What Vets Should Consider Before Investing in Portable Ultrasound Systems

Ces dernières années, portable ultrasound systems have revolutionized veterinary medicine, particularly in large animal and field-based practices. As the demand for real-time, précis, and non-invasive diagnostic tools continues to grow, veterinarians around the world are increasingly considering portable ultrasound units as a valuable investment. Toutefois, deciding which system to purchase—and whether to purchase one at all—is not a decision to be made lightly. From image quality and battery life to species compatibility and after-sales support, there are numerous critical factors that practitioners must weigh.

Dans cet article, we explore the key considerations for veterinarians before investing in portable ultrasound systems. Drawing from both clinical experience and global veterinary insights, we aim to help practitioners make informed, practical decisions that align with their practice needs and long-term goals.

The Expanding Role of Ultrasound in Veterinary Medicine

Ultrasound imaging has become a mainstay in both small and large animal veterinary care. According to a 2024 report by the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP), over 60% of large animal vets in North America now use portable ultrasound devices for reproductive and musculoskeletal evaluations, while in Europe, usage among mixed-practice vets exceeds 70%.

This growth is driven by the versatility of ultrasound—particularly in diagnosing pregnancy, monitoring fetal development, assessing tendon injuries, and guiding reproductive procedures like artificial insemination or embryo transfer. Compared to X-rays or MRIs, ultrasound offers a safer, faster, and more field-appropriate solution for real-time visualization.

1. Assessing Clinical Needs: What Will You Use It For?

The most important question before investing is: What clinical tasks will the ultrasound be used for? A vet in a bovine reproductive practice will need very different features than a small animal practitioner or an equine orthopedic specialist.

• Large Animal Reproduction: If the focus is on cattle or sheep pregnancy diagnosis, the device must support transrectal or abdominal probes with clear fetal imaging and deep penetration.

• Equine Musculoskeletal Scans: Higher frequency linear probes are crucial for tendon, ligament, or joint evaluation in horses.

• Small Animal Abdominal Imaging: A curved array probe with adjustable depth is necessary for evaluating organs like the liver, bladder, et les intestins.

Understanding your target species and use cases ensures you don’t overpay for unnecessary features or, conversely, invest in a device that underdelivers in clinical performance.

2. Image Quality and Resolution

High image resolution is not just a luxury—it’s essential for accurate diagnosis. Whether scanning an early-stage bovine fetus or evaluating subtle tendon damage in a racehorse, clarity matters.

• Frequency Range: Choose systems offering a range of 3.5 MHz to 10 MHz to allow flexibility between deep and superficial imaging.

• Montrer: An HD screen (7–10 inches) improves diagnostic confidence, especially in field lighting conditions.

• Image Optimization: Features like time-gain compensation (TGC), dynamic range adjustment, and digital zoom greatly enhance usability.

Veterinarians across the U.S. and Europe consistently rank image quality as their top priority when choosing an ultrasound device, according to a 2023 global survey by the Veterinary Diagnostic Forum.

3. Portability and Battery Life

One of the main advantages of portable systems is the ability to perform scans in remote areas or barn settings. Toutefois, not all “portable” ultrasounds are equally practical.

• Weight and Design: Ideally, the unit should weigh less than 3 kg and be ergonomically designed for single-handed operation.

• Autonomie de la batterie: Field conditions may not permit regular charging. Look for systems offering 6+ hours of continuous use.

• Durability: A robust, imperméable, and dustproof body (IP56 or higher) ensures the machine can withstand the rigors of farm environments.

Veterinarians working in Australia and South America often cite long battery life and durability as key features due to extreme climate and remote working conditions.

4. Probe Versatility and Compatibility

A good portable ultrasound should support multiple probe types and quick probe switching. Look for systems with:

• Convex Probes – ideal for abdominal imaging in medium to large animals.

• Linear Probes – best for tendons and superficial structures.

• Rectal Probes – essential for bovine or equine reproductive work.

Many newer devices come with automatic probe recognition and offer USB or wireless connection capabilities. For mixed practices, being able to use one device across species and exam types greatly improves cost-effectiveness.

5. Ease of Use and Software Features

Intuitive interfaces are vital, especially for solo practitioners or in fast-paced environments. Key features include:

• Pre-set exam modes for different species or organs.

• Touchscreen functionality for easier navigation.

• Image storage and transfer via USB or cloud-based apps.

Some advanced systems even include AI-assisted measurements or automated calculations for fetal age, ovulation timing, or backfat thickness—features increasingly valued in livestock breeding programs in Europe and Canada.

6. Training and Technical Support

A top-tier machine is useless without adequate user training. Before purchasing, check:

• Does the company offer training sessions or webinars?

• Is customer support available in your region and language?

• How fast is the turnaround time for repairs or replacements?

In North America, companies with regional service centers and multilingual support are preferred. De la même façon, in parts of Asia and Africa, ease of getting spare parts or replacements is a dealbreaker.

7. Price vs. Long-Term Value

Cost is a key factor, but veterinarians are increasingly evaluating long-term return on investment (ROI) rather than just the sticker price.

• Lower-cost units (under $3,000) may be attractive but could compromise on image quality or support.

• Mid-range devices ($4,000–$7,000) tend to offer the best balance between performance and durability.

• High-end systems (above $8,000) come with advanced imaging features suitable for specialty practices.

Ultimately, a reliable ultrasound unit can reduce reliance on external labs, speed up diagnoses, and enhance client trust—benefits that translate into higher revenue and improved patient outcomes.

8. Regulatory Approvals and Warranty

Veterinarians in the U.S., EU, and other regulated regions must ensure the product has appropriate certifications such as CE, FDA, or ISO. Equally important is the warranty:

• Standard warranties range from 1 À 3 years.

• Extended warranties or service contracts are advisable for high-volume users.

9. Real-World Vet Feedback: What Practitioners Are Saying

• Dr. Hannah Lees, Equine Vet (UK): “I needed a lightweight unit with excellent tendon imaging. After trying several, I settled on a model that came with a clear linear probe and field-optimized battery.”

• Dr. Marc Bouchard, Dairy Vet (Canada): “Using a durable ultrasound with quick-start and real-time measurement tools helps me scan over 30 cows daily without fatigue.”

• Dr. Sarah Jennings, Mixed Practice (USA): “Ease of use was my top priority. The preset modes and touchscreen made scanning intuitive even under pressure.”

Conclusion

For today’s veterinarians—whether working with cattle in Texas, racehorses in the UK, or sheep in New Zealand—portable ultrasound systems have become an indispensable part of practice. But with the wide range of models available, from basic budget options to advanced AI-powered units, the key to successful investment lies in understanding your specific clinical needs.

By focusing on image clarity, probe versatility, portabilité, and long-term support, vets can select a system that not only enhances diagnostic capabilities but also delivers lasting value. For many, this investment marks the beginning of a more efficient, data-driven, and responsive veterinary service.

References

• American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP). (2024). Field Use of Portable Ultrasound in Bovine Reproduction. https://www.aabp.org

• Veterinary Diagnostic Forum. (2023). Veterinary Imaging Equipment Trends: Global Survey Report. https://www.vetdiagnosticforum.org

• Royal Veterinary College, London. (2022). Advancements in Portable Imaging for Mixed Practice Vets. https://www.rvc.ac.uk

• World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). (2023). Diagnostic Technologies in Field Veterinary Practice. https://www.woah.org