Radiology
Veterinary radiology enhances the quality of animal care by providing non-invasive, precise diagnostic information. It allows veterinarians to detect conditions early, plan effective treatments, and monitor disease progression, ultimately improving the health and well-being of animals. Our new Digital X-Ray machine provides high-quality images that assist our team in making the most accurate diagnosis possible.
Dr Estle is PennHip certified, which allows us to further evaluate hip laxity and the potential predisposition for arthritis in the hips. Pregnancy radiographs are also regularly taken for fetal evaluation and puppy count.
Ultrasounds & Echocardiograms
Veterinary ultrasonography is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of internal organs and soft tissues in animals, aiding in the diagnosis of various conditions.
Overview of Ultrasonography in Veterinary Medicine
Ultrasonography is one of the most commonly used imaging modalities in veterinary practice. It employs ultrasonic sound waves, typically in the frequency range of 1.5–18 megahertz (MHz), to generate images based on the echoes reflected from tissues and organs. The most familiar imaging format is B-mode grayscale scanning, which provides detailed anatomical images.
Applications
Veterinary ultrasonography is utilized for various diagnostic purposes, including:
- Internal Organ Examination: It allows veterinarians to assess the liver, kidneys, spleen, intestines, and bladder for conditions such as tumors, blockages, or infections.
- Reproductive Health: It is commonly used to confirm pregnancy and monitor fetal development in dogs and cats, as well as to evaluate reproductive organs in large animals.
- Cardiac Assessment: Echocardiography, a specialized form of ultrasonography, helps in diagnosing heart conditions, assessing heart function, and detecting murmurs.
- Musculoskeletal Evaluation: In both small and large animals, ultrasonography is effective for examining soft tissue lesions, tendons, and ligaments, providing information not available through standard radiography.
Advanced Ultrasound:
We are thrilled to work with Dr Allsopp, a local traveling ultrasonographer who offers advanced abdominal and cardiac ultrasounds in our hospital. This allows for advanced diagnostics without having to travel to specialty hospitals.
Pregnancy Evaluation
Abdominal Ultrasound
- Evaluates the presence of pregnancy
- Estimate due date +/- 3 days based on measurements
- For the most accurate calculation, schedule between days 25 and 40 post-breeding
- Not accurate for counting puppies – a radiograph later in the pregnancy is needed for this
- Ultrasound measurements are especially important for planned c-sections, as the timing of delivery is critical for puppy survival
Abdominal X-ray for Puppy Count
- Information regarding the number of puppies and stage of development.
- See signs of potential complications (large singletons, dead pups, etc.)
- Scheduled during the last week of pregnancy to ensure puppies are visible
Veterinarian’s Oath
Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.
I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.
I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.
