Behind the Probe: My Experience Volunteering at an Ultrasonography Conference

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~ Measuring Fetal Heart Rate for a 45-day-old unborn pup ~

Something is electrifying about being surrounded by professionals who speak the language of images - grayscale screens, probe angles, and diagnostic precision.

The “Canine and Feline Diagnostic Ultrasonography” Conference, held at Mumbai Veterinary College, Goregaon, was one such experience, bringing together veterinarians, radiologists, and students eager to deepen their understanding of small animal imaging.

A Glimpse into Diagnostic Precision


The conference focused on the expanding applications of ultrasonography in small animal medicine - from abdominal and thoracic imaging to reproductive diagnostics. Each system was covered in sections of the event and focused on how to locate the structure and discern abnormalities from the norm.

~ Sonographic image of a bladder with calculi
Arrow: Ring down artefact; S: acoustic shadow ~

The images that had once confused me as swirls of grey and black became clear as day when the explanations combined anatomical positions and a mental 3D picture, helping young participants like me make more sense of the scans.

For example, a helpful start was learning the practice of using the urinary bladder as the ‘acoustic guide’ and navigating to the right kidney, liver, spleen and then left kidney while taking measurements of each. 

Volunteering: Learning Beyond the Lecture Hall

As a volunteer, I was part of the team responsible for getting forms and restraining the patients to allow participants to practice ultrasound imaging. While volunteering may seem like a work-centred task, the position offered a front-row seat to the procedure and imaging, allowing me to grasp information gleaned first-hand and ask doubts as my (very unhappy) patient hissed and clawed at me.

Between ensuring smooth transitions between sessions and observing live ultrasound demonstrations, I witnessed a seamless interplay of precision, patience and pattern recognition that begets harmony between technology and clinical reasoning.

Conference Highlights

  • Hands-on Demonstrations: Live scanning sessions on dogs and cats showcased subtle yet critical probe handling techniques.
  • Interactive Discussions: Case-based presentations encouraged participants to interpret findings and refine their diagnostic approach.
  • Technology Insights: Presentations on advanced portable ultrasound units and Doppler imaging underlined how accessibility and accuracy are reshaping diagnostics.

Watching Life in the Canine Womb

~ An absolutely adorable image of a pup's face ~

Day 3 of the conference focused on reproductive anomalies and diagnoses - these were, of course, not without us witnessing the marvel of life. I had the fortunate experience of handling and watching the ultrasound of a young momma dog. Albeit scared, she was a wonderful little Indie growing 4 (that we could count) of the cutest little ankle-biters.

Beyond the Books

Volunteering at the conference was more than just helping out - it was an immersive learning experience.

Watching seasoned practitioners interpret faint echoes and grayscale shadows into meaningful diagnoses was a reminder that ultrasonography is as much an art as it is a science.

Events like these reaffirm why I chose this field. They bridge the gap between textbooks and clinics, offering a rare opportunity to observe veterinary medicine in motion - dynamic, precise, and endlessly fascinating.

That's all, folks.

Was this article helpful or lacking in any way? Drop in your responses and critiques in the comments; they’ll be most beneficial in helping this blog grow.

Any questions and ideas about future articles would be appreciated :)

I will be posting more articles covering rehabilitation, enclosures, diet, free flight, and training with various species, including turtles, snakes, dogs, and more.


If you have any changes you'd like to add or would like to request, feel free to contact me through the social media channels mentioned below.

  • Gmail - namratansahoo@gmail.com

 





Namrata Sahoo is an aspiring veterinarian with a deep passion for wildlife, exotic pets, and animal behavior. Through The Vet Diaries, she brings together her experiences, reflections, and scientific insights to make veterinary science accessible and relatable. Here, complex topics from animal health, behavior, and welfare are translated into accessible, engaging narratives. From reptile quirks to avian care and rodent myths, each article is crafted to bridge the gap between science and empathy — helping readers understand not just how to care for animals, but why they behave the way they do. Whether you're a vet student, pet parent, or just someone fascinated by the animal world, The Vet Diaries invites you to explore, question, and learn through curiosity and compassion.

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