Ultrasound is a great imaging modality that can add value to a veterinary practice, allowing them to offer new services in-house. But for some practices, a mobile ultrasound may be the best choice. 

This includes mobile small animal practitioners, equine and large animal vets, and even some veterinary practices that may want to move their equipment between rooms or cage sides.

If you’re looking to purchase a portable veterinary ultrasound machine, here are some things to consider…

Which Components and Features Do You Need?

Before comparing the purchase price of different manufacturers and vendors, it’s important to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples.

So, make a list of the things you must have with your ultrasound machine, as well as a list of ‘nice-to-haves’. Here are some possibilities…

• Transducers. Which type of transducer(s) are included with the machine? Ultrasound probes or transducers come in different shapes and frequencies, which are used for different purposes and different species/sizes of patients. So, it’s important to make sure you’re getting the options you need, based on your practice type, the patients you see, and the services you plan to offer.

• Functions and features. Does the machine offer all the operating functions that you need for your studies? And what about features like color Doppler, or the ability to make measurements and annotations on the screen? Doppler technology can be indispensable for certain types of ultrasound studies. Color Doppler provides a look at blood flow, which is crucial when evaluating the heart and helpful for identifying vascular landmarks for certain abdominal structures.

• Durability. For vets who make farm calls, it’s important to purchase a unit that can handle being out in dust, humidity, and temperature fluctuations, as well as something that travels well. 

• Power and connectivity. Do you always have reliable power outlets available, or are there some cases when a battery-powered machine would be needed? And how will your images and videos be stored or added to your practice management software?

• Support. Is there a technical support line available 24/7? And is the company stable—meaning, are support and replacement parts expected to be available in the next few years?

How Much Do Portable Veterinary Ultrasound Machines Cost?

Veterinary ultrasounds are highly variable in price, depending on the quality of the machine itself and what’s included. But the average price of a portable veterinary ultrasound is about $10,000 to $25,000.

Some units can cost significantly more, especially if they come with multiple probes and extended service plans, and warranties.

To the other extreme, there are some units that only cost between $1,000 to $5,000. Typically, these inexpensive units are handheld and compact, and they may be able to hook up to a smartphone. They typically don’t offer the capability of seeing everything in fine detail. But they may be a good option for vets who only plan to do things like ultrasound-guided cystocenteses or quick checks for free fluid in the chest or abdomen.

Financial Considerations

In addition to the purchase price, plan for long-term expenses. This could include routine service and maintenance costs, renewing a warranty, updating software, unexpected repairs, and anything else that could come up over time.

Also, investigate your financing options. Will you purchase the equipment outright using saved business funds? Or does it make more sense to do monthly payments via financing from the vendor or a bank?

Don’t forget to factor in tax savings, too.

Talking to a financial professional, especially one who is familiar with the veterinary industry, can help. This advisor or consultant can also help you determine how much to charge for the new ultrasound services your practice will offer.

Maximize the Return on Your Investment

Many veterinary patients can benefit from ultrasound studies. But in order to schedule a lot of studies and earn a profit with the new equipment, a vet must be able to perform an ultrasound study with confidence and in a timely manner.

Ultrasound is not covered in most veterinary schools to nearly the same extent as x-rays. And the use of the probe and interpretation of what’s on the screen are not always intuitive. Therefore, many vets require in-depth training and a lot of practice before becoming comfortable performing ultrasound studies.

For all these reasons, if a practice is investing in a new ultrasound machine, it also makes sense to invest in training. That way, the machine can be used with confidence and efficiency. 

A vet doesn’t have to have these skills mastered at the time a machine is purchased. But at least one vet at the practice should have a commitment to learning how to use the ultrasound.

The right portable ultrasound purchase will vary from practice to practice, depending on the practice type, budget, and other factors. 

But by carefully considering all these things ahead of time, it will be easier to determine which machine suits your practice’s needs and to ensure your equipment investment pays off.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM