Imaging
Diagnostic Digital Radiology & Ultrasound
Our Team Will Help Diagnose Your Pet With The Latest Technology
Although humans and animals are different in many ways, some advances in human medicine are also very useful for veterinary patients. Some of these advances, digital radiology and ultrasound have proven to be a powerful tool in veterinary medicine. As a practice, one of our goals is to offer state-of-the-art medicine and diagnostic imaging; so we are pleased to offer digital radiology and ultrasound services as a means of providing a higher level of quality care to our patients.
Digital radiology allows for radiation to produce images of the bones and the organ on a computer screen. This method produces much more accurate images than film did in the past.
Ultrasonography is a type of diagnostic technique that uses ultrasound waves to produce an imaging study. This means that when we perform ultrasonography, we can see internal organs of the patient’s body. Unlike some other imaging studies, like x-rays, ultrasonography does not use radiation. Instead, ultrasonography uses high-frequency sound (ultrasound) waves to create images of the organs inside your pet’s body. Ultrasonography is a completely non-invasive, painless way to diagnose and evaluate many common diseases. ( We do sometimes have to shave the fur or provide mild sedation to get better quality images)
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An ultrasound machine generates ultrasound waves. The machine is connected to a small probe that is held gently against your pet’s skin. The probe sends out painless sound waves that bounce off of structures (for example, organs) in your pet’s body and return to a sensor inside the ultrasound probe. The ultrasound equipment collects these reflected “echoes” and uses them to generate images that are viewable on a screen. Ultrasound waves can generate excellent images of abdominal organs, including the liver, spleen, gallbladder, kidneys and bladder. Other organs can also be identified. It is also useful for assessing fetal health and monitoring pregnancy in breeding animals, it can be used for FAST scans to look for fluid in both the abdomen and the chest cavities and it can help us diagnose and stage (determine the severity of) some forms of cancer.
Because ultrasound images are produced in real time, this technology can be used to evaluate the heart as it beats. This can help us detect abnormalities in the motion of heart valves, blood flow through the heart, and contractions of the heart muscle. It can also be used to assess the heart for defects. ( Echocardiogram is available with an outside imaging provider). As we strive to provide our patients with the highest quality medicine and diagnostic testing, we are pleased to offer ultrasound as one of our diagnostic capabilities.
Pets We Have Treated
Our clients on the Treasure Coast have trusted Sebastian Animal Hospital & Bird Hospital to care for their pets for over 30 years. We are committed to ensuring your pet receives the care they need.
