Teleradiology
Information
Why Teleradiology?
Why Teleradiology
Veterinary diagnostic imaging refers to Ultrasound, Radiography (X-rays), MRI, and CT Scans. Veterinary diagnostic imaging enables us to detect illnesses and abnormalities in dogs and cats that cannot otherwise be appreciated and to do so in a non-invasive and non-painful manner. Ultimately, the goal of any specialized form of diagnostic imaging is to definitively detect an abnormality and determine its extent in the body without resorting to more invasive interventions.
Veterinary teleradiology allows general practice veterinarians to partner with a radiologist who is board-certified with the American College of Veterinary Radiology. With a few mouse clicks, diagnostic images (radiographs, CT, MRI) are submitted online for interpretation, and the highest level of veterinary care is available with a quick turnaround time.
Digital X-rays for pets
A digital X-ray unit produces a radiation beam that passes through your pet’s body, and is picked up by a sensor plate on the other side. The radiation is absorbed by the body tissues in differing amounts according to their density. For example, denser tissue, such as bone, absorbs much of the beam, creating a whiter area on the resulting image, whereas less-dense tissue, such as the air-filled lungs, allows most of the beam to pass through, creating darker areas.
X-rays are useful for viewing a large body area at once, and are often used as a first-line tool to pinpoint a problem area. For example, if a pet has abdominal pain, X-rays can quickly provide a concurrent view of the intestinal, urinary, and reproductive tracts. X-rays are also useful when evaluating bony abnormalities, such as fractures or arthritis, and for detecting abnormal fluid accumulations in the abdominal or thoracic cavities. Serial X-rays can be taken after contrast ingestion to observe gastrointestinal function and help diagnose foreign bodies.
CT for pets
CT is an advanced imaging modality that gathers images of your pet’s body in thin slices, which are reconstructed into a three-dimensional image. CT scans produce images with greater detail than digital X-rays, and three-dimensional evaluation of soft tissue structures allows us to examine an abnormal organ or mass from every angle, and then plan a surgical approach. CT also provides superior images of bony abnormalities, so we can fully appreciate the extent of joint problems or bone cancer.
CT can be used to evaluate almost any body part, and aids in the diagnosis of many conditions, including:
- Masses, including cancerous tumors and metastasis
- Portosystemic shunts
- Ectopic ureters
- Inner ear disease
- Chronic nasal discharge or bleeding
- Traumatic injury
MRI for pets
An MRI unit uses a strong magnetic field and pulsed radio waves, instead of radiation, to scan a patient in thin slices to produce a three-dimensional image. MRI is the most advanced imaging technique available in human and veterinary medicine and, because a different technology is involved, can often provide information that X-rays or CT cannot. MRI is considered the gold standard for imaging nervous system structures, including the brain and spinal cord, as it provides the highest quality images, with excellent detail and resolution. MRI also provides diagnostic joint images, with superior detail of cartilage and ligaments.
Examples of conditions commonly evaluated with MRI scans include:
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Brain tumors
- Stroke
- Vascular abnormalities
Providing service throughout Northwest Ohio: Perrysburg, Toledo, Maumee, Rossford, Sylvania, and surrounding areas.
Appointments are available upon request, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Please call us at (419) 210-8110 to make an appointment.