X-rays, Endoscopy and Ultrasounds
Diagnostic imaging such as radiology or ultrasonography can be a very important step in diagnosing disease or trauma in our animal patients. Imaging allows us to see inside an animal’s body in a non-invasive manner. It is non-painful and only requires that your furry friend is able to lie quite still. This may require sedation or occasionally general anaesthesia to ensure that diagnostic images of high quality are captured and to reduce patient’s stress.
Where cases require endoscopy, we have a visiting specialist who can perform this procedure. Endoscopy can be used to visualise hollow organs of the body such as the stomach, intestines, bladder, nasal passages. Endoscopy can be used as a less invasive method than surgery to remove foreign bodies in suitable cases and can be used to examine areas of abnormality and take samples that may be used to make a diagnosis. Endoscopy requires general anaesthesia but patients usually show no discomfort or reaction to the procedure on recovery.
Occasionally we will see cases that will benefit from more advanced diagnostic imaging techniques such as CT scan or MRI. These techniques are especially useful in investigating diseases of the brain and spinal cord but can be used for almost any part of the body. If these tests are required, we can refer you to one of our specialist hospitals.
At Matraville Veterinary Practice, we have an advanced digital x-ray machine and processing system that allows us to take high quality radiographs. Radiographs can be helpful in diagnosing bone and joint disease or injury, heart and lung disease and some abdominal diseases. Our vets are very experienced in interpretation of radiographs but where necessary we can have our radiographs reviewed by a specialist.
We also offer an ultrasound service. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image. Ultrasound is very useful at looking at and detecting abnormalities in soft tissue structures such as the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder and intestines. It can also be used to diagnose pregnancy. Our vets are trained in ultrasound and are competent in performing basic ultrasonography. For more complex cases we have a visiting medicine specialist to perform specialised ultrasound procedures including ultrasound guided sample collection.
