Computed tomography may be the imaging modality of choice for diagnosing haemorrhage after trauma; however, it has limited availability in veterinary medicine, requires sedation or anaesthesia to restrain the animal, and is expensive. Ultrasound, in many situations, offers a portable, rapid and economic alternative. This article reviews the use of ultrasound by veterinary surgeons in the emergency setting. Both thoracic and abdominal applications are described.
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