Dog Diagnostic Imaging

Dog Diagnostic Imaging at Alpine Animal Hospital

At times, non-invasive imaging is a vital part of diagnosing health issues or monitoring a pet’s condition. While it’s easy to see the need for imaging in orthopedic cases, it may be less obvious in conditions like chronic urinary tract infections. In these cases, imaging helps us identify potential underlying issues, such as bladder stones or masses, so we can provide the most effective treatment for your pet.

We offer two primary types of imaging: ultrasound and digital X-rays (radiographs). Depending on your pet’s needs, one may be more appropriate than the other, and in some cases, we may use both together to get the most complete picture, such as when evaluating heart disease.

Ultrasound uses safe, high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of your pet’s internal organs. It’s particularly helpful for checking organ texture and structure, identifying soft tissue masses, and examining hollow organs like the bladder or heart. The digital images are stored securely and can easily be shared with you or sent to a board-certified radiologist for further review.

Our digital X-ray system is fast and efficient, producing clear images in under 8 seconds. These images can be enhanced to ensure we get the best view of your pet’s condition. For added peace of mind, our X-ray fees include a full review and report from an outside board-certified radiologist, so you can trust that every detail has been carefully evaluated. Like ultrasound images, digital X-rays can also be shared with you or a specialist as needed.

Dr. Jennifer Davis

We are committed to using advanced technology to provide your pet with the best care possible. If you have any questions about imaging or your pet’s specific needs, please don’t hesitate to ask!

If you’re a pet owner, you know how important keeping your furry companion happy and healthy is. But when your dog shows signs of discomfort or illness, it can be difficult to determine the cause. Diagnostic imaging is a powerful tool veterinarians use to diagnose and treat various diseases in dogs. Diagnostic imaging provides valuable information about your pet’s health that vets can’t obtain through physical examination alone. At Alpine Animal Hospital, we use the latest technology to provide your pet with the highest level of care. In this article, we’ll explain how diagnostic imaging is used to diagnose your dog, what a veterinary radiologist does, the different types of diagnostic imaging available, and how to ensure that your pet is safe during the process.

How is Diagnostic Imaging Used in Diagnosing My Dog?

Diagnostic imaging is used to create images of the body's internal structures so that veterinarians can diagnose and treat health issues in your pet. It is a non-invasive and economical way for your veterinarian to examine your dog’s internal structures without surgery. By creating detailed images, diagnostic imaging can detect abnormalities or diseases that may not be apparent during a physical examination. Common diagnostic imaging techniques used in veterinary medicine include radiography (X-ray imaging), ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine imaging.

What Does a Veterinary Radiologist Do?

A veterinary radiologist is a specialized veterinarian who interprets and evaluates diagnostic imaging. They are experts in interpreting medical images and use these images to diagnose diseases and abnormalities in animals. Veterinary radiologists use their expertise to help veterinarians determine the best course of treatment for their patients.

Pomeranian terrier mix getting ultrasound at veterinary clinic.

What Are the Different Types of Diagnostic Imaging?

Radiography (X-ray imaging) is the most common diagnostic imaging procedure used in veterinary practices. It produces black, white, and gray images (radiographs) of bones, foreign objects, and large body cavities. Radiography is particularly useful for detecting fractures, tumors, injuries, infections, and deformities. In some cases, specialized X-ray techniques called contrast procedures are used to provide more detailed images of body organs.

Ultrasonography, or ultrasound, is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of internal body structures. It is popular because it does not use ionizing radiation (X-rays) and can help evaluate pregnant animals and diagnose various diseases affecting the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, bladder, and more.

Computed tomography (CT) utilizes special X-ray equipment and sophisticated computers to produce multiple cross-sectional images of the body. CT scans provide more detailed information about pets' internal structures than regular X-rays and are particularly useful for diagnosing complex cases and visualizing soft tissues, including blood vessels and bones, in great detail.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced diagnostic imaging technique that uses powerful magnets, radio waves, and a computer to create detailed images of the body's internal structures. MRI scans provide valuable information for diagnosing neurological and musculoskeletal disorders in pets because they allow veterinarians to visualize soft tissues such as the brain, spinal cord muscles, and internal organs in great detail.

In What Cases Does a Pet Actually Need to Have Imaging Done?

We resort to imaging anytime we need to look inside your pet, for things that we can't see with the naked eye. We use it to diagnose broken bones, fractures, pregnancy confirmation, any obstructions in their GI tract, and issues inside the spinal cord and the brain. Essentially, anytime we need to look inside your pet.

What Are Some of the Things that the Veterinarian Will Look for With Diagnostic Imaging?

Veterinarians use diagnostic imaging to identify and diagnose diseases, fractures, tumors, foreign objects, and other abnormalities. They look for changes in the size or shape of organs or bones as well as signs of inflammation or infection. Diagnostic imaging is also used to evaluate the heart, lungs, and other internal organs.

Lateral x-ray of dog with bladder stones.

Will More Than One Imaging Tool Be Used to Come Up with a Diagnosis?

Sometimes. We might start with an X-ray and then, if we see something abnormal in a dog's abdomen, move to an ultrasound to look inside that abnormality, rather than just noting the size and shape on an X-ray. Some body areas are more suitable for one type of imaging over another. For instance, the skull really lends itself to a CT scan rather than just a plain X-ray. These tools work together, and certain imaging modalities work better for specific body parts.

Does My Dog Need to be Sedated for Diagnostic Imaging?

Sometimes. Depending on your pet's personality, they need to lie still. X-rays and ultrasound usually don't require sedation. However, CT scans and MRIs do, because they have to stay motionless for a longer period. We also sedate pets if we need to position them in a way that's uncomfortable, like for a broken bone. In such cases, we provide pain management and sedation.

Is Diagnostic Imaging Safe for My Dog?

Overall, diagnostic imaging is generally safe for dogs and other pets. Although radiation from X-rays can increase the risk of side effects like cancer, most veterinary practices use digital X-ray machines, which emit less radiation than traditional X-rays. Ultrasound and MRI scans are non-invasive and do not use radiation to create images. It is important to note that although diagnostic imaging is generally safe for dogs, it should only be performed when necessary to minimize unnecessary radiation exposure.

What Happens if There's Still No Diagnosis for a Pet After the Diagnostic Imaging?

If there's still no diagnosis, we would continue with other modalities. A benefit of diagnostic imaging is that we can rule out certain diseases and injuries. Even if the imaging is negative, it helps narrow the focus by excluding options, aiding in finding a diagnosis.