Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

Veterinary diagnostic imaging uses advanced technologies like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs to create images of the inside of your pet's body without surgery. These images are essential for diagnosing health problems, guiding treatments, and monitoring changes in your pet's health. Diagnostic imaging is a cornerstone of modern veterinary medicine.

Here's a breakdown of the common imaging technologies:

• Radiography (X-rays): Uses electromagnetic radiation to create images showing differences in the density of bones, tissues, and fluids. Great for visualizing bones, but also useful for some soft tissues.
• Ultrasonography (Ultrasound): Uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal organs. Safe and non-invasive, particularly useful for looking at soft tissues and fluid-filled structures.
• Computed Tomography (CT scan): Combines multiple X-ray images taken from different angles to create detailed 3D cross-sectional images of the body. Provides more detailed views than X-rays and is helpful for complex cases.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Uses powerful magnets and radio waves to generate 3D images based on the properties of different tissues. Provides the most detailed images of soft tissues and is often used for neurological exams and other specialized diagnostics.

What Happens During Vet Diagnostic Imaging?

Our veterinary radiologists use specialized, high-resolution equipment in our hospital to capture diagnostic images.

• X-rays: Your pet will be gently positioned, and images will be taken from different angles depending on the area of concern.
• Ultrasounds: A gel is applied to your pet's skin, and a transducer is moved across the area to create the images.
• CT/MRI: Your pet will need to remain still during the scan, but they are generally awake. These scans are relatively quick.

For most procedures, you can be near your pet. Afterward, you can review the images and discuss the results with the radiologist.

Why is Vet Diagnostic Imaging Important?

• Diagnosis: Images provide critical information about conditions that can't be seen from the outside, allowing for accurate diagnoses. Radiologists can identify signs of cancer, fractures, organ malformations, bladder stones, tumors, and many other conditions.
• Treatment Guidance: Images help guide minimally invasive procedures, such as biopsies.
• Monitoring: They allow veterinarians to track the progression of diseases over time and adjust treatments as needed.
• Early Detection: By identifying internal problems early, imaging often leads to better outcomes for your pet.

Diagnostic imaging allows veterinarians to "see" inside your pet's body, providing valuable information for better diagnosis, treatment, and overall care.