Radiographs

Radiographs:
Radiographs help the doctor make diagnoses in many ways. Fractured bones, fluid in the chest, an enlarged heart, and abnormal growths are just a few of the things that can be detected by taking a radiograph.

Cystogram:
Cystograms are performed to find tumors and stones in the bladder. A radiograph is taken after a special dye is injected into the bladder to help highlight any abnormalities.


Barium Series:
Barium series are often performed when a pet has unexplained vomiting. The pet is given liquid barium orally and radiographs are taken at specific intervals. Veterinarians can then see how the barium is flowing through the digestive tract.

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA):
OFA x-rays are  done on dogs to check for hip and elbow dysplasia.  Many breeders require these x-rays be done before breeding.

Pregnancy Check:
Both radiographs and ultrasound can be used to check and see if a pet is pregnant. Ultrasound can be used as early as 21 days into the suspected pregnancy and radiographs can be taken at 45 days. Ultrasound can show each fetus' heartbeat and can give a very rough estimation of how many babies to expect; radiographs are a much more accurate way to get a count of the babies.

Abdominal Ultrasound:
Often times the major organs in the abdomen are given an ultrasound to obtain additional information that a radiograph alone cannot provide. This procedure gives the doctor an active view of the organ. We commonly view the bladder, kidneys, spleen, liver, adrenal glands, stomach, and pancreas on an abdominal ultrasound.