Radiology is routinely used to provide valuable information about a pet’s bones, gastrointestinal tract (stomach, intestines, colon), respiratory tract (lungs, trachea), heart, and genitourinary system (bladder, prostate). It can be used alone or in conjunction with other diagnostic tools to provide a list of possible causes for a pet’s condition, identify the exact cause of a problem or rule out possible problems.
When a pet is being radiographed, an x-ray beam passes through its body and hits a piece of radiographic film. Images on the film appear as various shades of gray and reflect the anatomy of the animal. Bones, which absorb more x-rays, appear as light structures. Soft tissues, such as the lungs, absorb fewer x-rays and appear as dark gray structures.
It is important that the pet stays still while the radiographs are being taken and in some cases it is necessary to use sedation or a general anesthetic to ensure this happens. We are able to develop the radiographs immediately on the premises and discuss the results with you the same day.
