Ultrasound in Veterinary Medicine

Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to visualize internal soft tissues and organs. It is a very useful imaging technique for examining the abdomen, muscles, tendons, heart, eyes and other soft tissue structures. Ultrasound has several advantages over other modalities in veterinary medicine.

It does not use ionizing radiation like radiography and CT, so it can be performed frequently without risk to the patient or operator. Imaging is produced in real-time, so abdominal organs and structures can be evaluated as they appear on screen. Ultrasound also allows veterinarians to visualize texture, internal blood flow and movement of structures during breathing and swallowing. This provides diagnostic information not available through other tests.

Common uses of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging ultrasound include evaluation of the eyes for cataracts or foreign bodies, abdominal ultrasound to check organs for tumors, inflammation or fluid imbalances and musculoskeletal ultrasound to assess tendons, ligaments or muscle tears. It is well-suited for reproductive exams to monitor pregnancies and fetal development as well.

Computed Tomography in Veterinary Medicine

Computed tomography, more commonly known as CT, utilizes a rotating X-ray beam and sophisticated computer processing to produce cross-sectional images of the patient. These images can be compiled into three-dimensional representations providing tremendous detail of internal structures.

CT is particularly useful for evaluation of the thorax and abdomen where overlapped organs make radiographs and ultrasound challenging to interpret. It allows differentiation between soft tissues not clearly defined on other modalities. CT is also very useful for localization of fractures when they are not visible on standard radiographs.

Neurological problems are another common indication for veterinary CT. Scans can detect ischemic strokes, tumors, abnormalities in the spinal cord as well as head trauma. It is also used to stage cancers by determining if they have metastasized to other areas of the body. While CT equipment represents a major investment, it provides diagnostic information beyond the capabilities of traditional X-rays and ultrasound.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Veterinary Medicine

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, utilizes powerful magnets and radio waves to generate cross-sectional images of the patient's body. Unlike CT which uses ionizing radiation, MRI does not expose the patient or operators to any radiation.

MRI has emerged as the test of choice when intracranial pathology like brain tumors are suspected. The detailed soft tissue contrast allows clear differentiation of abnormalities within the brain itself and surrounding tissues on MRI that may not be visible on other modalities. Spine scans are another area where MRI truly shines by showing discs, spinal cord and vertebrae at a level of detail CT cannot compete with.

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