Ultrasound Techniques for the Field Practitioner: Emphasis on the Neonate

Ultrasonographic examination of the thorax and abdomen of foals has been well described. (Reef 1998, Reimer 1998)The highest frequency transducer that penetrates to the area of interest should be used and the smallest depth of field necessary should be displayed. Many field practitioners will have a 5 – 7.5mHz Linear transducer available and this will suffice for most examinations in foals.

In many field situations it is adequate to apply isopropyl alcohol after ensuring that the coat is clean to provide surface contact between the transducer and the foal. The alcohol helps to reduce the intervening trapped air. This produces an inferior image than clip[ping and the use of ultrasound coupling gel, but in many instances extensive clipping is not tolerated by the owner. […]