Often we can't tell what is wrong with your pet by just doing a physical exam. Even with broken bones, the doctor needs to know what the break looks like to determine what the best way is to repair them. When needed, x-rays or ultrasound may be used to help the doctor diagnose a problem.
In some instances, it will be necessary to sedate your pet for an x-ray or ultrasound, but in many cases we can do the procedure while the pet is awake. If you know in advance that your pet will require an x-ray, please withhold food and water the night before the appointment, unless otherwise instructed. A full stomach is dangerous if we need to sedate your pet and can also make it difficult to see certain organs in the abdomen.
X-rays and ultrasound are also used in seemingly healthy pets to check for 'hidden' diseases like cancer. We recommend annual thoracic and abdominal x-rays on any pet 10 years and older.
What is an x-ray?
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. Individual x-ray particles, called photons are passed through the body. A computer or special film is used to record the images that are created.
Structures that are dense (such as bone) will block most of the x-ray particles, and will appear white. Metal and contrast media (special dye used to highlight areas of the body) will also appear white. Structures containing air will be black, while muscle, fat, and fluid will appear as shades of gray.
The positioning of the patient, x-ray machine, and film depends on the type of study and area of interest. Multiple individual views may be required to identify a problem. We usually do a minimum of 2 views, one lateral (with the pet lying on one side)
If you look closely, you can see several puppy skeletons in the abdomen of this pregnant dog.
and one VD (ventral/dorsal - with the pet lying on its back).
No puppies here, this is a different pet --- a cat at that!
Much like conventional photography, motion causes blurry images on radiographs, and thus, wiggly patients may need to be sedated.
For the exposures encountered in conventional radiography, the risks are very low. Most experts feel that this low risk is largely outweighed by the benefits of information gained from appropriate imaging. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image.
We have a new Computer Radiography System that allows for much more detailed x-rays.
What is an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to look at organs and structures inside the body. Health care professionals use them to view the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, liver and other organs. Unlike x-rays, ultrasound does not involve exposure to radiation.
During an ultrasound test, a clear, water-based conducting gel is applied to the skin over the area being examined to help with the transmission of the sound waves. A handheld probe called a transducer is then moved over the area being examined.
The transducer sends out sound waves, which reflect off body structures. The transducer also captures the waves that bounce back. Images are created from these sound waves.
There is generally little discomfort with ultrasound procedures. The conducting gel may feel slightly cold and wet.
We use ultrasound to diagnose soft tissue problems, like bladder infections, bladder stones, heart problems, etc. Just like with x-rays, it is better if your pet has an empty stomach before the procedure. If we need to look at your pet's bladder - don't let them urinate! We need the bladder FULL. We don't usually have to sedate a pet for an ultrasound, in fact it's usually easier if they can stand on their own four feet.
If you have any questions or would like a quote for a procedure, please feel free to call us at (281) 444-8387.
