Diagnostic imaging for veterinary patients

Digital radiography is much faster than conventional radiography and produces a higher quality of images because the software allows us to adjust the brightness, contrast, and be able to zoom and pan each image. Digital X-rays are transferred automatically to the electronic medical record and can be shared via a link to a colleague, client, or for an immediate consultation with a board-certified radiologist.

Endoscopy allows a visual examination of internal organs and body parts without invasive exploratory surgery. Using the endoscope, tissue biopsies can be taken for analysis, and foreign bodies may be removed. The endoscope consists of a long, flexible insertion tube with a bending tip at the end that enters the body, an eyepiece, and a control section. The tip of the endoscope is manipulated using a control knob in the hand piece.

In addition to the light source, two channels are present within the endoscope. One channel permits various endoscopic tools to be passed and fluids to be suctioned or samples taken. The other allows air or water to be passed into the stomach/intestine to insufflate (inject air into the area), or wash away mucus from the viewing port. Special video cameras can be attached to the endoscopes which allow viewing of the exam on a television screen, as well as recording the exam on video.

Types of endoscopy include these:

• Bronchoscopy: an exam of the lower airways.
• Colonoscopy: an exam of the transverse colon, ascending colon, cecum, large bowel, and rectum.
• Endoscopy: an exam of the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestines.

Ultrasound is high frequency sound waves that are inaudible to the human ear and are used to create images of organs and structures within the body. Ultrasound is used to help diagnose problems in the liver, kidneys, spleen, gall bladder, and other body organs including the heart. 

Echocardiography is an ultrasound of the heart that uses color Doppler technology to show the flow and direction of blood through the heart, and show the presence of abnormal valves and vessels.

This advanced imaging technology produces cross sectional images, or slices, of body organs and structures. CT imaging is useful to diagnose diseases or trauma, guide interventional instruments, and monitor the patient’s response to therapy.