What is Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging?
Veterinary diagnostic imaging includes radiographs (x-rays), ultrasound, MRIs and CT scans, all of which are used as diagnostic tools to collect information on your dog's health. The vast majority of imaging is non-invasive and completely painless. However, some imaging may require sedation or even anesthesia because the dog must be kept still to allow for adequate images to be produced. Veterinarians use these images to collect information on your dog to help them to make a medical and sometimes surgical plan.
*Note: Perkins Count Veterinary Hospital currently does not perform MRIs or CT Scans but can do a referral if needed*
When Is Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging Necessary?
After your veterinarian has examined your dog, he or she may want to begin to collect more information that will lead to a diagnosis and then, a treatment plan. Radiographs are usually a first line of imaging. The radiographs may lead to a diagnosis which allows them to move forward with a plan. However, sometimes the next step may be ultrasound to get a more thorough or specific look at a particular area of the body.
The four types of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging our veterinarians may utilize to assist in diagnosis of your dog's condition are:
Radiographs
MRIs
Ultrasounds
CT Scans
More information on each of these types of radiographs we provide below.
*Note: Perkins County Veterinary Hospital currently does not perform MRIs or CT Scans*