Diagnostic Imaging
Diagnostic imaging is VETMED’s forte. It’s the reason the business began over 13 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.
What is diagnostic imaging?
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 in dogs and cats. Procedures for your pet may include ultrasound, X-rays or radiographs, and/or echocardiography.
What is radiology?
Radiology is a broad term that encompasses any imaging techniques used on animals as well as humans. Radiology can include X-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), fluoroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
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.
During an ultrasound exam, a doctor will place the patient on a padded bed and coat the area to be examined in a gel. 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 veterinary specialist will offer a course of treatment. A copy of the report will automatically be sent to the referring veterinary hospital.
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.
Why would my dog or cat need diagnostic imaging?
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 that a general veterinarian can’t diagnose with a typical exam. Specialty diagnostic imaging allows the veterinary specialist as well as the general veterinary to better understand what type of illness or injury they need to address for the patient.