Whether you work with companion animals in a clinic or examine large animals in the field, having the right ultrasound setup can support faster, more accurate diagnosis and more effective patient care.
With so many veterinary ultrasound systems available, choosing the right one can be challenging. In this guide, we compare some of the best veterinary ultrasound machines from leading brands, looking at their design, features, applications, compatible transducers, and other key factors to help you build the right setup for your practice.
Best Veterinary Ultrasound Machines by Medical Applications
Veterinary ultrasound machines rely on the same core imaging technology as human systems, but they are built or configured for a much wider range of patients, from small companion animals to horses and livestock. Depending on the model and transducers, a system can handle abdominal, cardiac, reproductive, musculoskeletal, and other exams.
Below, we review the best veterinary ultrasound machines from leading brands, including Fujifilm Sonosite, GE Healthcare, Samsung, Canon, and Mindray. Each section covers the machine’s key specifications and veterinary applications to help you compare the available options.
Sonosite Edge II Vet: Small-animal, Abdominal, Cardiac and MSK Imaging
Fujifilm Sonosite is an established name in point-of-care ultrasound, known for compact and durable systems. For veterinary practices that prioritize portability, the Sonosite Edge II Vet is one of the best veterinary ultrasound machines in its class, particularly for abdominal and emergency imaging in small animals.
The Sonosite Edge II Vet system was redesigned for the veterinary work environment and supports a broad selection of transducers for different types of examinations, including the C35x, L52x, and P10x, allowing veterinarians to adapt the system to different imaging applications.
Its features include broadband and tissue-specific imaging, biopsy needle guidance, exam-specific measurements and calculations, and Doppler functions for more detailed examinations. The Edge II Vet also includes continuous-wave and pulsed-wave Doppler audio output and ECG display.
Sonosite M Turbo: Equine Reproduction, Abdominal and MSK Imaging
The Sonosite M-Turbo is another portable point-of-care ultrasound system, widely used for bedside and procedural imaging. In veterinary practice, it can be used for abdominal, cardiac, musculoskeletal, and soft-tissue examinations in companion animals, equine patients, and other large animals.
Its specific veterinary applications depend on the transducer selected. For example, the Sonosite C11x can be used for abdominal and soft-tissue imaging in a range of veterinary patients. We’ll discuss transducer compatibility for M-Turbo and the other products listed in this article in more detail later.
GE Vivid Series: Veterinary Cardiovascular Imaging
When a practice sees a steady flow of heart cases, a dedicated echocardiography system makes a noticeable difference. The GE Healthcare Vivid Series is one of the best veterinary ultrasound machines for that job. GE built its Vivid series specifically for cardiology, so the whole platform is designed around imaging the heart rather than adapting a general-purpose scanner, and higher-end models add 4D imaging for a more complete view of cardiac structures. Addtionally, both transthoracic and transesophageal probes are available for different levels of case complexity.
Some models from this lineup are:
- Refurbished GE Vivid IQ Ultrasound: A portable system, created for convenient cardiac imaging across different rooms or at the patient’s bedside.
- Refurbished GE Vivid T8 Ultrasound: A console system, best for routine and advanced echocardiography in veterinary practices.
- Refurbished GE Vivid E95 Ultrasound: A console system, excellent for high-end cardiac imaging, including advanced 4D echocardiography.
Among these models, the compact GE Vivid IQ ultrasound stands out as the most portable option, allowing you to scan conveniently across different rooms or at the patient’s bedside.
GE Versana Series: Veterinary General Imaging
Not every clinic needs a top-tier system, and the GE Healthcare Versana Series is another strong option for day-to-day work. It’s an all-in-one platform with simple controls and automated image optimization, so staff can get consistent results without adjusting settings for every scan. GE also positions it as a more accessible option in price than its higher-end lines.
The series supports the examinations most common in daily practice, including abdominal imaging, pregnancy diagnosis, bladder assessment, and basic cardiac screening. Practices that need more advanced cardiac or specialty capabilities may be better served by the Vivid or LOGIQ series.
According to GE Healthcare, the two ideal models of the Versana family include:
- Refurbished GE Versana Essential Ultrasound: An all-in-one console system, best for practices looking for a straightforward option for routine diagnostic imaging.
- Refurbished GE Versana Premier Ultrasound: An all-in-one console system, best for practices looking for a more capable option within the Versana family.
