The goal of the diagnostic imaging service of the Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center is to provide the highest level of imaging tests and interpretation in conjunction with consistent and effective communication with the client and referring veterinarian.
Two groups of patients are served: those who are referred by their veterinarian and patients who present to specialists or the emergency center of VSEC and require diagnostic imaging following consultation and evaluation.
We also offer consultation and provide reports on radiographs (x-rays) taken by referring veterinarians and transmitted to us via mail or email.
The diagnostic imaging service is staffed 6 days a week, including Saturday, by a board-certified veterinary radiologist who is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology or ACVR.
Only Diplomates of the ACVR have completed a 3 or 4-year residency in diagnostic imaging and passed a series of national qualifying examinations. No other veterinarians have received as much rigorous and complete training and testing in the fields of ultrasound, radiography (x-ray), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The most common reason that your veterinarian may refer you directly to the diagnostic imaging service is for an outpatient ultrasound examination.
Ultrasound is recommended in many cases of gastrointestinal disease (e.g. vomiting, diarrhea) or abnormalities suspected in the abdomen or thorax, based on physical exam, x-rays or laboratory testing (e.g. elevated liver or kidney values on routine lab work).
Services Offered:
- Diagnostic ultrasound is performed in the following regions:
- Abdomen - for GI disease or abnormalities noted on physical exam, radiographs or blood work
- Thorax - for pulmonary or mediastinal disease
- Neck - for imaging of lymph nodes, thyroid glands, trachea and esophagus
- Musculoskeletal system - for shoulder pain or other lameness
- Doppler Flow studies - to assess blood flow in lesions and organs
- Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirates and tru-cut biopsies - for cytologic analysis (microscopic evaluation of the cells in an organ or lesion)
- Diagnostic imaging interpretation of in-house or referral studies:
- Radiographs (x-rays)
- Computed Tomography (CT scan)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- On site MRI and CT
When you arrive with your pet at VSEC for an ultrasound, a nurse will take a brief medical history of your pet at the start of your appointment. The nurse will then escort the patient to the ultrasound suite.
The ultrasound exam typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Following the exam, the radiologist will create a report, call your primary veterinarian and meet with you to discuss the findings and plan. This whole process typically takes approximately one hour.
VSEC’s Radiologists:
Testimonial
Thank you so very much again for your immediate and accurate application of service to our 11 year old yellow lab Moby who came in for an ultrasound. You may (or may not) be surprised to find out surgery removed one large white tube sock, one ankle sock and a [few other items]! OH THAT DOG! He is doing great and recovering nicely thanks to wonderful people like you.
Most sincere thanks! Linda, Doylestown
