X-Rays are a powerful diagnostic tool that can quickly diagnose your pet so that a veterinarian can begin treatment. This tool is simple, non-invasive and effective. Below, let's take a closer look at the reasons why your pet may need an x-ray and understand the capabilities and limitations of x-rays.
Why would my pet need an X-Ray?
X-Rays are a diagnostic tool that is used by medical doctors and veterinarians alike. An X-Ray uses different wavelengths to penetrate the body and create an image on film, allowing us to "see through" a solid object. There are many reasons why your pet might require an X-Ray. Often, X-Rays are used to check for broken bones. X-Rays can also be beneficial for examining certain body parts, such as the lungs or intestines. Certain diseases can be seen in a chest X-Ray, such as pneumonia or cancer, which aids with treatment. Abdomen X-Rays are common for pets that might have an obstruction. Because X-Rays excel at detecting hard or solid matter, often foreign bodies are easily identified on an X-Ray.
What can be seen on an X-Ray?
X-Rays are able to detect some pretty detailed components of your pet's body. While X-Rays are more clear when imaging hard or solid matter, it is entirely possible to detect soft tissues on X-Rays too. An X-Ray might be used to detect different tumors or masses within the body. Certain organs are detectable on X-Rays and can help with an early diagnosis for certain diseases. X-rays are commonly used to examine the tissues, ligaments, and tendons within your pet's body as well. Because X-Rays easily detect solid matter, they are commonly used to confirm pregnancy in animals and estimate the number of offspring.
What can't be seen on an X-Ray?
X-rays are pretty powerful, but certainly, have limitations. Sometimes, if a mass or solid object is masked by another organ or soft tissue it can be difficult to get a clear picture. Some soft plastics are also difficult to detect on an X-Ray. This can be troublesome if your pet has ingested foreign matter and is experiencing an obstruction. Further, detailed body components such as the brain, and detailed pictures of the heart can be difficult to clearly see on an X-Ray.
Call Valley Veterinary Hospital of Helena Today!
The team at Valley Veterinary Hospital of Helena is passionate about caring for your pets and helping them live a happy and healthy life. Using X-Rays as a diagnostic tool can help the veterinarian diagnose your pet and pinpoint specific and effective treatment. Our office is centrally located at 4880 N Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59602. To schedule an appointment, call us today at (406) 442-0188. Our animal hospital is passionate about pet care and treat your pets as if they were our own.