis, liver abscesses, pyelonephritis & intestinal torsion etc.

Ovine Learning Objectives:

1. Chest

• Identification of common lung and pleural pathologies.
• OPA diagnosis.
• Using ultrasound findings to select antibiotic therapy.
• Monitoring response of respiratory disease to antibiotic therapy over time.

2. Abdomen

• Early diagnosis of urolithiasis and secondary hydronephrosis.
• Detection of liver pathology caused by liver fluke.
• Identification and differentiation between peritoneal exudate and transudate.

3. Male Reproductive Tract

• Identification of epididymitis rather than orchitis/sperm granuloma.