Digital Radiology for Dogs and Cats, Howell Animal Hospital

Digital Radiology

Radiographs are one of the most important diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine. They allow us to view the outer shape, size, location and relationship of organs inside a pet's body. Radiographs are extremely helpful for diagnosing and monitoring many medical and surgical conditions and are useful for examining bones and internal organs.

X-rays are taken whenever a disease condition may be suspected. These may include breathing difficulties, vomiting, diarrhea, urinary problems or any veterinary orthopedic issue. Sometimes a pet will ingest a foreign substance and a series of contrast x-ray studies may be taken to see the passage of material through the digestive tract which is causing the obstruction. The evidence of cancer can also become apparent on x-rays.

In order to get as much information as possible sometimes both x rays and ultrasound images are combined together to give us information about the outer shape, size and the internal architecture of the organs. If necessary, we can send the images to be reviewed by a Board Certified Radiologist to try and get as clear a diagnosis on your pet as possible.

• OFA certifications/will do a Penn Hip soon:
  Orthopedic Foundation of Animals has a grading program to grade the hips and elbows of animals, especially those intended for breeding or show. They require special x-ray views to be taken under sedation.
• Pregnancy diagnosis:
  We can see and count the puppies in the abdomen. The picture is clearer in the 6th-7th week of gestation.

Compared to x-rays produced by a traditional machine, the quality of digital radiographs is much better. Since digital x-rays are immediately displayed on a computer monitor, they are produced quickly and can be manipulated to get a better view of a pet's bones and internal organs.