Using Advanced Digital X-Ray and Ultrasound Technology to Accurately Diagnose Your Dog’s Condition
Our dogs can’t tell us where it hurts. They communicate through subtle changes in their behavior, and when they are sick or injured, it’s up to us and our veterinary partners to uncover the cause of their discomfort. While a thorough physical exam is always the first step, we often need to look inside the body to get a complete and accurate picture of their health.
At San Marcos Veterinary Clinic, we utilize advanced diagnostic imaging technologies like digital X-ray and ultrasound to do just that. These powerful, non-invasive tools allow our veterinarians to see beneath the surface, enabling us to make faster, more accurate diagnoses and create the most effective treatment plan for your companion.
Our Dog Diagnostic Imaging Services: Digital X-Rays
A digital X-ray is one of the most common and valuable diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine. Think of it as a detailed “blueprint” or a still photograph of your dog’s internal structures. It is fantastic at showing us tissues of different densities, like bone, air, and fluid.
We commonly use digital X-rays to:
- Diagnose Bone and Joint Issues: X-rays are the gold standard for identifying fractures (broken bones), dislocations, and screening for conditions like arthritis and hip dysplasia.
- Assess the Chest: A chest X-ray allows us to evaluate the size and shape of the heart and check the lungs for signs of pneumonia, asthma, or congestive heart failure.
- View the Abdomen: We can assess the general size of abdominal organs and identify certain bladder stones or foreign objects that your dog may have swallowed (like toys or bones).
Our investment in digital X-ray technology provides significant benefits, including superior image quality, faster results, and a lower dose of radiation compared to older film systems, which means a safer and lower-stress experience for your dog.
Advanced Dog Diagnostic Imaging Services: Ultrasound
Sometimes, a still photograph isn’t enough; we need to see a live-action movie. That’s what ultrasound provides. This safe, painless procedure uses high-frequency sound waves to create a real-time, moving image of your dog’s internal organs. It excels at showing us the fine details of soft tissues.
If an X-ray is the blueprint of a house, an ultrasound is the video tour of the inside. We use ultrasound to:
- Evaluate Abdominal Organs: We can look at the internal texture and architecture of the liver, kidneys, spleen, and intestines to find tumors, cysts, or signs of inflammation that wouldn’t be visible on an X-ray.
- Examine the Heart (Echocardiogram): This specialized cardiac ultrasound is the best tool for diagnosing heart disease. It allows us to watch the heart valves function, measure the heart walls, and see the heart beat in real-time.
- Guide Minimally-Invasive Biopsies: We can use the live ultrasound image to safely guide a needle to an abnormal area to collect a sample without requiring major surgery.
Patient Comfort During Dog Diagnostic Imaging Services
We understand that any diagnostic procedure can be stressful for your dog and for you. At San Marcos Veterinary Clinic, both X-rays and ultrasounds are completely painless. The primary goal during the procedure is to help your dog remain calm and still to get the clearest possible images. Our compassionate team is skilled in gentle handling techniques. For some anxious or painful dogs, or for very detailed studies, we may recommend a mild sedative to help them relax. This ensures their comfort and allows us to get the high-quality images needed for an accurate diagnosis.
A Guide to Dog Diagnostic Imaging: Your Questions Answered (FAQs)
Understanding the “why” behind your dog’s diagnostics can provide peace of mind. Here are answers to some of the common questions we hear:
My dog had an X-ray. Why do they also require an ultrasound?
This is a common and excellent question. X-ray and ultrasound are complementary technologies that provide different types of information. An X-ray might show us that an organ, like the liver, is enlarged, but it can’t tell us why. An ultrasound allows us to look “inside” that liver to see its texture and check for specific abnormalities like a tumor or cyst. The X-ray identifies a problem area, and the ultrasound investigates it in detail.
Will my dog have to be sedated for imaging?
It depends on the dog and the type of imaging needed. Many calm dogs can have simple X-rays taken without any sedation. However, if a dog is in pain, very anxious, or needs to be held in a very specific position for a detailed study (like a comprehensive ultrasound), a mild sedative is often recommended. This ensures we get clear, diagnostic-quality images and makes the experience much less stressful for your dog.
Why do you sometimes need to shave my dog’s fur for an ultrasound?
Ultrasound works by sending sound waves from a probe through the skin. For the image to be clear, the probe needs direct contact with the skin using a special gel. Fur traps tiny air pockets that block the sound waves and would result in a blurry, useless image. Shaving the area is an essential step for a successful and accurate ultrasound exam. We promise the fur will grow back!
Are X-rays safe for my dog?
Yes. We use a modern digital radiography system that produces high-quality images with a very low dose of radiation. The exposure level is minimal and considered very safe for your pet. Our team is also highly trained to capture the necessary images efficiently, minimizing your dog’s time in the X-ray suite.
How quickly will I get the results from these tests?
Because we have this advanced technology right here in our hospital, our veterinarians can review the images in real-time as they are captured. This means for most studies, we can provide you with a diagnosis and discuss a treatment plan during the very same visit. This speed is crucial for starting timely treatment and for relieving your anxiety.
What is an echocardiogram, and how is it different from a regular ultrasound?
An echocardiogram is a specific, highly detailed type of ultrasound that focuses only on the heart. It is performed to assess the heart’s structure, function, and blood flow. While a general abdominal ultrasound might give us a glimpse of the heart, an echocardiogram is the “gold standard” test our veterinarians used to diagnose and monitor heart disease.
Our investment in advanced diagnostic imaging allows us to move from guessing to knowing, ensuring your dog gets the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment possible.
To learn more about our diagnostic imaging services or to schedule a consultation at San Marcos Veterinary Clinic, please call our friendly team at (760) 744-5400 or connect with us through our contact form.
