Our ultrasound equipment converts these echoes into electrical impulses that are then further transformed into a digital image that represents the appearance of the tissues.The sound beam changes velocity while passing through varying body tissue density, which causes echoes.The sound waves are directed to various parts of the cat's abdominal area by manually shifting the probe's position.A cat ultrasound technician gently presses a small probe against the cat's body that emits digital sound waves.The functioning of various organs can be observed to determine if they are malfunctioning.Ī cat ultrasound procedure usually proceeds as follows: An ultrasound allows a veterinarian to see into a cat's body, allowing for easy viewing of organs from different angles that are not easily achieved through x-rays. Ultrasounds use soundwaves to examine and photograph internal tissues in real time. Cat UltrasoundsĪ cat ultrasound is the second most common type of diagnostic imaging tool veterinarians use to diagnose a cat's medical condition. However, our x-ray images are now digital which allows us to capture the images on a secure server that our veterinarians can access at any time, and can also share with specialists, if necessary. Because cat x-rays are static images, the procedure usually requires less time than a procedure like an MRIĬat x-rays have traditionally been captured on actual film, and still can be when necessary.
Modern x-ray equipment allow for low levels of radiation and when used only occasionally are perfectly safe for your cat.A technician positions the x-ray machine so that the x-ray beam targets only the area of interest.Cat x-rays are totally painless, but some cats can benefit from sedation to reduce anxiety and stress. Cat x-rays are by far the most regularly used form of diagnostic imaging in the veterinary industry because they are cost effective (comparatively speaking), and they can accurately diagnose the state of skeletal structure and composition, large body cavities, and the presence of many foreign objects. Cat X-RaysĬat x-rays have been in use throughout the medical community for many decades. More information on each of these types of radiographs is provided below. The types of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging our veterinarians may utilize to assist in diagnosis of your cat's condition are: Occasionally, x-rays and ultrasound allow for a definitive diagnosis but other times they will simply add more information to help put the puzzle together for the best treatment plan for your cat. The ultrasound will give more detail of the area and therefore allow more confidence of the treatment plan to move forward with surgery.
The x-ray may show some signs of an intestinal obstruction, however, before proceeding to surgery, it would be prudent in some cases to follow with an abdominal ultrasound. Thermal imaging gives us a look at the surface temperature of your cat's body, which can pinpoint where inflammation and nerve injury is occurring.įor instance, if your cat is vomiting and feeling ill, you veterinarian may take an xray to look for possible causes such as obstruction of intestines or an obvious foreign body. However, sometimes the next step may be ultrasound to get a more thorough or specific look at a particular area of the body.
The x-ray may lead to a diagnosis which allows them to move forward with a plan. X-rays are usually a first line of imaging. When Is Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging Necessary For Your Cat?Īfter your veterinarian has examined your cat, he or she may want to begin to collect more information that will lead to a diagnosis and then, a treatment plan. Veterinarians use these images to collect information on your cat to help them to make a medical and sometimes surgical plan. However, some imaging may require sedation or even anesthesia because the cat must be kept still to allow for adequate images to be produced. The vast majority of imaging is non-invasive and completely painless. Veterinary diagnostic imaging includes radiographs (x-rays) including dental xrays, ultrasound, and digital thermal imaging, all of which are used as diagnostic tools to collect information on your cat's health. What Is Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging For Felines?
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