Which type of veterinary imaging uses sound waves to create images of soft tissue?

Ultrasound is the correct choice because it utilizes high-frequency sound waves to produce images of soft tissues within the body. This imaging technique is particularly effective for visualizing organs, muscles, and other structures that do not have a solid composition, allowing veterinarians to evaluate conditions in real-time without the need for invasive procedures. Ultrasound can provide moving images, which is advantageous for assessing the function of organs, such as the heart.

In contrast, X-ray imaging involves the use of ionizing radiation to produce images of denser structures, like bones, and is not suitable for soft tissue examination. Magnetic resonance imaging relies on strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images, primarily of soft tissues, but it does not involve sound waves. A CT scan combines X-rays taken from different angles to create cross-sectional images, again focusing more on solid structures rather than the dynamics of soft tissues. The unique capability of ultrasound to deliver real-time imaging using sound waves makes it the preferred method for visualizing soft tissue in veterinary settings.