X-ray imaging is used to visualize internal structures of patients, and is used for a wide range of applications including imaging of the thorax, abdomen, skeletal structures, limbs and a variety of special imaging procedures. DR images are available within seconds to be viewed on a high-resolution monitor with no need for film developing. Examination rooms are equipped with flat screen LCD viewing stations for reviewing the images with pet owners.

All radiographic studies are interpreted by board certified specialists.

X-ray imaging is used to visualize internal structures of patients, and is used for a wide range of applications including imaging of the thorax, abdomen, skeletal structures, limbs and a variety of special imaging procedures.

Digital x-ray has the following advantages over film based x-ray:

• Superior image quality.
• Faster study times (Approximately 4 seconds to acquire each image)
• More efficient – more x-ray studies can be performed in less time
• Less anxiety for the animal from reduction in study time
• Reduces patient and staff exposure time to radiation
• Allows for superior image manipulation
• Instantaneous viewing on all computers in the hospital
• All images can be viewed and assessed by a Board Certified Veterinary Radiologist
  via telemedicine

-Radiology reports are available within hours (during normal business hours)
-STAT Radiology consultations available when indicated

CT scan is a non-invasive imaging modality that performs 360◦, cross-sectional imaging of our patients. CT scan uses X-ray technology to acquire these images, but does so with vastly increased detail and sensitivity, allowing us to visualize structures as small as 1-2mm in size.

Our helical, 4-slice CT scanner is able to perform imaging studies much faster than older, conventional scanners that are often found in veterinary medicine. Using newer equipment and software, we are able to perform most studies in less than a minute (actual scanning time). This reduction in time also comes with increased quality and sensitivity: advantages that translate to shorter anesthetic times for our patients, even the ability to perform some studies under a light plane of sedation.

How is CT performed?

Once determined that a dog or cat needs a CT scan, and thoroughly evaluated by one of our clinicians, the patient is sedated or anesthetized and placed on the CT imaging table. The CT technician positions the patient and programs the CT computer for the desired type of study. The patient table then advances through the CT gantry (which is a large, donut shaped opening) while an x-ray tube and sensors rotate at high speed around the patient. Usually, the scan is performed twice, the second time with administration of an intravenous contrast agent that highlights blood vessels and other structures. These images are reconstructed on a computer console attached to the CT machine, then reviewed by our specialists and often sent over the internet for review by a Board Certified Radiologist.

Our helical, 4-slice CT scanner is able to perform imaging studies much faster than older, conventional scanners that are often found in veterinary medicine. Using newer equipment and software, we are able to perform most studies in less than a minute (actual scanning time). This reduction in time also comes with increased quality and sensitivity: advantages that translate to shorter anesthetic times for our patients, even the ability to perform some studies under a light plane of sedation. Our CT is able to perform multiple-image algorithm processing simultaneously, reducing need for additional scans and increasing diagnostic quality. 3-D reconstructions of images can also be performed when indicated.

CT is the preferred imaging modality for:

Brain - Trauma with suspected fracture; acute intracranial injury in an unstable patient

Spine - Vertebral fractures

Nasal Cavity & Sinuses – Chronic nasal discharge and/or sneezing, nasal distortion/deformation, neoplasia

Orbit/Ocular – Orbital trauma with suspected fracture

Head/Neck – Dental-related neoplasia, head/neck trauma with suspected fracture

Thorax - Metastatic screening, primary lung neoplasia, pneumothorax, lung lobe consolidation, chronic pneumonia, pleural effusion, mediastinal disease

Abdomen – Upper urinary tract evaluation, ectopic ureter, renal/ureteral calculi, clarification and surgical planning for large organ masses ( including liver, spleen, kidney, GI tract), investigation of suspected portosystemic shunts

Musculoskeletal – Elbow dysplasia, suspected incomplete ossification of the humeral condyles, complex fractures

Neoplasia - Lung metastasis screening

Cardiovascular – Pulmonary embolism

Other – General trauma

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is an advanced, non-invasive, non-radiating imaging modality that has become commonplace in human medicine, and has rapidly expanded into the veterinary field.

MRI uses a strong magnetic field that aligns protons of the body tissues within the field. A radio frequency signal (RF) is then applied to the field which disrupts the alignment of these protons, after which they return to their original state. The RF signals are collected by a receiver (called a coil) and then transmitted back to a computer, which creates visual images from this information.

