Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology Department for Cats and Dogs
At Lauderdale Veterinary Specialists the Diagnostic Imaging department strives to diagnose your pet’s illness non-invasively by means of state-of-the art veterinary radiology and imaging equipment, the envy of most animal-care facilities. Nonetheless, imaging is but one of numerous tools at disposal of a team of specialists to aid in effecting an accurate diagnosis.
At LVS, digital radiography (DR) is employed as a form of X-ray imaging in which digital X-ray sensors replace traditional photographic film. The advantage of using this new technology is that it is faster and more efficient. Not only does it bypass chemical processing but it provides the ability to digitally transfer and enhance images. This enables the specialist to make an accurate diagnosis and/or verify the correct treatment for your dog or cat using veterinary radiology tools. Additionally, DR requires less radiation to produce an image of similar contrast compared with conventional radiography.
There are numerous reasons why your pet may need an ultrasound. Ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses high frequency sound waves and their echoes to examine many of the body’s organs, e.g. the bladder, liver, spleen, kidneys, certain lymph nodes and glands, and even the heart. An ultrasound can even help look at the blood flow through the various organs. The procedure is non-invasive and rarely requires sedation of the animal.
A CT Scan, more commonly known as a CAT scan, is a medical imaging technique that generates a two-dimensional image of a slice or section through a three dimensional organ. Undergoing a CT scan is a non-invasive, painless procedure. The animal either is sedated lightly or anesthetized for a very short period of time, usually no more than a minute or two. But whatever the technique, whether it’s a CT, Ultrasound or Digital Radiography a board-certified specialist on our veterinary team will interpret the radiology results promptly and provide a report to your family veterinarian.