Diagnostic Imaging
animal types
companion equine livestock exoticNew PET/CT scanner coming Fall 2023
After almost 20 years of service, we are our replacing our PET/CT scanner. We will be under construction until the end of August and should be resuming this service in Fall 2023. PET/CTs are available at UC Davis, Midwestern, Missouri, and Saskatoon during our transition.
Our service offers some of the most advanced imaging technologies available in veterinary medicine, of the same caliber found in a modern human hospital. Our diagnostic imaging capabilities include the full breadth of modalities, and are run by our team of on-site, board-certified radiologists and experienced technological staff.
A dedicated member of the anesthesia and pain management service will be assigned exclusively to the task of closely monitoring your animal’s vitals and potential side effects during any procedure requiring pain management or anesthesia.
Services
Our staff perform inpatient diagnostic imaging services requested by patients’ veterinary specialist within the hospital. Interpretation of imaging results is communicated to the ordering service, who delivers the final report and diagnosis to the client.
Specialized technology
Our state-of-the art equipment can accommodate the medical imaging needs of companion animals (dogs and cats), large animals (including performance and sport horses, wool and fiber animals, cattle, and other farm animals), and exotic, avian, and zoo animals.
Digital radiology (X-ray) machine
Siemens Multix Top, Toshiba KXD-80F, and Vertex X-ray Tube
We perform radiographic examinations of the thorax, abdomen, and skeleton for both small and large animal patients. We also perform special contrast procedures with a Philips Veradius C-arm to evaluate the urinary and gastrointestinal tracts, spine, joints, and heart.
Ultrasound machine
Toshiba Aplio 500, GE LOGIQ, and Toshiba 1700 (Equine)
With ultrasonography, we can evaluate soft tissue organs such as the abdomen, thorax, neck, and musculoskeletal system. We use ultrasound to guide aspirations (the removal of small amounts of material) and biopsies, as well as for Doppler analysis during vascular examinations.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner
Siemens Altea 1.5 Tesla MRI
Using some of the most up-to-date technology in the field today, our MRI provides high-resolution, detailed imaging for the diagnosis of neurologic, oncologic, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular conditions. With technological advances come speed and efficiency, which means patients have shorter times under anesthesia.
Computed tomography (CT) scanner
Siemens Somaton Force
The 128 slice, dual-energy source CT is the first of its kind, with two tubes and two detectors combined that allow for incredibly fast imaging with low radiation output. This is the first Force CT scanner in all of Colorado and the first one in a veterinary hospital west of the Mississippi.
Nuclear scintigraphy
Digital Omega Gamma Camera
Detects a radioactive tracer after its injection and circulation in the body before imaging. This is most frequently used in small animal thyroid and renal functional imaging, as well as for detection of portosystemic shunts.
The gamma camera is also utilized for equine musculoskeletal scintigraphy to help detect potential causes of lameness or poor performance in horses. It can be useful in areas that may be difficult to image with other imaging modalities, such as the axial skeleton.
Nuclear medicine
Radioactive iodine (I-131) is a therapy used to treat feline hyperthyroidism. This radiopharmaceutical is taken up by the thyroid gland and destroys the cells responsible for the clinical disease. Following injection of a predetermined dose of this radiopharmaceutical, cats are housed in a dedicated ward for a period of time until their radioactive levels are considered safe for them to be released from the hospital.