Advanced medical imaging technology (X-Rays, CT scans, and Ultrasound) is very important in veterinary medicine. They are used by veterinarians in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions that pets may have.
X-rays, CT scans, and Ultrasound are used by doctors to get an accurate view of the human body and they work the same way in pets. After results are obtained, they can be used to choose the best course of action and to choose the right treatment plan.
Below we will discuss each of these in more detail.
1. How are X-Rays used for pet diagnostics?
X-rays are used very often in veterinary medicine and are minimally invasive. X-Rays are quick, painful free, and accurate. They quickly pick up any fractures, breaks or abnormalities in bone structure.
They can also be used to view air-filled cavities such as the chest and to pinpoint areas of infection. Pets that are involved in car accidents, animal fights, or other traumatic events will require an X-Ray scan to be taken.
2. How are CT scans used for pet diagnostics?
CT scans (Computed tomography imaging) are a more advanced method than X-Rays. They produce cross-section pictures of the body. CT scans show bones, soft tissue, and blood vessels. This is particularly important in urgencies. MRI scans fall into the same category as CT scans except they use magnets instead of beams of radiation.
They provide 3D images of soft tissue and bone and are the best way to view the brain.
Both these methods require sedation of the pet. While a CT scan is relatively quick, an MRI scan can take up to an hour to produce the required images.
3. How is Ultrasound used in pet diagnostics?
Just like X-Rays, Ultrasound scans are relatively quick. They are performed on-site, are not invasive, and are also pain-free. No general anaesthesia is required for an ultrasound scan to be performed. Ultrasound scans are used to examine internal organs such as the heart, the liver, and kidneys. They are useful in prognostication and can be used to also get biopsies.
Concord Vets is equipped with a high-quality X-Ray system as well as an Ultrasound system.
These are available each day we are open which speeds up the process of diagnosing pets and can potentially save your pet’s life. Referral and be arranged for MRI and CT scans. For more complex cases, we work with vets that have extensive experience in imaging and they assist in results interpretation.
If your pet needs an visit us, do not hesitate to visit our hospital with us. For pets that need emergency care, visit our clinic immediately.