Ultrasounds and X-rays (radiology) are a form of diagnostics that provide images. When your pet has health problems, a veterinarian depends on diagnostics to understand what is happening inside their body. We use modern technology, such as digital radiology and a trained specialist, to interpret the results. These types of diagnostics are entirely painless and safe for your pet.
What are X-rays and ultrasounds?
During digital X-rays, electromagnetic radiation is used to create images that are shown on a computer. During the scan, radiation penetrates certain areas of their body. Because we use digital X-rays, the radiation exposure is significantly less, and your pet is unlikely to develop any health issues.
For ultrasounds, soundwaves are used to look deeper at your pet’s internal organs. We apply a gel to the area of interest and move a transducer over that section. The transducer is a wand that emits sound waves that echo and provide real-time images.
Will my pet need anesthesia for the procedure?
Sedation or anesthesia is not always necessary for diagnostics. However, during an X-ray scan, your pet needs to remain still to get precise images, which means we may need to sedate them. Some pets get anxious at the vet and find it difficult to stay in one position. When your pet is squirmy or uncomfortable, we administer a short-acting general anesthetic, and this relaxes their muscles.
When are ultrasounds and X-rays recommended?
Both ultrasounds and X-rays provide information about your pet’s health that we wouldn’t know otherwise. Since both tools can detect different health problems, we often recommend that they be used in conjunction.
Ultrasounds are used to detect: tumours, cysts, bladder stones, foreign objects, and fetal development. We also recommend ultrasounds if your pet is experiencing difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, or blood in their urine.
We use X-rays to get valuable information about your pet’s bones, colon, stomach, heart, lungs, intestines, bladder, and prostate. X-rays can diagnose arthritis, cancer, and pneumonia and can monitor heart disease.
To schedule a diagnostic appointment for your pet, contact us at 289-278-6001.