Digital Radiology
Radiology is one of the most useful diagnostic procedure when it comes to evaluating your pet. X-rays allow us to see the size, shape and location of internal organs and allows us to diagnose foreign objects inside your pet's body. With the advent of digital radiology, our veterinarians are able to capture clear, high-resolution images of your pet's insides, leading to a faster, more accurate diagnosis. Digital x-rays are highly beneficial for your pet, our staff and the environment:
Some of the advantages of digital radiology include:
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Digital x-rays can be saved on a disk and sent home with you as part of your pet's medical records. Digital x-rays also are easier to store and transport than traditional film x-rays.
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Images can be emailed to specialists when a second opinion or additional diagnosis is needed, leading to a faster diagnosis for your pet.
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Because fewer radiographs are needed, your pet's time on the x-ray table is reduced. This means less stress for your pet.
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Digital x-rays eliminate the need to use toxic chemicals in the film development process, decreasing the risk of exposure to our staff and the environment.
Cardiac and Abdominal Ultrasound
Ultrasound is an important, non-invasive, diagnostic test used for
identifying abdominal and cardiac problems.
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound-waves to produce images of your pet's internal organs. Cardiac ultrasound produces images of the heart as it is beating, giving your veterinarian a detailed view of the heart valves, and the heart muscles. Abdominal ultrasound is useful for examining the liver, spleen, pancreas and kidneys as well as detecting reproductive abnormalities.
Endoscopy
In veterinary medicine, endoscopy is commonly used as a diagnostic procedure for tissue and organ biopsies, to remove foreign objects (particularly in the stomach) or get an inside view of a particular part of your pet's body. Even though anesthesia is required to keep your pet still during the endoscopic procedure, the amount of anesthesia and recovery time is greatly reduced. Endoscopy is often indicated when routine blood and urine tests, radiographs and ultrasound do not give the complete diagnostic picture.
The endoscope is composed of a long tube (flexible or rigid), a light
source, camera and viewing eyepiece. Using an endoscope, the veterinarian can
evaluate the interior surfaces of many organs. In addition to the fiber optic
light source, there are two channels within in the tube. One channel is for
passing forceps, snares or biopsy instruments, allowing for the removal of
foreign objects, collection of biopsy samples or removal of small polyps or
tumors. Air or water can be passed through the other channel for better viewing
of the tissue or organ. Endoscopy is also useful in removing foreign bodies
(such as bones, toys, coins and other items) from an animal's stomach. Using
the endoscope as a guide, the veterinarian can remove these objects quickly and
easily without resorting to major surgery. Though endoscopic procedures require your pet to be anesthetized, the amount
of anesthesia necessary is far less than what would be required for major
surgery, and most animals can go home the same day.
Diagnostic Laboratory
Sometimes a physical exam is not enough to identify the exact cause of an
illness.
Complete blood counts, blood chemistry profiles, urinalysis, fecal exams and
heartworm tests are commonly performed in our laboratory. We have invested
heavily in the most up-to-date laboratory instruments in order to provide the
best possible care for your pet.