Diagnosis Equipment

Radiography is an imaging technique using electromagnetic radiation (or X-rays) as part of a medical treatment. The X-rays pass through the patient's body and are captured by a detector, either on film or a digital image viewed on a screen.

X-ray technology allows our veterinarians to capture images of the bones and internal organs. There are many reasons why we might recommend an X-ray - suspected injuries, evaluation of a broken bone, or investigating a foreign object that a patient has swallowed.

Radiographs are very safe and can be easily taken with your pet lying still on an X-ray table. If the animal is in pain or a state of high agitation, sedation may be needed in order to capture the necessary images.

Ultrasound is an imaging technique using high frequency sound waves as part of a medical treatment. An Ultrasound transducer emits these sound waves into the body and measures them as they bounce back. The computer then creates a moving image on a monitor, with the ability to take a still snapshot at any point. 

A live view of the patients insides are visible during an Ultrasound exam, and the transponder may be moved around to view various angles with ease. The Ultrasound exam is most often performed on alert patients, as it is painless, non-invasive and requires no chemicals. 

We often use Ultrasound technology to evaluate the chest and abdominal organs, the functioning of the heart and to diagnose and monitor pregnancy. Since it produces no radiation, Ultrasound is harmless to delicate tissue and developing foetuses. 

An ECG is a recording of the electrical impulses that are generated when the heart is beating. When any irregular heart rhythm is detected on clinical examination, an ECG should be performed. The small electrical impulses normally generated by the heart are amplified and recorded by the ECG machine. 

An ECG can detect minor disturbances in the heartbeat or heart rhythm and allow veterinarians to diagnose many types of heart disease. It is a simple, non-invasive test. Your pet is usually placed in a standing or lying position and electrodes are attached to the elbows and knees. A conducting gel or liquid is applied to improve electrical conduction between the dogs skin and the electrodes. The ECG machine merely records the electrical impulses from the dog. There are no unpleasant sensations nor is there any danger to the pet.