A device and method for analyzing characteristics of a fluid. The device is a bolus arranged to remain within the fluid for the analysis. The bolus includes a sensor module, a fluid analysis module, a fluid pumping module and a control and data transmission module. The sensor module includes a transducer element to generate acoustic signals and convert acoustic signals. The information derived from generating and receiving acoustic signals is used to obtain information about constituents and conditions of the fluid. That information may be transferred to a near or remote location for analysis. The device and analysis method are suitable for evaluating the health of animals. The device may be used in a telemedicine environment at an animal health facility. It may also be uploaded to a database for use in the analysis of a group of sources of fluid, such as a herd of cows.
