Diagnostic imaging capabilities allow your vet to efficiently produce accurate diagnostic information about your pet's condition and provide immediate treatment options. The imaging tool used will vary depending on the condition that is being diagnosed. Our Liberty Lake vets talk about the various types of diagnostic imaging for your cat or dog such as CT scans and X-rays.
X-Rays For Dogs and Cats
X-ray, or Radiography, is the most widely used form of diagnostic imaging in medicine. X-rays provide a clear view of your pet's bones, tissues, and internal organs, enabling veterinarians to identify issues like broken bones, bladder stones, swallowed foreign objects, and other potential problems.Vets can use x-ray images to detect tumors, pregnancy, and enlarged organs, which can potentially indicate conditions like heart disease or cancer.
X-ray technology can provide a comprehensive view of your pet's dense internal workings, but it may not offer a detailed look at their organs, tissues, or ligaments. If your vet needs a more detailed view for diagnosis, they may choose other diagnostic imaging techniques like MRI and Ultrasound. These methods can provide more beneficial information in such cases.
Dogs and cats find X-rays painless, non-invasive, and highly safe. X-rays, especially digital X-rays, utilize minimal amounts of radiation. Performing radiography on pregnant dogs is safe, as the level of radiation exposure required is very low. They sometimes need sedation to obtain a clear image of their body. If your dog or cat is calm, not experiencing significant pain, and able to rest comfortably during the X-ray, sedation will not be required. Some pets may require sedation during the diagnostic process to ensure their calmness and facilitate the vet's work.
PET/CT Scans (Cat Scans) For Your Dog or Cat
Computed Tomography - CT Scans for Dogs & Cats
Your veterinary team can evaluate your pet's anatomy in great detail using the high-resolution images produced by the CT machine, surpassing the capabilities of the X-ray machine.
Your vet can use CT scanners to obtain highly detailed images of both the skeletal structure and soft tissues of your cat or dog. CT technology commonly generates images of the spine, nasal cavity, inner ear, bones/joints, and the chest/lungs. The CT machine can assess lymph nodes, the thyroid gland, abdominal organs, the skull/brain, and vascular structures.
Positron Emission Tomography - PET Scans for Dogs & Cats
Vets can use a CT scan along with a contrast agent administered intravenously (IV) to visualize enhanced blood flow in your pet's body. PET scans help detect cancer and areas of inflammation. Doctors use PET scans in humans to obtain a detailed view of the functioning of the patient's tissues and organs. PET scans are commonly used to diagnose specific types of cancer.
CT & PET Scan Process
Your pet must remain still throughout both the CT and PET scans. Due to this, general anesthesia is frequently utilized to sedate your pet while your veterinarian carries out the imaging.We closely monitor your pet's vital signs throughout the entire CT/PET process while they are under anesthesia. CT/PET scans are usually completed quickly. After completing the scan, a specialist will interpret the images and send a detailed report with findings and diagnostic recommendations to the vet in charge of your pet's treatment.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.