Diagnostic Imaging
The Animal Emergency and Specialty Center is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging equipment, including a CT scanner, ultrasound machine, and digital radiography. Our experienced and compassionate staff utilize this equipment to accurately diagnose your pet’s condition in a timely fashion following referral from their regular veterinary clinics. Your pets always receive attentive care from our skilled veterinarians and dedicated staff.
In addition to our state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging equipment, we have a fully functional endoscopy unit. Our specially-trained veterinarians utilize this equipment for minimally invasive procedures in both the emergency department and with pets referred from their regular veterinary clinics.
Digital X-rays (Radiography)
- Radiography (commonly referred to as x-rays) is an imaging tool that we use to examine your pet’s internal body structures. We use radiographs to diagnose fractures (broken bones), locate foreign objects within the body, and screen for cancer and organ abnormalities.
- At Animal Emergency and Specialty Center, we use digital x-rays which allow us to take higher quality images that we can view almost instantaneously. Digital x-rays can also easily be shared with and reviewed by a Board-Certified Veterinary Radiologist.
Ultrasound
- Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive and painless diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of soft tissues. Ultrasounds can help us quickly evaluate for and locate abnormalities such as tumors, cysts, stones, and inflammation. Ultrasound is also utilized for safely guiding needle aspirates/biopsies or fluid collection from specific areas.
- Every comprehensive ultrasound at Animal Emergency & Specialty Center is performed by one of our specially-trained veterinarians using the state-of-the-art equipment at our facility.
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
- A computerized tomography (CT) scan is a diagnostic imaging technique that combines a series of X-ray images and computer processing to create cross-sectional images, or “slices”, of your pet’s internal structures.
- CT scans provide us with the ability to better evaluate bony structures such as the nose, head and extremities. CT scans also allow us to better screen patients for spread of cancerous nodules to the lungs. When used with contrast imaging, surgical planning of the chest and abdomen is improved as it can help define blood vessels and abnormal structures to make surgical interventions more predictable. Like ultrasound, CT can be utilized for guiding needles to collect samples from specific areas of concern.
- Our CT scans are reviewed by Board-Certified Veterinary Radiologists via a teleradiology service.
Echocardiography
- An echocardiogram is a non-invasive test which utilizes ultrasound to image the heart and associated large blood vessels. This allows direct evaluation of the anatomy and function of the heart. A specific form of echocardiography called Doppler echocardiography allows evaluation of blood flow which helps to identify leaks in the heart valves, abnormal movement of blood between the left and right sides of the heart, and obstructions to normal blood flow.
- Echocardiography is used for diagnosis of nearly all heart diseases such as valve abnormalities (Chronic Valvular Disease), heart dilation (Dilated Cardiomyopathy), heart muscle thickening (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy), congenital diseases (Patent Ductus Arteriosus), and heart tumors. It is also very useful in determining if patients with heart murmurs can benefit from medications.
- Dr. Ting performs the echocardiograms at Animal Emergency and Specialty Center and has taken advanced training in echocardiography. The echocardiogram is then sent to a Board-Certified cardiologist who interprets the study.
Endoscopy
- Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that is used in emergency situations or when diagnosing an illness or disease. Our veterinarians at Animal Emergency and Specialty Center use endoscopy to visually examine your pet's internal organs without invasive exploratory procedures.
- During an endoscopy procedure, tiny cameras called endoscopes are inserted into an orifice or through a tiny incision so that we are able to visualize the organs and internal systems of your pet. The procedure is performed with a rigid or flexible fiber optic instrument that allows for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment of respiratory, esophageal, stomach, colon, upper intestinal tract, and urinary diseases.
Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Procedures Offered:
- Bronchoscopy is used to examine the lungs and airways.
- Rhinoscopy is used for examining the inside of the nose and the back of the throat.
- Gastrointestinal endoscopy is used to examine the stomach and intestines. This can include a colonoscopy.
- Cystoscopy is used for examining the urethra and urinary bladder.
- Otoscopy allows for examination of the external and middle ear.
- Laparoscopy is used for viewing the abdominal organs. This technique can be utilized for taking biopsies, hernia repairs or surgeries such as laparoscopic spays and gastropexies.