Your Guide to Veterinary Radiology

Veterinary radiology is a crucial aspect of veterinary care and helps our veterinarians diagnose and treat various medical conditions in dogs and cats. If you need pet radiology services, we’re here to help!

What is Veterinary Radiology?

Veterinary radiology uses imaging techniques to diagnose diseases, injuries, and conditions in pets. Like in human medicine, veterinarians use various imaging techniques to get a detailed look of health issues going on inside your pet’s body without requiring invasive procedures. The most common types of imaging used in veterinary radiology include:

• X-rays (Radiographs): The most common imaging technique, X-rays use electromagnetic waves to create images of your pet’s bones, lungs, heart, and other organs. X-rays are particularly useful for diagnosing fractures, tumors, and other abnormalities in a pet’s skeletal system.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound for pets uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of your pet’s internal organs. Pet ultrasounds are often used to examine soft tissues, such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and abdominal organs. Vet ultrasounds are also frequently used to determine if your dog or cat is pregnant.
• CT (Computed Tomography) Scans: CT scans use X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of your pet’s body. CT scans are highly effective in helping our team evaluate complex fractures, tumors, and diseases affecting your pet's spine or brain.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of your pet’s soft tissues, including the brain, spinal cord, and muscles. MRIs are particularly useful in diagnosing neurological conditions and disorders a pet may be experiencing.

What does veterinary imaging help detect?

Vet radiology can help detect and evaluate a variety of conditions that your pet might have.

• Foreign Bodies: If your pet has something in their body that isn't supposed to be there, such as toys, bones, or other non-digestible items, imaging will help us detect it.
• Bone Fractures and Joint Issues: Imaging helps us detect bone fractures, dislocations, or other orthopedic issues like arthritis or joint dysplasia in your dog or cat.
• Internal Organ Problems: Imaging helps us evaluate conditions in your pet like an enlarged heart, liver, or spleen or conditions like pneumonia, bladder stones, or kidney problems.
• Tumors and Masses: Detect the presence of tumors or abnormal masses in various parts of your pet’s body, including their lungs, abdomen, and bones.
• Dental Issues: Dental X-rays assess the health of your pet’s teeth and their surrounding bone structure. This can reveal issues like tooth root abscesses, fractures, or bone loss due to periodontal disease.
• Respiratory Issues: X-rays of your pet’s chest can help us diagnose respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and pleural effusion (fluid in the chest cavity).
• Reproductive Issues: Radiology can be used to determine if your pet is pregnant, assess fetal development, and detect complications.
• Spinal Issues: Including herniated discs, vertebral fractures, or abnormalities that might be causing neurological symptoms.

What to Expect with Veterinary Radiology

We understand that you may have a lot of questions if your veterinarian recommends radiology for your pet. Here at Summer Creek Animal Clinic, we’re here to guide you through each step of the process. Here’s a look at what you can expect if your pet needs our radiology services.

1. Assessment and Preparation: Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s condition and decide which imaging technique is most appropriate. Depending on the procedure, your pet might need to avoid food and water beforehand or receive sedation to ensure they remain still during the imaging. Don't worry–we'll discuss everything with you beforehand and answer any questions you have!
2. Imaging: The imaging process itself is painless and generally pretty quick. For X-rays, your pet will be positioned on a table, and the radiograph will be taken. Ultrasound involves moving a probe over the area that we want to take a look at. CT and MRI scans might require more time and sedation due to the complexity of the equipment and the need for your pet to remain completely still.
3. Interpretation: Once we get the images back, our veterinarians will interpret the images and determine if the assistance of a specialist is needed to get the most accurate information.
4. Diagnosis and Treatment Plan: Our veterinary team will discuss the diagnosis with you and recommend a treatment plan based on the results.This might involve surgery, or medication. We will ensure you are comfortable with the treatment plan before we begin any next steps.

What to Expect with Veterinary Radiology

We understand that you may have a lot of questions if your veterinarian recommends radiology for your pet. Here at Summer Creek Animal Clinic, we’re here to guide you through each step of the process. Here’s a look at what you can expect if your pet needs our radiology services.

1. Assessment and Preparation: Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s condition and decide which imaging technique is most appropriate. Depending on the procedure, your pet might need to avoid food and water beforehand or receive sedation to ensure they remain still during the imaging. Don't worry–we'll discuss everything with you beforehand and answer any questions you have!
2. Imaging: The imaging process itself is painless and generally pretty quick. For X-rays, your pet will be positioned on a table, and the radiograph will be taken. Ultrasound involves moving a probe over the area that we want to take a look at. CT and MRI scans might require more time and sedation due to the complexity of the equipment and the need for your pet to remain completely still.
3. Interpretation: Once we get the images back, our veterinarians will interpret the images and determine if the assistance of a specialist is needed to get the most accurate information.
4. Diagnosis and Treatment Plan: Our veterinary team will discuss the diagnosis with you and recommend a treatment plan based on the results.This might involve surgery, or medication. We will ensure you are comfortable with the treatment plan before we begin any next steps.

Vet Radiology Services Near Fort Worth

Veterinary radiology plays an essential role in diagnosing and treating various conditions in pets, from broken bones to internal organ issues. If you are looking for dog or cat radiology services, call us at (817) 523-1139 or book an appointment online below. We’re here to provide the best possible care for your furry friends!