How Much Does a Dog Ultrasound Cost?

Ultrasounds allow vets to get a view of a pet’s internal organs. They can reveal things that X-rays can’t, but how much do they cost? You can expect to pay between $348 and $883 for an ultrasound without pet insurance. The U.S. average is $453, but costs vary based on your location and other factors.¹

Let’s take a closer look at how ultrasounds work, what determines the cost, and how a dog insurance policy could help you cover related expenses.

What Is an Ultrasound?

An ultrasound, also known as a sonogram, is an imaging technique that uses sound waves. Unlike a radiograph (X-ray), ultrasounds allow veterinarians to get a noninvasive look at your pup’s soft tissues.²

X-rays use low levels of radiation to quickly produce an image of your dog’s bones. Any soft tissue, from cartilage to organs, will only show up as a void or “shadow.” There is no radiation involved in an ultrasound. Instead, ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to build detailed images of tissue, but it can’t be used to examine bone.² Which one your vet will use depends on what they’re looking for.

Types of dog ultrasounds

There are different types of ultrasounds depending on what part of the dog your vet needs to see. They are:³

• Abdominal ultrasound: This scans the abdomen and is used to detect bleeding or an intestinal blockage.
• Echocardiogram: An ultrasound examination of the heart. Evaluates the structure of the heart, including the heart chambers, blood flow, and the pericardial sac that encloses the heart.
• Single-organ ultrasound: A scan that focuses on one organ. For example, a pregnant dog would have their uterus scanned.
• Thoracic ultrasound: A scan used to examine the lungs and the space around them.
• Soft-tissue ultrasound: This scan evaluates the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of your dog.

Dog Ultrasound Cost Factors

As previously mentioned, the typical range for a dog ultrasound cost is $348 – $883.¹ Several factors can influence the price of the procedure:

• Time: Ultrasounds take longer than an X-ray to produce an image, which is partly why they cost more. Depending on what the vet is looking for, your dog’s ultrasound could last longer and may cost more.
• Location: Where you live can actually impact how much you pay for veterinary care. Visiting a small town’s clinic is typically going to cost less than a location in the city.
• Expertise: Ultrasounds can be done by a general practice vet or a sonogram specialist. Having to use a specialist could increase the cost of the ultrasound.
• Sedation: Most dogs won’t require any sedation during an ultrasound. If your dog is particularly aggressive or anxious, however, then the vet may need to sedate them for the duration of the scan. This will bump up the total cost of the ultrasound.

When Will My Vet Recommend an Ultrasound?

You’re probably most familiar with ultrasounds as a way to check on fetal development during pregnancy. If you have a pregnant pooch, your vet will likely use an ultrasound to do just that. However, because ultrasounds can give vets a look at your dog’s organs and soft tissue, there are plenty of other reasons a vet might recommend an ultrasound:^1,3

• If your dog has a suspected intestinal blockage
• If your dog swallowed an object
• If blood and urine tests indicate kidney or bladder issues
• If your dog has suffered a traumatic injury
• If your dog is experiencing heart problems
• If your dog may have cancer
• If your dog has abnormal lab work

What can I expect during my dog’s ultrasound?

Ultrasounds are noninvasive and painless. The worst your dog will have to endure is a light shave. Sound waves actually don’t travel well through air, so ultrasounds require a gel known as a coupling medium to replace the air between the ultrasound wand and your dog’s skin. The gel needs to be on bare skin, so your vet will likely have to shave the fur where the ultrasound will take place. Most dogs don’t mind this at all, and might actually enjoy the nice belly rub!

Is an ultrasound for a dog worth the price?

Ultrasounds may be pricey, but they’re usually worth the cost. It’s often the only way for your vet to identify what might be making your dog sick. CT and MRI scans are alternative methods for imaging soft tissue and bones. The images are more detailed, but they require anesthesia and are typically more expensive.³

At the end of the day, we all want to do what’s best for our furry family. If your vet recommends an ultrasound, it’s a good idea to trust their expertise.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Ultrasounds for Dogs?

Whether it’s a routine check or something more crucial, the bill is the last thing any pet parent wants to worry about when their dog needs an ultrasound. Fortunately, pet insurance could help you cover the cost of the procedure. Consider Dandelion, a Boston terrier from Louisville, KY. Dandelion’s pet parents brought her to the vet when they suspected she ate a sock. The vet did an ultrasound, and MetLife Pet covered $315 of the $350 bill.⁴

An accident-only policy will reimburse the price of ultrasounds if your dog gets hurt and needs emergency care. Scans for pregnancy and chronic issues typically won’t be covered unless you have an accident and illness policy (assuming the chronic issue isn’t a pre-existing condition).

How much you can expect to save depends on the premium, deductible,⁵ and reimbursement rate of your plan. MetLife Pet Insurance offers policies starting at $16 per month for one dog and reimbursement rates up to 90%.^6,7 That could mean a whole heap of savings for you and your pup. Find out more by getting a free quote today.