Radiology

X-Rays

Why would my pet need x-rays?

X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool. They provide us with a non-invasive “picture” of your pet’s bones, teeth, as well as soft tissue (lungs, heart, gastrointestinal tract, bladder, kidneys, etc.).

What’s involved in the x-ray process for my pet?

It may be necessary for us to sedate your pet prior to taking x-rays, because our patients must be still in order to obtain a proper image. After the x-rays are taken and developed, one of our veterinarians will show you the “picture” and discuss their findings with you.

Pet x-rays typically include:

• Soft Tissue and Orthopaedic X-rays
• Dental X-rays
• Hip and Elbow X-rays Available for OFA Dysplasia Screening.

Ultrasound

Why would my pet need an ultrasound?

Ultrasound is another imaging tool that can be used in combination with x-rays to diagnose condition of the soft tissues like the stomach, intestines, liver, and heart. Where x-rays are a single snapshot, ultrasound can look at soft tissues with more detail, and in real time to assess the motion of certain organs, like the heart or intestines.

What’s involved in the ultrasound process for my pet?

While we do not have an ultrasound in-house, we have a mobile ultrasonographer who will come to the clinic. We can also refer your pet to a board-certified internal medicince specialist at one of the surrounding referral hospitals.

Your pet’s belly or chest will need to be shaved. They will need to lie down (on a comfortable blanket where possible) while the ultrasonographer uses the probe covered in ultrasound jelly. Most pets will lie quietly for this, but for especially anxious or fearful pets, we may recommend sedation.

When it’s finished, the veterinarian will go over the ultrasonographer’s findings and recommendations with you, and answer any questions you have.