Why Would My Dog or Cat Need Diagnostic Imaging?

Diagnostic imaging was VETMED’s first specialty service. It’s the reason the business began over 25 years ago. It’s still one of the most important ways to determine the best route of care for dogs and cats that have traumatic injury or chronic disease. Diagnostic imaging includes any number of in-depth tests to help determine a dog or cat’s underlying health condition. Many of the same diagnostic procedures performed in humans are also performed on animals. Procedures for your pet may include ultrasound, X-rays or radiographs, endoscopy, CT or echo cardiology.

There are many reasons a dog or cat needs diagnostic imaging. Usually it is because the dog or cat has a problem internally with their organs. Specialty diagnostic imaging allows the veterinarian to better understand what type of illness or injury they need to address for the patient.

VETMED encourages animal owners to obtain a referral from their family veterinarian whenever possible. This ensures that the best test is ordered and the proper transfer of medical information to the specialist for excellent care.

What is an Ultrasound?

An ultrasound or sonogram, is a non-invasive way by which a veterinary specialist visualizes an animal’s internal organs. Traditional X-rays only allow a doctor to see the size and position of organs and may show large abnormal structures (tumors, growths or cancer). However an ultrasound allows the doctor to look inside the organs at their internal structure and may help make an assessment about the organ’s function.

A hand-held transducer is moved over the area in question. The sonogram waves appear on a screen much like a black and white television. Measurements are often taken of the organs and are compared to existing standards for the patient’s breed, sex and weight. Ultrasounds are performed on an awake patient and rarely require sedation or anesthesia.

Once the ultrasound is complete, the veterinarian will offer a course of treatment.

What is Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is the diagnostic procedure in which a small tube, with a light and a camera on the end, is inserted into a patient’s body. This allows a veterinary specialist to see inside a patient’s organ. This is very useful if a dog or cat has a condition that is difficult to diagnose. Most endoscopic procedures are painless.

What is a CT Scan?

Also known as a CAT scan, a CT scan is a specialized X-ray test that provides doctors with clear pictures of soft tissues of the body which do not show on ordinary X-ray pictures.

What is Fluoroscopy?

Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to obtain real-time moving images of the internal structures of a patient through the use of a fluoroscope.

What is an X-Ray?

A Radiograph (x-ray) is a quick, painless test that provides doctors with static images of the organs inside your pet’s body. Radiographs allow a doctor to see the size and position of organs and may show large abnormal structures such as tumors, growths or fluid. This method is particularly effective of identifying bone-related issues. Radiographs are performed on an awake patient and rarely require sedation or anesthesia.

Resources

Overview of VETMED’s Equipment

About American College of Veterinary Radiology
http://www.acvr.org