Ultrasound and X-rays
Medical imaging can tell us an enormous amount about what’s going on inside your cat or dog. Generally, your vet will order X-rays or an ultrasound to be able to give a clear diagnosis and create an appropriate treatment plan for your cat or dog.
What is the difference between an ultrasound and an X-ray?
Radiographies (X-rays) take a picture of your animal’s skeletal structure, internal organs, tissues and joints. X-rays are often used to diagnose fractures, the presence of a foreign body, or muscle or organ inflammation.
An ultrasound can provide moving images in real time of different organs. A veterinarian might order an ultrasound to monitor a pregnancy, or see how the heart or organs in the thorax or abdominal region are functioning (e.g., lungs, kidneys, liver, intestines).
X-rays and ultrasound are often used together to give your vet a complete picture of your pet’s health.