Sonographic imaging of physiological ovaries in the cat

Ultrasound evaluation of the ovaries is an important element of the gynaecological examination. Although it is a well-established method used for many domestic animals, it is an uncommon procedure in cats. This article describes the technical requirements, the examination procedure, and the sonographic appearance of the physiological ovary in the cat. The examination can be performed with the cat in lateral position or dorsal recumbency. Usually the ovaries are found caudal to the kidneys which serve as lead structure. The median size of an ovary in anestrous is 0.9 cm (length) x 0.5 cm (height) x 0.4 cm (width). The ovaries of cyclical (follicular and luteal phase) cats are easier to detect than ovaries of cats in interestrous or anestrous.