Description
Ultrasound is one of the most powerful tools for making diagnoses in neonatal foals. For many conditions, a diagnostic image can be obtained with a reproductive scanner. Lung lesions can only be imaged if they are on the surface of the lung. Common changes seen are comet tails, consolidation and abscesses. An impression of the heart can be obtained with a reproductive scanner, but definitive diagnosis may require a phased array or sector probe.
Excess hypoechoic fluid in the abdomen is usually a sign of a ruptured bladder, but may occasionally occur with gastrointestinal lesions. Ultrasound is useful for diagnosing intussusceptions, other small intestinal lesions and enterocolitis. Ultrasound may also be used to examine the joints.
