X-Ray and Ultrasound
When diagnosing a pet’s illness, evaluating an injury, or even when simply performing a routine health screening, our veterinarians at Pacific Animal Hospital will typically begin by talking with you about your pet’s condition and medical history and then performing a physical examination. Many injuries and signs or symptoms of illness, however, warrant diagnostic testing. Depending on the possible diagnoses, our veterinarians might recommend taking x-rays or scheduling an ultrasound in order to reach an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition.
Our Pet Radiology Services in Redondo Beach
Radiology encompasses many forms of diagnostic imaging that can be very helpful when it comes to diagnosing a pet’s health problem, evaluating an injury, or screening for early signs of disease. Diagnostic imaging provides a safe, pain-free, non-invasive alternative to exploratory surgery. At Pacific Animal Hospital, we use both x-rays and ultrasounds to aid in the diagnosis of a variety of conditions in pets.
What Are Veterinary X-Rays?
An x-ray is a special type of picture that’s taken using small amounts of radiation at the x-ray wavelength. X-ray images allow veterinarians to see and evaluate a pet’s internal structures. Veterinarians can also use a series of x-rays taken over time to monitor the progression of several types of diseases and medical conditions.
What Is a Veterinary Ultrasound?
An ultrasound (also called a sonogram) uses high-frequency sound waves to produce a real-time, moving image (similar to a movie) of a patient’s internal structures. Since ultrasounds allow veterinarians to observe your pet’s body in action, they’re especially helpful with diagnosing medical problems that might be related to the actual function of your pet’s organs, joints, or entire bodily systems. They’re also used to monitor the development of puppies or kittens in a pregnant pet.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Diagnostic Imaging Appointment
X-rays can be taken in a matter of seconds and an ultrasound appointment is also quick to set up and execute. Depending on the type of images needed and our patient’s disposition, sedation may or may not be necessary for the diagnostic appointment. In order for our veterinary radiologists to capture clear, accurate images, pets need to be able to remain still for the duration of the x-ray or ultrasound.
Taking pet x-rays requires no advanced preparation. Ultrasounds are also relatively simple. To ensure clean contact with the ultrasound wand, we’ll prepare your pet by shaving a small amount of fur and applying a thin layer of gel above the targeted imaging site. A veterinarian will then evaluate the images and talk with you about their findings.
If you have any concerns about an upcoming appointment or your pet’s results, we welcome you to contact one of our Redondo Beach veterinarians.
