Diagnostic Imaging, X-Ray & Ultrasound

Diagnostic imaging helps us see what's happening inside your pet's body when a physical examination alone isn't enough. Your veterinarian may recommend X-rays or an ultrasound if your pet is limping, experiencing pain, vomiting, having difficulty breathing, showing changes in urination, has swallowed a foreign object, or if we need to evaluate an injury or ongoing medical condition.

X-rays are best for evaluating bones, joints, the chest, and identifying fractures, arthritis, certain foreign objects, and some abdominal conditions. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images of soft tissues and organs, making it especially useful for examining the liver, kidneys, bladder, spleen, gastrointestinal tract, heart, and pregnancy. Depending on your pet's symptoms, we may recommend one or both imaging techniques to reach an accurate diagnosis.

Many pets can undergo diagnostic imaging while awake, especially if they are calm and comfortable. However, if your pet is anxious, painful, or needs to remain completely still to obtain clear images, mild sedation may be recommended. We'll always discuss this with you beforehand and only recommend sedation when it's in your pet's best interest.

Yes. Both X-rays and ultrasound are safe diagnostic tools when performed by trained veterinary professionals. Digital X-rays use a very small amount of radiation, while ultrasound uses sound waves and involves no radiation at all. We take every precaution to ensure your pet's safety while obtaining the high-quality images needed for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnostic imaging helps identify a wide range of conditions, including fractures, arthritis, joint injuries, bladder stones, foreign objects, abdominal disease, heart and lung conditions, organ abnormalities, tumours, and certain pregnancy-related conditions. It also allows us to monitor healing and evaluate the progression of ongoing medical conditions.

The length of your appointment depends on the type of imaging being performed and your pet's condition. Most X-rays can be completed within 30 to 60 minutes, while an ultrasound may take a little longer depending on the area being examined. If sedation is required, additional time will be needed for preparation and recovery.

In many cases, we'll review the images shortly after they're taken and discuss our initial findings with you. If additional interpretation by a veterinary radiologist is recommended, we'll contact you as soon as the report is available and explain the results, along with any recommended next steps or treatment options.

No referral is needed if your pet is being examined by one of our veterinarians. During your appointment, we'll determine whether diagnostic imaging is appropriate and recommend the most suitable tests based on your pet's symptoms and physical examination findings.