GE Vscan Air: Veterinary Bedside Imaging
For quick assessments at the patient’s side, the GE Healthcare Vscan Air is one of the best portable veterinary ultrasound machines, built for focused abdominal, thoracic, and emergency assessments. This wireless, pocket-sized system uses a dual-head probe that combines a curved and a linear array, so veterinarians can switch between deeper and more superficial views without changing transducers.
The compact design suits fast, focused exams in clinics, emergency settings, and mobile practice, where a full cart-based system would be impractical.
Canon Aplio i800: Exotic/small Animals Imaging
According to Canon Medical’s website, its ultrasound portfolio for veterinary sonography and animal examinations includes the Aplio Go, Aplio Flex, Aplio A-Series, and Aplio i-series/Prism Edition.
Among these systems, the Aplio i800 has received positive feedback for taking exotic animal imaging to the next level, particularly when detailed imaging is required for more challenging examinations. This machine offers features such as 3rd Harmonic Imaging (3-HI), SMI Angio for improved visualization of microvascular flow and fine vessels, and Auto Tune for Shear Wave Elastography.
However, when looking at the best veterinary ultrasound machines, there is an important distinction: Canon does not currently offer an ultrasound system specifically dedicated to veterinary imaging. Instead, the mentioned machines are multipurpose ultrasound systems primarily designed for broader imaging applications. With the right transducer and configuration, however, these systems can also be adapted for veterinary examinations across different animal species.
Samsung V8 Ultrasound: Veterinary for Abdominal, MSK and Small-parts Imaging
So far, we have looked at some of the best veterinary ultrasound machines from brands such as GE Healthcare, Fujifilm Sonosite, and Canon Medical. However, the list does not end there. Samsung also offers ultrasound systems that can support veterinary imaging, including the Samsung V8 Ultrasound.
The Samsung V8 Ultrasound is a console system suited to a broad range of veterinary examinations, including abdominal, musculoskeletal (MSK), and small-parts imaging. Its versatile configuration makes it a practical option for veterinary practices that perform different types of examinations.
Samsung HM70 EVO: General and Small-animal Imaging
Unlike the Samsung V8 console system discussed above, the Samsung HM70 EVO is a portable device for veterinary use, including small-animal and equine imaging.
It is considered one of the best portable veterinary ultrasound machines for practices that scan outside a fixed exam room, such as equine practitioners working in the field or small-animal teams handling triage and bedside exams. Its compact form is also useful for exotic patients, where a small footprint makes access easier.
The system covers abdominal, cardiac, vascular, musculoskeletal, emergency, and small-parts imaging, so a single unit can handle most routine scanning needs across species. For advanced cardiology or specialist work, one of Samsung’s console systems remains the stronger option.
Also, for practices looking for a more affordable option, a refurbished HM70 EVO can be a cost-effective alternative to buying a new portable ultrasound machine.
Mindray DP Series: General, Abdominal, Reproductive and Cardiac Imaging
The Mindray DP Series is another option when looking for the best portable veterinary ultrasound machines. In this series, the DP-50 Vet, DP-30 Vet, and DP-20 Vet are designed for animal imaging and support a variety of applications across companion animals, farm animals, equine, exotic, and wildlife imaging.
- Refurbished Mindray DP-50 Vet Ultrasound: a portable system designed for more advanced veterinary imaging and Doppler examinations.
- Refurbished Mindray DP-30 Vet Ultrasound: A portable system for versatile animal imaging, balancing imaging and Doppler capabilities.
- Refurbished Mindray DP-20 Vet Ultrasound: A portable and suitable choice for routine animal imaging and straightforward examinations.
Mindray Z60 Vet: General and Abdominal Imaging
Mindray Z60 is a dedicated veterinary system with comprehensive configurations and a portable, integrated design, making it suitable for animal ultrasound imaging.
The system combines advanced imaging technologies with features designed to improve image quality and examination efficiency. These include iClear for speckle reduction, PSH(Phase Shift Harmonic Imaging) for enhanced image quality, iScape for extended field-of-view imaging, iBeam for compound imaging, B-Steer for needle visualization, ExFOV for an expanded field of view, and Color M, Free Xros M, and TDI for advanced Doppler and cardiac imaging.
Compatible Probes for the Best Veterinary Ultrasound Machines
Different veterinary ultrasound systems require specific transducers depending on the system, the animal being examined, and the type of examination. Common veterinary probes include convex, linear, phased-array, and microconvex transducers, each designed for different imaging needs and anatomical areas.
