Dog Diagnostic Imaging - Exploring Diagnostic Imaging in Dogs

Name: Veterinary Services
Brand: Brook-Falls Veterinary Hospital & Exotic Care

How is diagnostic imaging used in diagnosing my dog?

Diagnostic imaging is used in veterinary medicine to see things that cannot be seen with the naked eye. This technology helps veterinarians to identify issues with your dog that would otherwise be undetectable.

Dr. Stephanie Munyon
Brook-Falls Veterinary Hospital & Exotic Care

What does a veterinary radiologist do?

A veterinary radiologist is a specialist who has completed a residency and is board-certified to examine diagnostic imaging. I like to say they have “magic eyes” because they can identify issues in these images that may not be apparent to others.

What are the different types of diagnostic imaging for dogs?

There are several types of diagnostic imaging, including X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, MRIs, and nuclear medicine imaging. X-rays and ultrasound are ”everyday" techniques that provide 2D images, with X-rays capturing a snapshot in time and ultrasounds allowing for motion and directional adjustments. CT scans and MRIs offer 3D still images, providing a comprehensive model of your pet. Nuclear imaging targets specific organs in the body, such as the kidneys, to evaluate how well they are working for your dog..

What do veterinarians look for with diagnostic imaging?

Veterinarians are trained to identify abnormalities in diagnostic imaging. They compare the imaging results to what they know is normal and look for discrepancies. Often they will use the symmetry of the patient to identify any issues, as any significant differences between two similar parts, like hips, can indicate a problem.

Does my dog need to be sedated for diagnostic imaging?

Sedation is not typically required for x-rays and ultrasounds. However, if the dog is in pain or extremely nervous, some sedation might be required. The dog must be completely still for procedures such as CT scans, MRIs, or dental X-rays, requiring general anesthesia.

Is diagnostic imaging safe for my dog?

Our staff does their best to ensure your dog's safety during diagnostic imaging. There are specific guidelines and safety measures that must be adhered to for the protection of both your pet and the veterinary staff.

If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (262) 846-6006, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram

Dog Diagnostic Imaging - FAQs

Dr. Stephanie Munyon
Brook-Falls Veterinary Hospital & Exotic Care

Which diagnostic imaging tool is the most accurate for dogs?

Depending on who you ask, they'd probably say MRI or CT. These give us 3D images of the inside of your dog.

How does a veterinarian decide which dog diagnostic imaging tool to use?

First, we have to examine your dog and assess its condition. Based on that, we can decide what imaging is best for your dog.

Will more than one diagnostic imaging tool be used to come up with a diagnosis for my dog?

It's possible. For instance, when we're dealing with heart disease, we often use X-rays and an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart. However, for conditions like knee issues, we might just use an x-ray.

What is the procedure like for each dog diagnostic imaging tool?

For x-rays and ultrasound, we often just gently restrain your dog in the position we need to take the imaging. Some dogs who are very nervous or in pain will require a sedative. For procedures like dental X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, those dogs generally need general anesthesia. They need to be completely still, which is guaranteed by the anesthesia.

When is an x-ray used versus an MRI versus an ultrasound versus a CT scan?

X-rays are usually things we need right away, and we are able to place the dog on the table to get these images immediately, such as broken bones or a quick check for congestive heart failure. Ultrasounds are typically for abdominal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, bladder issues, and for heart check-ups. CT scans provide a 3D image for a better understanding of the patient's condition. MRIs are mainly used for joint issues or neurology - brains and spines. Dental X-rays are used when we need to take a picture of an individual tooth.

What are baseline diagnostic images and why are they important for my dog?

Baseline diagnostic images include x-rays, which are a 2D still image of your dog, similar to a photograph. Ultrasounds provide a 2D image in motion, allowing us to choose where we're pointing. Dental X-rays are focused X-rays on small things, generally teeth, but sometimes used for toes or tips of the tail. A CT scan is a 3D image typically used for looking at soft tissues or some bony things. An MRI provides the most precise imaging for neurology issues, so if you're looking at a brain, spine, or even specific tendons, soft tissues, and joints.