Diagnostic Medical Imaging
Medical imaging is an important diagnostic tool that allows your doctor to see an image of your pet’s internal system, and possibly reach a medical decision faster. The field of internal imaging has advanced in leaps and bounds over the past several years. The introduction of digital imaging brought higher quality images with faster and easier processing.
Radiographs (X-Rays)
Both Ferndale and Fortuna Veterinary utilize digital radiography equipment. Radiography – or x-rays – are a frequently used diagnostic tool that provides us with a general internal view of your pet. X-rays are a great way to view the muscular-skeletal system to diagnose a possible bone fracture or the respiratory system to view changes in the heart and lungs.
The introduction of digital x-rays brought a dramatic increase in image detail, contrast, and faster processing time. Using digital radiography can limit radiation exposure to your pet by taking fewer x-rays.
You can also request a copy of your pet’s radiographs on a CD, flash drive, or have them emailed directly to your inbox.
Dental radiographs are a great tool to use in determining the health of teeth and may be the deciding factor in extracting a tooth. Just because a tooth is missing doesn’t mean the roots aren’t still there!
Ultrasound (Sonogram)
Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical procedure that helps our veterinarians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Ultrasounds use high frequency sound waves to create a picture of your pet’s internal system. Ultrasounds do not use radiation and because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body’s internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.
Unlike x-rays, ultrasounds are a great way to visualize soft tissues, tendons, ligaments, vessels, and internal organs that would be difficult to visualize on an x-ray (such as a thyroid gland or dysfunctioning vessels).