Advanced Veterinary Imaging in Sioux Falls, SD

Advanced Veterinary Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of an animal's body. These images can provide valuable information about the animal's internal organs, tissues, and structures.

Why is Advanced Veterinary Ultrasound Important?

Ultrasound technology has been used in veterinary medicine for decades, but recent advancements have made it an essential tool for comprehensive care. Here are some reasons why advanced veterinary ultrasound is crucial for modern veterinary practices.

Non-Invasive and Safe - One of the most significant benefits of ultrasound technology is that it is non-invasive and safe for pets. Unlike other imaging techniques, ultrasound does not use radiation, making it a safer option for both patients and veterinary staff.

Additionally, ultrasound does not require sedation or anesthesia, this is especially important for older animals who may not tolerate sedation well.

Advanced Imaging Capabilities - Advanced veterinary ultrasound machines offer high-resolution imaging capabilities, allowing for detailed and accurate diagnoses. This is particularly useful for identifying soft tissue abnormalities, such as tumors or cysts, that may not be visible on X-rays.

Ultrasound can also provide real-time imaging, allowing our veterinary team to see the movement and function of internal organs. This is especially helpful for diagnosing conditions such as heart disease or gastrointestinal issues.

Versatility - Another reason why advanced veterinary ultrasound is essential is its versatility. Ultrasound can be used for a wide range of applications, including abdominal imaging, musculoskeletal imaging, and even reproductive imaging.

How are Ultrasounds Performed on Pets?

1. The pet is placed on a table or held by a veterinary technician, and a water-based gel is applied to the area being examined. The gel helps the sound waves travel through the skin and produces clearer images.
2. Our veterinarian then uses a handheld device called a transducer to send sound waves into the body. The transducer is moved over the area being examined, and the images are displayed on a screen in real-time. Our veterinarian may also take still images or videos for further analysis.

Preparing Your Pet for an Ultrasound

In most cases, pets do not need to be sedated for an ultrasound. However, if the pet is anxious or uncooperative, our veterinary team may recommend sedation to ensure a successful and safe procedure.

Before the ultrasound, the pet may need to fast for a few hours to ensure that the stomach is empty, as food can interfere with the images. A member of our team will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for the ultrasound, depending on the area being examined.

Advanced Veterinary Digital X-Ray

Advanced veterinary digital x-ray, also known as digital radiography, is a modern imaging technique that uses digital sensors to capture images of the inside of an animal's body. These images are then displayed on a computer screen, allowing our veterinary team to view and analyze them in real-time. This technology has replaced traditional film x-rays, which required a lengthy developing process and often produced low-quality images.

Why is Advanced Veterinary Digital X-Ray Important?

There are several reasons why advanced veterinary digital X-ray is important in the field of veterinary medicine. First and foremost, it provides our veterinary team with high-quality images that are essential for accurate diagnoses. These images are also easily shareable, allowing for collaboration between veterinarians and specialists. This technology also reduces the need for retakes, as the images can be manipulated and enhanced on the computer screen.

Another crucial aspect of advanced veterinary digital X-ray is its speed. Traditional film X-rays require a lengthy developing process, which could delay treatment for our patients. With digital X-rays, the images are available almost instantly, allowing for a quicker diagnosis and treatment plan. This is especially important in emergencies where time is of the essence.

How is a Veterinary X-Ray Performed on Pets?

1. Your pet will be placed on a table or a special X-ray platform, depending on their size and the area being X-rayed. Our veterinary team will then position your pet in the correct position to get the best image possible.
2. Our veterinary team will step behind a protective barrier and activate the X-ray machine. The machine will emit a small amount of radiation, which will pass through your pet's body and onto a digital sensor. The sensor will capture the image and send it to a computer, where it will be displayed for the veterinarian to review.

The entire process is quick and painless, and most pets do not require sedation or anesthesia. However, if your pet is anxious or in pain, our veterinary team may recommend sedation to keep them calm and still during the procedure.

Preparing Your Pet for an X-Ray

Our veterinary team will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare your pet for an X-ray. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to ensure the best possible results. This may include withholding food or water for a certain amount of time before the X-ray or bringing your pet in at a specific time of day.

Veterinary CT Scans

CT stands for computed tomography, and it is a type of medical imaging that uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed images of the inside of the body.

CT scans can produce cross-sectional images, or slices, of the body, providing a more detailed view than traditional X-rays. This allows for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

A CT scan in pets is one of the best tools for studying the internal organs, soft tissue, bone, and blood vessels, as it shows much more detail than a conventional x-ray.

Why are Veterinary CT Scans Important?

1. Accurate Diagnosis - One of the main reasons why veterinary CT scans are important is because they provide a more accurate diagnosis. Traditional X-rays can only show a limited view of the body, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact location and severity of an issue. CT scans, on the other hand, provide a detailed 3D image, allowing our veterinarians to see the issue from all angles. This is especially important when it comes to diagnosing internal injuries or diseases. With a CT scan, our veterinarians can see the exact location and extent of the issue, leading to a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
2. Non-Invasive - Another important aspect of veterinary CT scans is that they are non-invasive. This means pets do not have to undergo surgery or invasive procedures to receive a diagnosis. CT scans are also quick and painless, making them a more comfortable option for animals, which is important for both the animal’s well-being.
3. Pre-Surgical Planning - CT scans are also important for pre-surgical planning. By providing a detailed 3D image of the affected area, our veterinarians can plan the surgery more accurately and effectively. This can lead to smoother surgery and better outcomes for our patients.
4. Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness - In addition to diagnosing and planning treatments, CT scans are also important for monitoring the effectiveness of treatments. By comparing CT scans taken before and after treatment, our veterinarians can see if the treatment is working and adjust if needed. This can lead to better outcomes for the animal and a quicker recovery time.

How are Veterinary CT Scans Performed?

Before a CT scan can be performed, your pet must be properly prepared. This may include fasting for a certain amount of time, depending on the area being scanned. Your pet will need to be anesthetized.

1. The Scan - During the scan, your pet will be placed on a table that moves through a large, circular machine. The machine will take multiple X-ray images from different angles, creating a 3D image of the area being scanned.
2. After the Scan - After the scan is complete, the images will be processed and reviewed by our veterinary team. They will then use the images to make a diagnosis and create a treatment plan.

Preparing Your Pet for a CT Scan

To ensure the best results from the CT scan, your pet will need to be properly prepared. This may include fasting for a certain amount of time before the procedure, depending on the area being scanned. Our veterinarian will provide specific instructions for your pet, but in general, it's best to withhold food for at least 12 hours before the scan. Water can usually be given up until the time of the scan.

Veterinary Echocardiology

Veterinary Echocardiology is a specialized branch of veterinary medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases in animals. It involves using ultrasound technology to create images of the heart and its structures, allowing our veterinarians to assess the heart's function and health. This non-invasive procedure is essential in detecting and managing various heart conditions in pets including Chronic Valvular Disease, heart tumors, and more.

Importance of Veterinary Echocardiology

The heart is a vital organ in both humans and animals, and any abnormalities or diseases can significantly impact an animal's overall health and well-being. Veterinary Echocardiology plays a crucial role in identifying and diagnosing heart diseases in animals, allowing for early intervention and treatment. It also helps our veterinarians monitor the progress of treatment and make necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet.

The Veterinary Echocardiology Procedure

The veterinary echocardiology procedure uses an ultrasound machine to produce images of the heart and its structures. Our veterinarian will apply gel to the animal's chest and use a transducer to transmit sound waves into the body. These sound waves bounce off the heart and its structures, creating images that can be viewed on a screen.