Use of arm-free devices in bovine reproductive ultrasound

Abstract

Ultrasonography has been employed in bovine practice since the 1980s for visualizing and evaluating the reproductive tract, diagnosing pregnancy, identifying anomalies, and determining the age and gender of a fetus. The modality has advanced quickly since then, introducing new technologies, techniques, and equipment to facilitate its use and improve its accuracy and efficacy. Among these advancements is the advent of arm-free ultrasound with the use of a transducer handle, which allows the user to conduct an ultrasound exam without inserting his or her arm into the rectum of the animal. The intention is to increase exam speed, decrease animal discomfort, improve reach, and reduce chronic and overuse injuries to the operator. We conducted a survey to determine why and how ultrasonographers employ this tool, whether they had experienced any negative consequences from its use, and what effect it has on their reproductive practice.