As regular visitors to the Vet Image Solutions website will know, I have written numerous articles discussing the seemingly unlimited uses for ultrasound. With a specific focus on veterinary ultrasound, pregnancy detection, ocular scanning and tracking/identification are just some of the uses for ultrasound within the animal kingdom. It should be noted that these articles are still available to view on the website.

Ironically however, I continue to be surprised when I continue to stumble upon further uses for ultrasound. I say ironically as for someone who reads and writes about ultrasound on a regular basis, I should really be used to this by now! The ‘ultrasound bandwagon’ appears to be acquiring more and more ‘passengers’ on a daily basis - from the diagnosis of liver disease (Dr. Pandula Siribaddana) to drug administration (James Trew) to carpal tunnel release (de La Fuente, J. 2012). Furthermore an additional type of ultrasound termed ‘doppler ultrasonography’ is instrumental in detecting blood flow, and therefore aids in cardiovascular studies (Wikipedia). Following on the SonoScape S6v comes with Doppler, and more information can be found on our website. With the increasing advances in technology, a simultaneous increase in uses for ultrasonography is likely to follow…perhaps that bandwagon should be upgraded to an articulated lorry?

In addition, I was somewhat shocked to discover that ultrasound gifts are also available for purchase. One particular company ‘lilsugar’ give expectant mothers the option to transform their ultrasound images into a variety of fun and quirky items. These include the more ‘mundane’ t-shirts, to stamps, cupcake images and my personal favourite, scratch cards! Although these items are currently directed towards us humans, I can envisage similar gifts becoming available within the land of veterinary ultrasound in the near future.

It is easy to see the benefits of using ultrasound when you consider the ease of use, non-invasive and painless nature of this technique. I am constantly coming across novel uses for ultrasound imaging within the health and medical industries, and I hope I never cease to be amazed! Finally, for up-to date ultrasound information, why not follow us on Twitter (VIS_UK) and let us know of any more uses for ultrasound that have not currently been discussed?