Imaging Department

Our imaging department supplements all of the other departments by providing several different types of visual studies. All of the equipment is networked with our computer network so that results can be consolidated within the patient record either for reference or for transfer to the referring veterinarian.

We have four imaging modalities; digital radiography, ultrasound, video endoscopy, and CT. We also have a relationship with a nuclear medicine team, and nuclear medicine studies will be available as demand permits.

Digital radiography is the next step in standard X-ray technology. The digital format reduces study time down to 6 seconds, and allows the picture to be adjusted and viewed at any of the computer work stations throughout the hospital. Once the picture is saved it can no longer be altered, and so it is as reliable as a conventional x-ray (even more so since it doesn't fade or scratch!). The studies can also be immediately transferred to specialists for viewing, or burned to CD for client records.

Ultrasound studies are performed by several of our doctors and they are interpreted by our Chief of Staff, Dr. DelGiudice. Many hospitals have ultrasound available, but need to send studies to specialists for results.

Since our studies are interpreted in-house we are able to obtain results in a much shorter time. This is so important with emergency and critical care cases. We also have a devoted ultrasound room so that studies can be performed at all times.

Video endoscopy allows us to view the inside of body cavities without invasive surgery. This allows us to study areas like the trachea, esophagus and colon. It also allows us to perform non invasive biopsies and foriegn object retrievals. When a dog swallowed his leash, we were able to retrieve it without performing surgery! These studies are stored electronically by converting video clips to .jpeg files.

Computed Tomography (CT) is an advanced radiographic diagnostic method where cross-sectional images are obtained. A radiograph tube with a thin beam rotates around the patient obtaining multiple images, which are relayed to a computer. The computer performs digital geometric processing and generates a three-dimensional image. CT allows one to see the internal structure of the body and has higher resolution than routine radiography. CT imaging provides detailed images of organs, bones and other tissues.
The Animal Emergency and Referral Hospital CT scanner is maintained by a radiology imaging association and operated by an extremely experienced staff with both human-medical and veterinary imaging backgrounds. CT scans are available 7 days per week.
A nurse anesthetist and clinician are present during the procedure as patients undergoing a CT scan require brief general anesthesia so they may remain completely motionless during the evaluation. Once the CT scan is complete, and depending on the illness, the scan is interpreted by the staff surgeon, Dr. N. Danova and/or an off-site radiologist.