X-ray is an important part of finding out what might be wrong with an ill pet.  We use advanced digital X-ray.  This is quicker and higher quality than old systems.  This makes it safer for your pet and gives our vets more information.

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Similar to digital photography, digital radiography removes the need for processing of films and means that X-ray images are instantly available for examination by our vets. Other advantages include:

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• Better image quality.

• Safer for pets because lower exposure (power) is needed.

• Quicker diagnosis as perfect images can be more easily obtained.

• Environmentally friendly because no chemicals are used during processing.

• Images can be stored and retrieved more easily.

• Images can be transferred sent to specialists anywhere around the world for second opinions.

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Our x-ray room is lead lined including lead glass in the door to allow monitoring throughout the X-ray process. We also have a floating X-ray table which allows us to move the X-ray table without having to move the patient for quick positioning.

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Taking and interpretation of X-rays (radiography) is very important in providing information about a pet’s disease. It is far more than just a way of diagnosing a broken bone. Radiography is an essential part of investigations into lung, heart, liver, joint diseases and many abdominal problems.

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We also have a high quality ultrasound machine, which we use by itself and also alongside X-rays to allow us to to build up a full picture of what is going on. Ultrasound allows visualisation of internal structures (particularly soft tissue and fluid) with a range of probes for specific regions of interest such as cardiac disease. 

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All our vets do radiographic and ultrasound investigations. For more complicated cases we will also refer the images onto specialists for 2nd opinions and advice. 

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Your vet can get a lot of information about what might be wrong with your pet from examining them and talking to you.  If your vet thinks there may be a problem inside your pet’s body an X-ray or other imaging such as an ultrasound may be needed.  X-ray and ultrasound images allow your vet to look at the organs and bones inside your pet’s body without having to perform an operation.

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In small doses X-rays are perfectly safe. Digital X-ray means we can use lower power X-rays making it even safer. In large numbers X-rays can be harmful which is why our vets and nurses cannot be in the same room as your pet when they are taking X-rays. This means that your pet may need a general anaesthetic or sedation to keep them still. It is important that your pet lies still as the exposure is made or the final picture will be blurred.

The risk associated with the tests is that of the anaesthetic or sedation in an ill animal. Your vet will explain the risks to you and if you are in any doubt about the risks please ask your vet to explain why they need to do the tests. In almost all cases the risk of not finding out what is wrong with your pet (and therefore not being able to treat it) is far worse than the risk of the anaesthetic.

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An ultrasound scan can often be carried out without the need for sedation or anaesthetic- however these may be recommended in certain patients and situations or to achieve a diagnostic image.