Radiographs
Veterinary diagnostic imaging is a fundamental tool for the non-invasive discovery and assessment of internal disease, injury, and anatomical abnormalities. At Delta Veterinary Hospital, we employ advanced digital radiography systems that ensure rapid acquisition of high-resolution images, facilitating precise diagnosis and timely treatment planning.
Radiographs, commonly known as X-rays, are produced by directing a controlled beam of electromagnetic radiation through a specific area of the body. Dense structures, such as bone and metal, absorb more radiation and appear white (radiopaque) on the resulting image, while softer tissues and air appear in shades of gray to black (radiolucent). This contrast allows for the detection of a wide range of conditions, including complex skeletal fractures, signs of arthritis or bone cancer, certain types of soft tissue damage, pulmonary disease, the presence of ingested or embedded foreign objects, and detailed evaluation of dental structures and disease below the gumline.
The diagnostic accuracy of a radiographic study is directly dependent on proper patient positioning and complete stillness during the exposure. For standard procedures, manual restraint may suffice. However, orthopedic evaluations, thoracic studies, and specialized contrast procedures—such as barium series to assess gastrointestinal motility or excretory urograms to evaluate kidney and bladder function—require absolute immobility to prevent motion blur and ensure diagnostic clarity. Therefore, brief sedation or, less commonly, general anesthesia is utilized in these cases. The protocols are tailored to the individual patient, and the duration of sedation or anesthesia is intentionally minimized, ensuring a swift and smooth recovery under close supervision.
Ultrasound Imaging
Ultrasound imaging, or sonography, is a cornerstone of non-invasive diagnostic evaluation. This technology employs high-frequency sound waves, which are transmitted into the body via a handheld transducer. These sound waves echo back from internal structures, creating detailed, real-time images of soft tissues and organs without the use of ionizing radiation.
This modality is exceptionally valuable for assessing the architecture and function of abdominal organs (such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, and bladder), evaluating cardiac motion and valves, guiding needle biopsies, diagnosing pregnancy, and detecting abnormal fluid, masses, or changes in tissue texture. Doppler ultrasound, a specialized application, can visualize and measure blood flow within vessels and the heart.
For an ultrasound examination to be successful, the patient must remain still while the transducer is maneuvered over the target area. To facilitate this and ensure patient comfort, gentle manual restraint is typically employed in a quiet environment. In some cases, particularly for detailed cardiac studies (echocardiograms), lengthy abdominal surveys, or procedures involving sensitive areas, a light sedative may be recommended to eliminate anxiety and movement artifacts. The duration of any required sedation is brief, and recovery is swift, allowing patients to resume normal activity shortly after the procedure is complete. The non-invasive nature and immediate results provided by ultrasound make it an indispensable tool for reaching accurate diagnoses efficiently and safely.
To schedule a consultation for your pet, call us at (862)-832-2710.
