Radiology (Digital X-Rays)
Radiology is a valuable health screening and diagnostic tool that allows our veterinarian to evaluate your pet’s health, when we’re unable to reach a definitive diagnosis with external examination and laboratory tests alone. X-ray images of your pet’s internal structures (bones, organs, and soft tissues) can help us detect health problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye. X-rays are also useful in the diagnosis or evaluation of known injuries and other health conditions.
How a Veterinarian Uses X-Rays
X-rays are a safe, non-invasive way to diagnose an internal medical problem, without the need for exploratory surgery. X-rays can be used to diagnose a multitude of health concerns, including:
- Arthritis
- Cranial cruciate ligament disease
- Injuries
- Accidentally ingested foreign objects
- Tumors
- Issues with internal organs
- Bladder stones
- Urinary tract problems
Protect Your Pet's Health with Dental X-Rays
Our veterinarian routinely examines all pets’ teeth and gums during wellness appointments. With visual examination, we can spot issues occurring above the gums, like surface cavities, broken teeth, periodontal disease, or unusual swelling and redness. We cannot, however, detect problems that could be occurring inside a pet’s teeth or below the gum line. Using dental x-rays, our veterinarian can view the internal structures of pet’s teeth, roots, jaw, and surrounding bone to diagnose dental problems that might not be visible to the naked eye. We might recommend dental x-rays if your pet has visible signs of oral health problems or displays any concerning symptoms.
Safer Diagnostics and Faster Results with State-of-the-Art Digital X-Rays
At Companion Animal Health & Rehabilitation Center, we’re proud to be at the cutting edge of veterinary medical technology, which enables us to offer our patients the best care possible. One of our advanced services are digital x-rays, which allow us to provide safer, faster, and more accurate diagnostic services to our patients.
Digital x-rays require a much shorter exposure time than traditional film x-rays, which means pets are exposed to less radiation. Thanks to the short exposure times, many pets are able to remain still long enough to capture a clear image, which means pets often do not even need to be sedated for an x-ray appointment.
Digital x-ray images are also instantly available for same-day viewing. Our veterinarian can evaluate the images with you immediately to provide a swift diagnosis and begin treatment, if necessary. In digital format, x-rays can be enhanced, enlarged, and easily shared with specialists and pet parents.
Schedule Your Pet's Next Health Screening at Companion Animal Health & Rehabilitation
Although x-rays are typically used as a diagnostic tool when a pet is injured or sick, they can sometimes be used for health screening and early disease detection. If your pet’s breed is genetically predisposed to certain musculoskeletal conditions or other internal health concerns, our veterinarian might recommend x-rays as a regular part of your pet’s wellness plan.
For more information about our digital x-ray services or to schedule an appointment for your Escondido pet, we welcome you to contact our office today.
