Radiology at Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital
Our veterinary clinic in West Des Moines offers radiology services for your pet.
When it comes to accurately diagnosing and treating your pet after he or she has experienced an injury or illness, you can count on our veterinary team to have the latest diagnostic equipment, including digital imaging devices.
Injuries and Ailments Diagnosed via Radiology
Digital imaging, including ultrasound, radiographs, MRIs and CT scans are used to diagnose a variety of conditions and ailments in pets. Common conditions diagnosed include broken bones, joint problems, tumors, brain abnormalities and problems with the internal organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and bladder.
Radiographs
The common term for a radiograph is an x-ray. These images can help diagnose problems and conditions with the bones and joints, such as broken bones, swelling in the joints and other types of bone abnormalities. X-rays can also be used to diagnose problems with the internal organs, like the heart, lungs, spleen, liver and kidneys.
Ultrasound Imaging
Ultrasound imaging involves using sound waves to create an image on a computer monitor. When our team passes the wand over an injured area of your pet, we are able to find otherwise hidden problems, like when your cat accidentally eats something that isn’t food, has a tumor or has problems with an internal organ, like the stomach, spleen, liver and pancreas. Ultrasound imaging is completely painless and does not have any side-effects. Pets needing ultrasound imaging and interpretation will be referred to an internal medicine specialist.
MRIs
MRI is an acronym for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This type of diagnostic equipment has the ability to produce detailed images of the internal structures of the body. They are helpful in diagnosing tumors and abnormalities in the brain as well as spinal disorders, like herniated discs and spinal stenosis in pets. Pets needing advanced imaging diagnostics and interpretation will be referred to an internal medicine specialist.
CT Scans
The acronym CT stands for computed tomography. These are essentially highly detailed x-rays that can show cross-sections of your cat’s anatomy. While the CT machine is taking images it has the ability to enhance and focus on specific parts of your pet’s body in order to make a detailed and accurate diagnosis. Pets needing advanced imaging diagnostics and interpretation will be referred to an internal medicine specialist.
If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health and his or her diagnosis, we would be happy to answer them and provide you with guidance in order to help make them comfortable during the healing process.