Diagnostic Imaging

Overview

At San Francisco Veterinary Specialists, our team of veterinary specialists and clinical staff has access to state-of-the-art medical diagnostic equipment to help identify pets' medical issues and determine the best treatment plan. We are dedicated to providing the highest-quality diagnostic services available to our referring veterinarians and clients. Following are some of the diagnostic imaging tools used at SFVS:

Ultrasound

An ultrasound is a non-invasive, pain-free tool used to diagnose and stage many diseases. Using high-frequency sound waves, the ultrasound generates still or moving pictures (such as a heart beating). Ultrasounds can also be useful in biopsies of internal organs such as the liver, to help guide the needle. Ultrasounds provide better resolution and evaluation of internal organs than traditional X-rays, allowing for earlier detection of medical issues and a more accurate diagnosis of a wide range of conditions. Many conditions and symptoms indicate the need for an ultrasound. Some of the more common include heart murmurs, urinary dysfunction and chronic vomiting.

 

Video Endoscopy

Endoscopy allows for visualization of internal organs and the lining of the digestive system—without invasive exploratory surgery—and for taking samples of the lining of these organs, including biopsies. Different forms of endoscopy are used to evaluate different areas of the body including the nasal cavity, the bladder and the abdomen. In addition, many foreign bodies in the esophagus and stomach may be removed via endoscopy. Special video cameras can be attached to the endoscopes, allowing for viewing of the exam on a screen, as well as recording the exam on video. Video endoscopy requires general anesthesia.

To see a video endoscopy in action, you can watch the sample video of a bronchoscopy procedure below:

 

Computed Tomography (CT or "CAT") Scanner

A CT scan is a non-invasive procedure that uses X-rays and computer processing to produce cross-sectional images of your pet. These image "slices" can be both horizontal and vertical, so they give an unobstructed 3-D view of the area in question. Because it is essential that your pet remain still during the procedure, general anesthesia is used.

Among other things, CT scans are useful for diagnosing cancerous and non-cancerous masses; pneumonia, nasal disease and other respiratory system problems; urinary problems; and broken bones and dislocated elbows and hips. They are also helpful in locating foreign bodies in soft tissue and producing images of the heart and blood vessels. CT scans are often recommended for pets who are having unexplained seizures, behavioral changes, problems walking, or chronic nasal or ear discharge.

A CT scan will allow your pet's veterinarian to obtain a sharper picture of what is going on inside your pet. Unlike traditional X-rays, a CT scan lets the veterinarian see within an organ, rather than just an outline of it. CT scans also show the precise size and location of an abnormality.

For more information on CT scans, download CT Scans & Your Pet:
A Primer for SFVS Clients (PDF).