Advanced Diagnostics

Diagnostic Radiology Radiographs (x-rays) are an important part of the diagnostic work-up.  Radiographs help diagnose fractures, chest fluid, intestinal foreign bodies, cardiac disease, lung disease, etc.  We are equipped with a high quality x-ray machine and automatic radiographic processor, which enables us to have radiographs available within minutes.  We are also equipped with a Dental x-ray machine.  We are able to further evaluate your pets dental health with radiographs.

 

Diagnostic Ultrasound Ultrasound has become a very valuable tool for imaging and evaluating many organs.  Ultrasound is an imaging modality, which uses sound waves produced from a transducer to visualize the soft tissues and fluids of the body.  The transducer is gently placed and moved on your pet's body.  The sound waves bounce off internal organs to create an image on a computer monitor.  These images can then be interpreted and analyzed.  Through the use of ultrasound, the soft tissue architecture of organs and structures can be defined and the ability to assess organ function can be accomplished. Ultrasound helps to diagnose many internal medicine problems involving the heart, kidneys, liver, urinary bladder, etc.  In addition, the ultrasound can visualize specific areas inside the internal organs.  Therefore, needle biopsies of these areas can be performed with a light sedative.  The advantage of this procedure would be to avoid general anesthesia and abdominal surgery to obtain biopsy samples.  A state-of-the-art ultrasound machine is located on the premises and results can be obtained immediately.  Also by way of high speed internet access, the ultrasound images can be sent to internal medicine specialists and cardiologists for their interpretation.  Advantages of ultrasound are as follows: ·         Safe (does not involve ionizing radiation) ·         Non-invasive ·         Ability to evaluate organs that cannot be seen on radiographs ·         Pets are able to go home the same day