Ultrasound and X-ray

Our veterinary hospital is equipped with tools like ultrasounds and radiographs (X-rays) which allow us to better diagnose your pet’s health issues. For example, if we have a working diagnosis based on your pet’s symptoms, digital imaging allows us to confirm it and decide the best way to treat it. 

What are X-rays?

​X-rays are one of the oldest and most frequently used imaging tools. Over time, technology has evolved beyond using film to capture images. Now, we can capture and view them digitally with the help of short bursts of radiation, which create images of the body. They are helpful in diagnosing diseases in the chest, abdomen and musculoskeletal system. We can also perform special X-rays, like contrast studies of the gastrointestinal and urinary tract that help diagnose blockages. X-rays are the first imaging tool we typically use to diagnose issues like troubled breathing, cough, trauma and fever.

What are ultrasounds?

With an ultrasound, we expose your pet’s body to pet-friendly, high-frequency sound waves to create images. One of the benefits of ultrasounds is capturing images in real-time, which means they can show the structure and movement of the body’s internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels. Your pet will also need little restraint or sedation to have their picture taken. We often use abdominal ultrasounds to examine your pet’s kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and abdomen’s blood vessels. 

What else do they help diagnose?

X-rays are also able to examine, diagnose or monitor treatment for conditions like pneumonia, heart failure and cancer. Ultrasound helps diagnose other conditions like abdominal pain, pancreatitis, enlarged abdominal organs and stones in the kidney or bladder. If you have questions about our digital imaging, please contact us at 604-464-6666.