Radiology & Ultrasound
Radiography (X-Rays)
X-rays are a very helpful imaging tool in such a wide range of applications. We use x-rays for anything from hip scoring in breeds such as Labradors and German Shepherds, right through to cases of vomiting and diarrhoea, broken bones, heart disease, ingestion of a foreign body, and the list just goes on and on and on. X-ray images show us bone and soft tissue and can identify broad changes in the structures that are imaged.
This x-ray is of a dog that is just about to have puppies! We sometimes x-ray expectant mothers just prior to their birth to predict the number of pups to expect to ease a little pressure on us on the big day! It is also very useful if there is any question as to whether there are any pups left to go! See if you can count how many there are here - it gets a bite tricky with the big litters like this one! Hint - count the rounded skulls!
Ultrasound
Most people will be familiar with this great non-invasive diagnostic imaging tool. Ultrasound can be performed on many parts of the body in order to visualise internal organs. We most commonly use ultrasound in our clinic for disorders involving the abdomen and heart. We can evaluate the size and shape of many different organs, and detect some abnormalities in structure of these organs. Abdominal tumours (cancers) can also often be found on ultrasound. On a brighter note, we also diagnose pregnancy in dogs and cats using ultrasound.
This turtle was rescued by WIRES, it has swallowed a fish hook. Amazingly these can be fully digested in 3 weeks in the stomach.