To help us with diagnosis, we may recommend further imaging for your pet. This could be radiographs (or “x-rays”), ultrasound, or advanced imaging such as CT or MRI. These often require sedation or general anaesthetic as your pet needs to remain very still.
So why do we recommend this to you? Unfortunately, vets do not have x-ray vision (if only!), so imaging allows us to look inside your pet’s body without surgery. It gives us critical information that helps us diagnose problems earlier, choose the right treatment, and avoid other more invasive procedures.
Let’s break down the different types of imaging and what each one does best.
Radiographs
X-rays provide a 2-dimensional, black and white image. They are quick and excellent for evaluating the following:
· Bones and joints
· Chest issues
· Abdominal concerns (such as intestinal blockages or bladder stones)
X-rays are very good at showing dense structures (radio-opaque), such as bone or mineralised materials. Unfortunately, they are not as good for interpreting soft tissue, as these can overlap and make the x-ray harder to read. They also cannot show movement in real-time, as they are a snapshot 2-dimensional image.
Ultrasounds
This imaging modality uses sound waves to create real-time,moving images of soft tissue. We often use it to evaluate:
· Liver, kidney, spleen and bladder
· Gastrointestinal tract
· Pregnancy
· Fluid in the chest or abdomen
· Some heart conditions (this often requires amore specialist ultrasound called and echocardiograph)
Ultrasounds are non-invasive and, depending on how tolerant the animal is, sometimes don’t require sedation. However, they do not allow us to see through bone and air, so lungs and certain areas of the body are not good candidates for ultrasound.
Advanced Imaging (CT and MRI)
Sometimes, the imaging modalities that we have available in first opinion practice (radiographs and ultrasound) do not give us enough information. This is when advanced imaging becomes invaluable.
CT (Computed Tomography)
CT scans create extremely detailed cross-sectional images ofthe body, and are best for:
· Complex fractures
· Nasal or sinus diseases
· Lung lesions
· Certain tumours
· Surgical planning
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
MRIs also produce highly detailed images of soft tissues. This imaging modality is best for evaluating the nervous system and is often used for:
· Brain and spinal cord conditions
· Intervertebral disc disease
· Soft tissue tumours
· Neurological disorders
As you can see, different imaging is best for diagnosing different things. A combination of imaging may be recommended as gold standard for diagnosing your pet, and will allow us to not only diagnose but rule OUT many problems.
Why can’t we just treat without imaging?
In some cases, treatment without imaging could mean we are:
· Treating the wrong condition
· Missing an underlying problem
· Delaying appropriate care
Imaging helps ensure we’re treating the cause of the problem- not just the symptoms. It is one of the most powerful tools in veterinary medicine and allows us to look beyond the surface, understand what your pet’s body is telling us, and make thoughtful, informed decisions about their care. Whether it’s an X-ray or advanced imaging like CT or MRI, these tests help us diagnose problems earlier, treat them more effectively, and ultimately improve your pet’s quality of life.
If imaging is ever recommended for your pet, know that it’s suggested with one goal in mind: providing the best possible care, tailored to your pet’s needs. And as always, we are here to answer questions and guide you every step of the way. Please don’t hesitate to call us on (03) 7053 7730 if you have any questions!
