How is diagnostic imaging used in diagnosing dogs?
Depending on what we see on exam, we might need to do some diagnostic imaging to look for fractures, tumors, or any other abnormalities within the body that we can't see externally.
Dr. Amanda German
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
What does a veterinary radiologist do?
A veterinary radiologist is someone who looks through all diagnostic images and tells us exactly what they see. They have undergone extra years of veterinary medicine training and have taken additional tests to ensure they are very clear on what they're seeing.
What are the different types of diagnostic imaging?
Diagnostic imaging can include CT scans, MRIs, x-rays, ultrasounds, and similar things.
What are some of the things that the veterinarian will look for with diagnostic imaging?
We're looking for things like fractures, masses, or any irregularities that shouldn't be there.
Does a dog need to be sedated for diagnostic imaging?
Not necessarily. In some cases, we can do these procedures without the dog being sedated. However, if we're looking for something specific or if the dog is very restless, we may have to sedate them.
Is diagnostic imaging safe for dogs?
For the most part, yes. It's not going to cause any issues. The only risk is if we have to put them under anesthesia; there's always an anesthetic risk involved.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Diagnostic Imaging - FAQs 1
Dr. Amanda German
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
Will my dog need lab tests prior to diagnostic imaging?
Sometimes, we conduct lab tests before diagnostic imaging if we're looking for something specific.
What can I expect from a dog diagnostic imaging session?
The expectations depend on the type of diagnostic imaging your pet will be recieving. For example, for an ultrasound, your dog's fur may need to be shaved in certain areas. For X-rays, there is generally no specific preparation required.
What will a veterinarian be looking for by using dog diagnostic imaging?
Diagnostic imaging allows us to look for such as bone fractures or breaks, irregularities, masses, and other anomalies.
How can x-rays help my dog?
X-rays help us identify internal irregularities. We can discover fractures, dislocations, displacements, abnormal masses that could be causing issues for your dog, or organs being too big or small..
How effective is the use of diagnostic imaging on my dog?
Diagnostic imaging is highly effective because it allows us to see what's happening inside your dog's body, beyond what we can observe externally.
What happens if there is still no diagnosis after dog diagnostic imaging?
Even if we cannot reach a diagnosis with diagnostic imaging, it still provides valuable information by ruling out certain conditions. If we're not able to identify the problem through imaging, we will consider other diagnostic methods.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Diagnostic Imaging - FAQs 2
Dr. Amanda German
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
How does a veterinarian decide which dog diagnostic imaging tool to use?
It depends on the suspected issue. For instance, if we're checking the heart, we'll likely use x-rays and an echocardiogram or ultrasound of the heart. If we're examining the abdomen, it may be similar - x-rays and ultrasound. If you're looking at the brain, an MRI or a CT scan would be needed.
Which dog diagnostic imaging tool is the most accurate?
This depends on what we're looking for, as each tool has its own specialties that it does best.
Will more than one diagnostic imaging tool be used to come up with a diagnosis for my dog?
Yes, it could definitely be possible. For example, if it's a fracture, an x-ray is likely all that's needed. But if we're examining the heart, we would want chest x-rays and an echocardiogram.
What is the procedure like for each dog diagnostic imaging tool?
For x-rays, it's as simple as laying your dog down on a table and taking the x-rays. For ultrasound, the area is shaved, and a probe is used. For an MRI or a CT scan, sedation is generally utilized because the dog needs to be perfectly still for the procedure.
When is an x-ray used versus an MRI, ultrasound, or CT scan?
X-rays are usually used for bony structures but can also detect fluid or a mass effect inside the body. An MRI is typically used when examining the brain or the nervous system. A CT scan can be used for anything, but it won't show changes in size as well as an x-ray. An ultrasound looks at the internal structures in their entirety, not just small parts.
What are baseline diagnostic images, and why are they important for my dog?
Baseline diagnostic images are images of a healthy body. They are important because, in the event of an issue, they can show us what has changed.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Diagnostic Imaging - FAQs 3
Dr. Amanda German
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
How should I prepare my dog for a diagnostic imaging session?
Most of the time, there is nothing you need to do to prepare your dog for a diagnostic imaging session. However, there may be times when we require your dog to fast before the session.
Who handles the dog diagnostic imaging session, my veterinarian or a veterinary radiologist?
This will depend on what needs to be done. Most of the time, we perform the imaging procedures in the hospital. However, there may be instances when we need to send images to a radiologist for evaluation.
Does my dog need anesthesia for a diagnostic imaging session?
Sometimes your dog will require anesthesia, and sometimes they won't. It depends on what needs to be done during the imaging session.
What happens to my dog during an x-ray?
We will lay your dog on a table and take images. Most of the time, we can do this without sedation. However, if we need to take certain shots, we might need to sedate your dog to be able to position them appropriately.
Will my dog experience pain during a diagnostic imaging session?
Your dog should not experience any pain during a diagnostic imaging session. However, if your dog has a broken leg or an injury, we will recommend that they are sedated prior to the imaging session to ensure they don't feel any discomfort.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram