By Alireza Ghadiri
Professor, DVM, DVSc
Board Certified Veterinary Radiologist
In urgent cases requiring swift and accurate diagnostic assessments, small animal clinicians, specializing in dogs and cats, often rely on ultrasonography as a valuable tool in veterinary medicine. With real-time visualization capabilities and a non-invasive nature, ultrasound plays a pivotal role in emergency situations, allowing veterinarians to provide prompt and effective care for their patients.
One important aspect of emergency ultrasonography is the use of Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST), which includes abdominal (AFAST) and thoracic (TFAST) examinations. These focused scans can be performed by individuals with minimal ultrasonographic experience, enabling rapid assessment of trauma-related injuries in dogs and cats. However, it’s crucial to note that FAST scans are not meant to replace a comprehensive examination conducted by a board-certified radiologist, who specializes in small animal care.
FAST scans are particularly useful in evaluating traumatic injuries, such as abdominal and thoracic trauma in dogs and cats. They aid in detecting internal bleeding, organ damage, or pneumothorax, providing critical information for prompt decision-making in emergency situations. Additionally, emergency ultrasonography proves valuable in assessing conditions such as acute abdominal pain, respiratory distress, cardiovascular emergencies, abdominal mass or distention, obstetric emergencies, and suspected urogenital abnormalities in dogs and cats.
- FAST stands for Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma and can be classified as abdominal (AFAST) or thoracic (TFAST).
- AFAST and TFAST can be performed by persons with minimal ultrasonographic experience.
- Although FAST scans are especially useful, they are no substitute for a full examination by a board-certified radiologist.
By familiarizing themselves with these indications, small animal clinicians specializing in dogs and cats can make informed decisions and effectively utilize emergency ultrasonography to enhance patient care and outcomes during critical situations. Continuous professional development and collaboration with board-certified radiologists specializing in small animal care are essential to stay at the forefront of emergency ultrasonography in veterinary medicine.
In conclusion, emergency ultrasonography, particularly through the use of AFAST and TFAST, plays a crucial role in small animal emergency care, benefiting dogs and cats. By incorporating this diagnostic tool and understanding its principles, veterinarians specializing in dogs and cats can quickly assess traumatic injuries and various critical conditions, leading to improved patient outcomes and better overall care.