Veterinarians are highly trained, talented individuals who can diagnose and treat a variety of illnesses or injuries in pets. Unfortunately, veterinarians do not have X-ray vision and cannot see inside a pet, which often limits their diagnostic capabilities. Imaging tests bridge this gap and allow them to visualize internal structures and use their findings to diagnose or monitor a condition or formulate a treatment plan. 

The Neighborhood Veterinary Centers Nederland team uses a variety of diagnostic imaging modalities to provide your pet with top-notch care. Here is an overview of the various imaging tests available for your pet and how the results guide their diagnosis and treatment.

Radiography for pets

Radiographs (i.e., X-rays) are the most widely used imaging techniques in veterinary medicine, because they provide quick, high-quality images. The X-ray machine creates an image by passing radiation through the pet on a plate below. Each tissue has a different density and absorbs the X-rays at varying rates, creating a detailed, grayscale image. X-ray studies require multiple views, because the image is two-dimensional and some tissues may superimpose others and obscure a good view. X-rays are useful for examining:

  • Bones and joints
  • Heart, airways, and lungs
  • Liver and kidneys
  • Digestive tract
  • Bladder and urinary tract
  • Cancer spread

Ultrasound for pets

An ultrasound machine uses harmless sound waves that bounce off tissues and back to the transducer handpiece, creating a three-dimensional, moving image. Ultrasound’s real-time nature is excellent for assessing heart function and blood flow. Ultrasound cannot evaluate bony structures but can examine soft tissues in great detail, and is used for:

  • Checking for abdominal tumors
  • Checking for abnormal fluid collections
  • Guiding needle biopsy collections
  • Measuring organ size and thickness
  • Evaluating heart function
  • Evaluating muscles, tendons, or ligaments
  • Checking for eye tumors or retinal changes

CT for pets

CT stands for “computed tomography,” but most people know the modality as a CAT scan. To use this imaging technique, the pet is placed inside a rotating tube that scans 360 degrees around the area in question in “slices,” and a computer program assembles the slices to create a three-dimensional image—think of CT as a three-dimensional X-ray. Veterinarians then examine the individual slices, or rotate whole body areas in the computer program for examination from different angles. CT is useful to examine structures in the head, teeth, or jaws and to provide detailed images of tumors or fractures for surgical planning.

MRI for pets

MRI, which stands for “magnetic resonance imaging,” creates images with a strong magnetic field combined with radio waves. Like CT, MRI examines “slices” that are combined for a three-dimensional effect. Unlike many other imaging techniques, MRI does not use radiation, which can be harmful in excessive amounts. MRI scans provide superior soft tissue views that can help examine the brain, spinal cord, spinal discs, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The typical MRI scan involves multiple passes with different techniques and contrast materials may be administered intravenously on some passes to enhance the resulting images. 

Fluoroscopy for pets

Fluoroscopy is essentially a continuous, moving X-ray that produces a “movie” of the examined body area. While pets must remain still for other imaging techniques, fluoroscopy captures movement, checking for airway or gastrointestinal motility abnormalities. Fluoroscopy can also guide the surgeon during surgical or endoscopic procedures and help with implant placement or other techniques.

Anesthesia and sedation for imaging tests for pets

Sedation or anesthesia is often necessary to obtain the best diagnostic results. Pets undergoing MRI, CT, or fluoroscopy must remain completely still without physical restraint, which would gradually expose our staff to excess radiation or magnetic energy over time. Also, some imaging studies can take up to an hour, and the pet must be completely anesthetized. 

For X-rays or ultrasounds, light sedation is helpful when pets are stressed or the area being examined is painful. Our team thoroughly screens all pets undergoing sedation or anesthesia, and a trained team member monitors them to ensure the utmost safety.

Advanced imaging techniques make specialized and progressive veterinary care possible and the imaging services available at Neighborhood Veterinary Centers Nederland increase access for all Southeast Texas pets. Call us to schedule a consultation or to learn more about how imaging can enhance your furry pal’s overall care plan.