Advanced Diagnostics: Seeing Inside Your Pet
At Hamilton Crossing Animal Hospital, our diagnostic imaging services—Radiography (X-rays) and Ultrasound—are essential tools that allow our veterinarians to non-invasively look inside your pet’s body. This capability helps us accurately diagnose conditions, monitor injuries, and plan treatments quickly and effectively.
Digital Radiography (X-rays)
X-rays use small amounts of radiation to create images of your pet's internal structures, including bones and soft tissues.
Orthopedics: Identifying fractures, checking for joint disease (like arthritis or hip dysplasia), and evaluating luxations (dislocations).
Foreign Bodies: Locating items your pet may have swallowed (toys, rocks, etc.) that could be causing an obstruction in the stomach or intestines.
Internal Organs: Assessing the size, shape, and position of organs like the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. They are vital for checking for signs of heart disease or lung pathology.
Urinary Tract: Locating bladder stones (uroliths) or kidney stones.
Expert Review for Peace of Mind
While our veterinarians are trained to read and interpret X-rays, complex or ambiguous cases sometimes require a second opinion. When necessary, we can digitally send your pet's X-rays to a certified veterinary radiologist specialist for a detailed, expert interpretation. This collaborative approach ensures the highest level of diagnostic accuracy for your pet.
Ultrasound Services
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time, moving images of your pet's internal organs. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound provides detailed information on the texture and architecture of soft tissues and blood flow.
In-Clinic Basic Ultrasound
Our in-house capabilities allow our veterinarians to perform focused, basic ultrasounds for immediate diagnostic needs. These may include:
Quick checks for free fluid in the abdomen (suggesting bleeding or rupture).
Rapid assessment of the bladder or large masses.
Confirmation of pregnancy.
Partnership with Mobile Certified Specialists
For complex or advanced imaging, we have a close working partnership with a certified veterinary ultrasound specialist (sonographer).
Advanced Imaging: This specialist comes directly to our hospital to perform detailed abdominal, thoracic (chest), or cardiac ultrasounds.
Client Convenience: This partnership prevents you from having the stress and inconvenience of traveling to a different specialty hospital for advanced testing. Your pet receives a high-level diagnostic scan right here in the familiar environment of Hamilton Crossing Animal Hospital.
Direct Collaboration: The specialist provides us with immediate findings, allowing our veterinarians to create a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan for you on the same day.