Ultrasound

Veterinary Diagnostics with Digital Ultrasound & X-Ray

VCA Acacia offers experience and technology in our diagnostic imaging department. Diagnostic imaging is an important tool for any veterinary practice because small animals often have injuries or illnesses that are hidden or difficult to see. We know animals instinctively hide their pain, showing no apparent outward signs of injury or illness. Diagnostic imaging with the skill to interpret results is critical to accurate identification of a medical problem and in implementing the correct treatments.

We are fortunate to have an on-staff and on-site Board-Certified Veterinary Radiologist at VCA Acacia. This provides us extremely high-quality dog, cat and small mammal radiographic interpretation services along with performing most of our diagnostic ultrasounds. For our bird patients and some small mammals, we use an off-site veterinary radiologist and/or a leading university professor who both specialize in these species to interpret our radiographs and for consultations when needed.

Digital Radiology (X-ray) Imaging

Digital X-rays are widely used for their speed and relatively low cost when diagnosing an injury or certain illnesses in pets. X-ray technology has improved considerably in recent years, offering the benefit of very small doses of radiation to the patient.

In our Radiology Department, we offer patients the latest in technology: digital X-rays. These excellent images are created digitally, allowing us to view detailed images on a computer screen. We can even ???????share??????? the X-ray in real time with other specialists or consultants in outside locations.

Digital X-rays are useful in a variety of situations such as identifying a broken bone, tracking the progress of an orthopedic repair, or for a thorough dental evaluation. In addition, we are able to store the images electronically. This means we can share your pet????????s X-rays with other consulting professionals or keep X-rays on file indefinitely without the concern of deterioration, as in film X-rays.

Digital Ultrasound

Ultrasound technology is popular for its non-invasive, painless, and detailed ???????live??????? view of the inside of a patient????????s body. Ultrasound holds an advantage over X-rays when we want or need more than a still shot of the area.

The image is produced by moving a small hand-held probe across the surface of the skin, usually aided by a topical gel. This probe, called a transducer, can be moved around to view various angles of specific organs or areas inside the body. The live view is excellent for observing movement in a body part, such as the functioning of a patient????????s heart or a joint in motion. The most well-known use for ultrasound is to determine pregnancy and observe progress in the developing fetus. Ultrasound technology produces no radiation as in traditional or digital X-rays and, as such, is harmless to the patient and developing fetus.

Ultrasound technology may also be used in guiding veterinarians while performing delicate procedures, such as biopsies or fluid drainage. Because ultrasound is virtually painless, it is excellent when dealing with a frightened, traumatized, or uncomfortable animal. Very few patients require sedation for this procedure, as it is so gentle and results are immediate.

Advanced diagnostic technology and excellent interpretive skill offers a positive start to treatment for every patient at VCA Acacia.

CT's & MRI's

Computerized Tomography (CAT Scan) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging are two additional imaging modalities that at times can provide highly detailed information about a specific part of the body, such as brain or spinal cord. These two advanced imaging methods, although not available on-site at Acacia, can be arranged to be done at a local imaging center.