These images are easily constructed in axial, dorsal, sagittal and oblique planes for review by the clinician or radiologist. As in CT, MRI is often performed using an intravenous contrast agent that enables us to better visualize certain structures and abnormalities. MRI yields the highest level of soft tissue detail compared to other imaging modalities (CT, digital Xray). This sensitivity allows for highlighting desired structures or tissues by adjusting settings on the MRI machine.

An MRI study typically takes 30 minutes to one hour to complete, and requires general anesthesia as the animal must be perfectly still for the duration of the study. MRIs are performed by technicians who have received advanced education and training in magnetic resonance imaging.

MRI is the advanced imaging modality of choice for:

Brain – Brain disorders, seizures, cranial nerve signs, vestibular disease, ataxia, head tilt, behavioral changes, central blindness, pituitary disease, metastatic disease, congenital abnormalities, head trauma

Spine – Acute or progressive tetraparesis or hindlimb paresis, CP deficits, spinal pain, nerve root signature,      spinal trauma, congenital abnormalities, discospondylitis

Peripheral Nervous System – Suspected peripheral nerve neoplasia, progressive single limb atrophy or pain

Nasal Cavity & Sinuses – Chronic nasal discharge and/or sneezing, nasal distortion/deformation, neoplasia

Orbit/Ocular –Exophthalmous, pain opening mouth, retrobulbar swelling or neoplasia, optic nerve disease

Head/Neck – Soft tissue masses or swelling, including lymph nodes, salivary glands, larynx, thyroid, maxilla, mandible, chronic ear disease, head tilt

Abdomen - Small organ masses including the pancreas, lymph nodes and adrenal glands, surgical planning for clarification or margins and involvement of neoplasia of large organs, including the liver, spleen, kidney, and GI tract

Musculoskeletal - Pain or lameness localized to a joint in the limb (particularly ligaments, tendons, menisci, cartilage, bone, or joint swelling)

Neoplasia - Soft tissue masses, especially for surgical planning, metastatic screening, lymph node and bone marrow evaluation

Cardiovascular – Pericardial effusions, pericardial masses, suspected large vessel thrombus

Other – Suspected foreign bodies, chronic draining tracts.

***It is important to note that there are many indications where CT and MRI overlap in their use, and the decision of one modality over another is based on availability, cost, anticipated findings and patient stability. MRI is a longer procedure than CT, and may be preferred in more critical patients.

Ultrasound is an imaging modality that does not require radiation, is painless and non invasive.

It is used as a diagnostic tool to obtain more detailed information about internal body structures. Ultrasound machines use sound waves administered by a small handheld device called a probe, waves are reflected back to the probe, and a computer formats these into visual pictures on a monitor for the clinician to review.

Ultrasound is a modality that requires significant training and experience by the clinician to achieve an accurate diagnosis and interpretation of the study. Ultrasound is commonly used to visualize internal abdominal organs in high detail, as well as the heart (during a special type of ultrasound called echocardiography). Often, needle or core biopsy samples can be obtained during ultrasound (which may require sedation/anesthesia), to allow us to confirm diagnosis or obtain more information about your pet.

Applications for ultrasound include:

• Evaluation of the abdominal organs, including the stomach, liver, spleen, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, lymphatic system, kidneys, urinary tract, and endocrine organs
• Pregnancy evaluation
• Imaging of thoracic and abdominal masses
• Imaging of fluid accumulation in the abdomen or thorax
• Imaging of the neck, including thyroid and parathyroid glands
• Imaging of blood vessels and flow, in and around the heart, and throughout the body
• Imaging of the eye (for masses and retinal detachment)
• Minimally invasive techniques to obtain samples of organs for diagnosis of illnesses and cancers (fine needle aspirates, ultrasound-guided biopsies and cystocentesis, gall bladder secretions)

Echocardiography is a type of ultrasound that uses special probes and software, as well as requiring advanced training, to perform real time imaging of the heart and surrounding structures. At CVRC, echocardiograms are performed by our Board Certified Cardiologist, who has undergone extensive education and training in echocardiography to aid diagnosis and treatment of all cardiac-related diseases.

Echocardiography is used to diagnose the following conditions:

• Pericardial effusions
• Dilated cardiomyopathy
• Mitral regurgitation
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Pulmonary stenosis
• Ventricular septal defects
• AV valve dysplasia
• Patent ductus arteriousus
• Developmental defects
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Heartworm disease
• Heart based masses
• Advanced feline restrictive cardiomyopathy
• Right to left shunts
• Atrial septal defects
• AV valve stenoses
• Coronary artery defects
• Occult dilated cardiomyopathy
• Cor triatriatum
• Persistent left cranial vena cava
• Canine hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Feline diastolic dysfunction