Diagnostic imaging in veterinary medicine is constantly changing, and at the same time improving our ability to evaluate and treat problems. Radiography, ultrasound, CAT scans and MRI are the most common techniques used.

Radiography or x-rays is the form of imaging that is most frequently used in veterinary medicine. In March 2009 Kimberly Crest Veterinary Hospital installed a state-of-the-art digital radiography (x-ray) system.  Digital radiography provides high definition x-ray images allowing rapid and accurate diagnosis.  Turn-around time on x-ray procedures is reduced and all x-ray images are now digitally archived for convenient review.  Images can now be magnified and enhanced for optimal viewing and computerized surgical planning.  Because developing chemicals and film are not required for digital raodiography, it is also better for the enviornment.

Radiography is used to evaluate bones, the heart, lungs, and organs in the abdomen.  Contrast agents like iodine and barium can be used to enhance the contrast of the stomach and intestinal tract to help diagnose a soft foreign body, like a sock that has been eaten, that did not show up on a radiograph without the use of a contrast agent.

When we need a better image of the organs in the abdomen or need to evaluate the function of the heart, ultrasound can give us more information than radiographs. Ultrasound can also show beating hearts of puppies and kittens in the uterus to verify that they are alive, image the inside of the eye, as well as be used on joints, thyroid glands and even for the brain if the patient has an open fontanel (soft spot). With ultrasound we can see moving images, measure the size of internal organs or tumors, and see the internal structure of organs. Colorflow Doppler ultrasound works like Doppler radar in that it allows us to see blood moving, showing up on the screen in color based on the speed and direction of flow. This is most useful when imaging the heart as it can show us valves that are leaking blood back the wrong direction, and measure blood velocities to diagnose the severity of a heart problem.

There are problems that cannot be diagnosed by radiography or ultrasound. Problems of the brain or spinal cord can be difficult or impossible to diagnose with these methods. CT scans and MRI become the imaging methods necessary to look in these areas.

Computed tomography (CT or a cat scan) uses x-rays in a tubular machine to take a series of ‘slices’ of the area of interest. The computer takes the information to create cross sectional images on film or a computer monitor. Newer units can generate a 3-D image on the computer to help a surgeon develop their approach to remove a tumor. Contrast agents can be injected intravenously to improve the imaging of tumors and inflamed tissue.