Superman’s Ultrasound Vision

Dr Nick grew up loving Superman, especially Superman’s X-ray vision. Now a vet, Dr Nick uses ultrasound waves to see inside animals without anaesthesia or invasive surgery. One could argue it is not unlike Superman’s X-Ray vision!

With extensive training in New Zealand, Australia, China, and Hong Kong, Dr. Nick has established himself as an exceptional Veterinary Sonologist. Omokoroa Pet Vets welcomes ultrasound referrals from clinics in Tauranga, Rotorua, and beyond. Dr. Nick has also been invited to other clinics across New Zealand to educate fellow veterinarians on this undeniably essential diagnostic tool.

Ultrasound is quick, cost effective (in comparison to other advanced imaging tools and exploratory surgery), doesn’t involve radiation, in many cases can be performed on a conscious patient, and in some cases Dr Nick can perform an ultrasound in the comfort of your own home with his portable ultrasound machine.

Common Ultrasound Applications at Omokoroa Pet Vets:

• Abdominal Imaging:

  • Organ Assessment: to evaluate the size, shape, and internal structures of organs like the liver, kidneys, intestines, gall bladder, and bladder. 

  • Fluid Accumulation: for detection of abnormal fluid in the abdomen or other body cavities. 

  • Mass Detection: for identification tumors or masses in the abdominal organs. 

  • Gastrointestinal Issues: ultrasound can aid in diagnosing conditions like pancreatitis, foreign bodies, and other gastrointestinal problems. 

  • Urinary Tract Issues: for diagnosis of conditions like kidney/bladder stones and urinary tract infections. 

• Reproduction:

  • Pregnancy Detection: Ultrasound is used to confirm pregnancy and determine the number of fetuses. 

  • Fetal Development Monitoring: It allows veterinarians to monitor the growth and development of the fetus during pregnancy. 

  • Assessing Fetal Heart Rates: Ultrasound can help determine if the fetuses are in distress.

• Musculoskeletal System:

  • Tendon and Ligament Evaluation: , helping diagnose injuries like tears or sprains. 

  • Joint Assessment: It can help evaluate joints for signs of inflammation or damage. 

• Cardiovascular System:

  • Echocardiography: examination of the heart, assessing its structure and function.

• Other Uses:

  • Guidance for Biopsies and Fluid Aspiration: Ultrasound can guide needles for taking tissue samples or aspirating fluid from body cavities. 

  • Trauma Assessment: Ultrasound can be used to assess for internal injuries after trauma. 

  • Screening for disease: new breeder requirements for some breed types needs ultrasound screening of particular organs in order to certify the breeding animals clear of disease eg. kidney ultrasound in Bull Terriers to screen for Polycystic Kidney Disease.