Diagnostic imaging tools like ultrasounds and X-rays give us a window into how well your pet’s internal organs and systems are working. These tools give us information to support a potential diagnosis we’ve identified, provide general insights into your pet’s health and allow us to take a closer look at how well their body is functioning.
What’s the difference between an X-ray and ultrasound?
Both types of diagnostic technology provide pictures of your pet’s internal organs. The difference is in how these images are generated. X-rays use electromagnetic radiation to create images of tissues like teeth, kidney and liver. Ultrasounds use high frequency sound waves that bounce off of surfaces to generate images of soft tissues like the heart, eyes and ligaments. Both are non-invasive and safe for pets. X-rays use less radiation in comparison to when they were first invented. Your pet and our team are outfitted with protective gear. If you have more questions, please contact us at 519-941-6383.
When do you take X-rays or ultrasounds?
There are a range of times we’ll recommend your pet for diagnostic imaging, including to diagnose:
- Periodontal disease
- Heartworms
- Fractures
- Pregnancy
- Abnormalities in the lungs, kidney or heart
Is it painful for my pet?
Since both tools are non-invasive, your pet won’t experience any pain. If your pet has a tendency to move around or has anxiety, we’ll sedate them to help them feel more at ease while we take their images. For X-rays, it takes less than 10 minutes to turn your pet on their back or side to create an image. For ultrasounds, we use a handheld probe over targeted areas of your pet’s body to show internal organs and structures on our digital monitor.
