Diagnostic Imaging
Diagnostic imaging is a tool we use when we want to try to see into the body
without having to surgically go in and look. There are several tools we use
including X-rays, Ultrasound and Endoscopy.
X-rays
X-rays are the most common type of diagnostic imaging tool used. X-rays show the
bones very well and some soft tissue problems can be seen as well. In some cases we
may need to see if something is in the stomach or intestine and we perform contrast
radiographs. We force the pet to drink a barium solution (I say force because barium
kind of tastes like chalk), then we take X-rays. The barium "lights-up"
the stomach and intestinal track on the X-ray film and we can see if there is something
there. The entire process is sped up with our automatic X-ray film processor which
allows the films to be read by the doctor within 3 minutes after taking the film.
Ultrasound
There are times when we need to see the soft tissue in more detail and in this case we
will perform an ultrasound. A veterinary ultrasonographer comes to our area twice a
week and we would schedule an appointment for you with him at our hospital. With
ultrasound, we can get good pictures of all the internal organs and their structures.
From this we can tell if they look normal and infer if they are working properly.
With ultrasound, we can get a better look at abnormalities that may show up on
X-rays, and if needed we can also take a biopsy (piece of tissue) from an organ or tumor
inside the body and send it off for analysis without having to do surgery.
Endoscopy
An endoscope is a means of checking out digestive tract problems and consists of a long
tube with a light source on the end and a means of looking at where the light is shinning
(this may be a camera or an optical lens). The tube is inserted into the rectum or
the mouth and the lining of the stomach and intestines can be seen. Sometimes when
an animal has swallowed something they shouldn't have (socks, ball of string or who knows
what) an endoscope allows us to retrieve these items without having to surgically go in to
remove them. An endoscopist comes to our area twice a week and we would schedule an
appointment for your pet with him if at our office.
EKG
Kindness Animal Hospital is also equipped with an EKG machine which records the rhythms
of the heart. With an EKG, we can detect certain abnormalities of the heart.
An EKG is a standard part of our Geriatric Exam package and if any abnormalities show up,
a cardiologist can be consulted for further evaluation.
KINDNESS
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
