Many veterinarians buy expensive ultrasound machines and quickly realize it takes tremendous effort to master ultrasound. In many cases they find they do not have the time or desire and the  machine winds up sitting in the corner. Other veterinarians never purchase an ultrasound machine because they are afraid of buying an ultrasound machine because they fear they will never be able to learn ultrasound.  These vets have more in common than you think. They both failed to determine their goals and needs prior to considering an ultrasound purchase.

The following is an analogy that will show why many veterinarians spend too much on machines and never use them; or fail to buy one even though they need one. The trick to buying an ultrasound machine is to first determine how you will use the machine. Once you know that, you can select a machine that will fit your needs.

A long winded analogy to make point.

Everyone has a hammer in their house. Most of us even have some basic carpentry skills. Very few of us are master cabinet makers. When we buy a hammer we never set out to learn how to do advanced carpentry. Everyone needs a hammer. Owning a house without a hammer is not an option.

Some of us will replace or refinish our kitchen. Most would agree that performing an internship with a master craftsman to learn to build our own cabinets would be a stupid waste of time. For most of us it is much more efficient and cost effective to just hire a cabinet maker.

Others of us will have the desire and passion to learn to build our own cabinets. Cabinet making might become our hobby.  For those who like working with their hands, they should be encouraged to do so. 

It is time for most veterinarians to start thinking of ultrasound like buying and learning to use a hammer rather than becoming a master cabinet maker. Every practice needs an ultrasound like every homeowner needs a hammer.  Just because you are a homeowner with a hammer does not mean you are committed to learning how to build cabinets like a master craftsman. Similarly buying an ultrasound does not mean that you desire to acquire all the skills of an experienced radiologist. There is a middle way. 

The middle way is to first determine your goals and how you intend to use the ultrasound machine. Then and only then can you go shopping and search for a machine that will help you fulfill those goals. There are three categories of veterinarians who use ultrasound:

Category 1: Cystocentesis and Emergency: You use your machine for emergency cases where referral is not an option. Searching for abdominal fluid, pericardial effusion, hemoabdomen, large abdominal masses etc. is your goal. You will also allow your technicians to obtain urine via cystocentesis. You work closely with your local specialist and intent to continue to refer cases to them. In our experience, most veterinarians ultimately fall into this category as they find they do not have the time or dedication to move into category 2. Unfortunately, many of them find that they bought “too much machine” as their machine has features they never learn to use. Other veterinarians nevery buy a machine because they believe they need all the bells, whistles, and expense necessary to move to category 2.

Category 2:  Proficient General Practice: You use your machine for most cases. You have at least 2-3 hours to devote to ultrasound each week in your first year and plan on attending multiple courses. You are prepared for the steep learning curve.  In addition to the common emergencies and abdominal masses, you would like to tackle cases such as icterus, vomiting, and azotemia. You intend to refer cases to the local specialist only in rare cases. In our experience, this is the goal of most (if not all) veterinarians who purchase ultrasound machines. Unfortunately, many do not reach this goal and instead of moving back to category 1, they place their machine in the corner and resent paying the lease payment every month.

Category 3: Specialist: You plan on doing a residency to learn all there is to learn about ultrasound. Ultimaely, a residency is necessary to learn the nuances that can only be learned by seeing dozens of cases and having a mentor (and a pathology department) give you feedback on your efforts.

In conclusion: The first step in buying an ultrasound machine is to know thyself. Do you want to take a common sense approach and buy a hammer or do you have the time and desire to become a master cabinet maker? Are you a category 1, category 2, or category 3 veterinarian?

Once you know your goals you are THEN AND ONLY THEN able to start shopping for equipment.  This is because they equipment you buy will depend on your category.

Coming soon: Buying ultrasound part 2: Equipment basics