X-Ray & Ultrasound
Ultrasonography is a non-invasive method of diagnostic imaging that uses sound waves to produce images of internal organs. With ultrasound, vets can collect information about the organ scanned to aid in the diagnosis of many diseases. It is also useful to guide the collection of urine directly from the bladder, such as in the event your pet has a UTI and we require a sterile sample. Ultrasound can also help diagnose and stage feline and canine pregnancy, and is commonly used in cases of trauma to determine if there is internal damage or bleeding. While we can use ultrasound for a range of applications in general practice, in certain cases your pet may require a speciality ultrasound scan such as staging a heart murmur.
Another common form of imaging we use is radiography. A radiograph is produced by X-ray, a form of electromagnetic radiation similar to light, that passes through most objects like the body. We have a dedicated room for our inhouse x-ray machine at Ripley Vet. Our medical x-ray produces an image of internal organs and bones, such as the abdomen and limbs. A common reason we use x-ray is to detect foreign bodies and for lameness cases. Without x-rays we cannot see what is going on internally, so they have great diagnostic value.