Advanced Imaging Center
When I first heard the phrase “advanced imaging services”, I thought it was a photography reference. I was not completely wrong. Advanced imaging is where photography and medicine intersect. It refers to the use of technology and techniques to see images of what is in the body.
Imaging machines are used by doctors to rule out certain suspicions and to conclusively diagnose what is wrong with the pet. The vet doctor also uses these images to help monitor health issues in tandem with other tests.
There are different types of imaging services and they are used for a variety of medical reasons. It is likely that if your pet has had any kind of bone or ligament injury, one of the several imaging machines had been used. Many advanced imaging centers provide some or all of the following advanced imaging services:
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X-rays:
This is arguably the most common type of imaging performed. It is present in almost every hospital in the world and it is usually used to look for things like broken bones. It can also be used to diagnose conditions such as pneumonia.
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CT (CAT) scans:
CT scans are a more specialized type of X-ray. It is used to create detailed images of internal organs, bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels within the body. These images can be used to spot internal bleeding, blood clots, injuries to organs or bones among other things.
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Ultrasounds (sonograms):
This advanced imaging technology employs the use of sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It is usually used to view different organs within the body such as the heart, liver, kidney, and gallbladder.
It is also extensively used to effectively diagnose unexplained pain and to monitor the growth and development of the fetus during pregnancy.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans:
This advanced imaging technology does not employ the use of X-rays, but instead uses a combination of a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to take images of the internal organs of the body. It usually provides more information about a problem seen on an X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan. This is because they capture clearer and more detailed pictures.
MRI scans are also used extensively to identify and locate tumors and diseases of the liver, heart, and bowel. They are also usually more costly than ultrasounds, CT scans, and X-rays.
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Nuclear medicine scans:
These are scans that are used to provide images of organs and areas of the body that cannot be seen well with X-rays. They utilize small amounts of radioactive material to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Examples of nuclear medicine scans include Position Emission Tomography (PET) scans, renal scintigraphy, and thyroid scans.
Safari veterinary care center and animal center in league city all have dedicated veterinary imaging centers where advanced imaging services can be performed. More importantly, they are very affordable and their veterinarians are very good at what they do.
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