Diagnostic imaging refers to various technologies used by medical and veterinary professionals to examine the inside of an animal’s body to discover indicators for certain ailments. X-Rays, ultrasound, and CT scans are used individually or in combination for a comprehensive understanding of internal organs. At Lynnwood Animal Hospital, our medical team has on-site digital X-ray technology, dental-specific X-ray equipment, and ultrasound. Specialist hospitals are referred for CT and MRI when necessary.

Digital X-rays provide superior image quality compared to traditional film X-rays, enabling radiologists to spot potential anomalies that might otherwise be overlooked. The digital process is more efficient, facilitating quick sharing of images electronically for review by a radiologist in a different location or for transmitting to veterinary specialists if needed.

Dental X-rays are critical for diagnosing oral conditions in your pet. They provide an in-depth look at the internal tooth structure, the roots, and the surrounding bone. Intra-oral radiographs, produced using compact radiographic films or digital sensors placed in your pet’s mouth, offer superior quality for the assessment of individual teeth or jaw sections compared to regular digital X-rays.

Although X-rays can provide insights on the bones and the shape of internal organs, they are limited when it comes to seeing the inside of an organ. That’s where ultrasound comes in and proves to be a crucial technology for viewing interior structures like the liver and kidneys as well as distinguishing between fluid pockets and tumors. Biopsies and needle aspirations can also be done with ultrasound guidance, which is safer and less intrusive compared to surgery.