Real-time ultrasound is well-suited to early detection of feline IBD and assessment for pancreatitis. For pet owners interested in an accurate abdominal ultrasound but with limited financial resources, real-time ultrasound can help in assessing the bowel and pancreas.

While both IBD and GI lymphoma can have bowel wall thickening (muscularis), GI lymphoma is far more common in cases that have loss of wall layering or specific lymph node changes.

Real-time ultrasound allows the sonographer and radiologist to collaborate over the Internet looking for the changes more typical of IBD vs. GI lymphoma and assessing for pancreatitis. The real-time option is a very effective preventive care and early diagnostic tool for feline GI disease.