For example, a convex array transducer can be a suitable choice for abdominal imaging in larger animals because it provides a wider field of view and can reach deeper structures. For smaller animals or more superficial examinations, however, a linear or microconvex transducer may provide better image quality and access to the area being examined. The appropriate probe can therefore vary even when using the same ultrasound machine for different patients.
Looking for the right probe for your vet ultrasound system? Explore our refurbished veterinary probes below to find the right option for your imaging needs.
Refurbished Veterinary Transducers
Best Veterinary Ultrasound Machines at a Glance
To make it easier to compare the best veterinary ultrasound machines discussed in this guide, the table below provides an at-a-glance overview of their key features, including system type, transducer compatibility, imaging modes, and main veterinary applications.
| Ultrasound Machine | Type | 3 Popular / Representative Compatible Transducers | Imaging Modes | Main Applications |
| Sonosite Edge II Vet | Portable | C11x, L52x, rC60xi | B, M, Color, PW/CW Doppler | General, abdominal, cardiac, MSK |
| Sonosite M-Turbo Vet | Portable | L25x, C60x, P10x | B, M, Color, Doppler | General, cardiac, abdominal, MSK |
| GE Vivid Series | Console/Cart Based | 6S-D, 4V-D, 8V-D | 2D, 3D/4D, Doppler | Cardiovascular Ultrasound |
| GE Versana Series | Console / Portable | C1-5-RS, 8C-RS, L8-18i-RS | B, M, Color Doppler | Abdominal, pregnancy, bladder, basic cardiac |
| GE Vscan Air | Handheld | Vscan Air CL, Vscan Air SL | B, Color Doppler, etc. | POCUS, general, abdominal |
| Canon Aplio i800 | Console | PVT-375BT, PVI-475BT, PLT-704S | 2D, Doppler, advanced modes | General, abdominal, exotic |
| Samsung V8 | Console | CA1-7S, PA1-5A/AE, CA3-10A | B, M, Doppler | Abdominal, MSK, small parts |
| Samsung HM70 EVO | Portable | CA1-7AD, PA1-5A/AE, LA2-9R Vet | B, M, Color, Doppler | General, cardiac, abdominal, veterinary |
| Mindray DP-50 Vet | Portable | 35C50EA, 65C15EA, 75L38EA | B, M, Color Doppler | General, abdominal, reproductive |
| Mindray DP-30 Vet | Portable | 35C50EA, 65C15EA, 75L38EA | B, M, Color Doppler | Routine, abdominal, reproductive |
| Mindray DP-20 Vet | Portable | 35C50EA, 65C15EA, 75L38EA | B, M | Routine veterinary imaging |
| Mindray Z60 Vet | Portable | 6C2P, 3C5P, 7L4P | B, M, Color, TDI, etc. | General, abdominal, cardiac, MSK |
How to Choose From the Best Veterinary Ultrasound Machines
Now that you are familiar with some of the best veterinary ultrasound machines from leading brands, including both portable and console-based systems, the next step is to choose the right one for your practice. The best choice depends on several factors, including the type and size of animals you examine, the applications you need, portability, available features, and your budget.
- If you mainly examine companion animals or need to perform examinations in different locations, a portable veterinary ultrasound machine can offer greater flexibility and convenience.
- For clinics and hospitals that perform more advanced or specialized examinations, a high-end console system may be a better choice, particularly when advanced imaging and Doppler capabilities are important.
- Your budget should also play an important role in the decision. If you have a limited budget, refurbished ultrasound machines can provide more affordable options while still offering reliable performance.
All of the best veterinary ultrasound machines listed above are also available in refurbished condition through Elzhen, giving veterinary professionals more options to find a system that fits their clinical needs and budget.
Conclusion
Ultrasound imaging is not limited to human medicine. Animals, from companion and farm animals to equine, exotic, and wildlife species, can also benefit from regular diagnostic examinations, and veterinary ultrasound provides a safe and non-invasive approach for many clinical needs.
In this guide, we explored some of the best veterinary ultrasound machines from leading brands and compared their key features, applications, portability, and configurations.
If you are still unsure which system is right for your practice, you can contact the Elzhen team, share your specific requirements, and get help choosing a veterinary ultrasound setup that best fits your needs.
