Here at Cascade Heights Veterinary Center, we are excited about digital radiology and what we can do with it for our clients.
It has always been our goal to give our clients the very best care. To do this, we are constantly learning new things and working hard to keep our equipment up to date.
One way we give your pets the best care is with digital radiology. It is quick. We can often see the images seconds after we take the films. It also saves time because we don’t have to repeat films if they are too dark or too light. We can simply change the contrast!
When your pets are not feeling well, we might recommend radiographs. They allow us to see what is going on inside your pets without surgery. We are able to get amazing pictures using digital radiology.
Be sure to contact us today at (206) 403-1108 if you have any questions about our digital x-ray unit.
FAQs
1. Does my pet need sedation for X-rays?
Usually not. Most pets can have diagnostic X-rays taken without sedation. However, in some cases, mild sedation may be recommended to help your pet remain still so we can obtain the highest-quality images. Sedation is also beneficial for pets that are experiencing significant pain, as it allows us to position them comfortably while minimizing stress and discomfort. Our goal is always to obtain accurate diagnostic images as safely and compassionately as possible.
2. Can my pet have an ultrasound at Cascade Heights Veterinary Center?
Yes. We are pleased to offer abdominal and other diagnostic ultrasounds at Cascade Heights through our partnership with Northwest Veterinary Imaging. Dr. Pokorny, a board-certified veterinary radiologist, visits our hospital every Wednesday to perform comprehensive ultrasound examinations. Having a specialist perform your pet’s ultrasound allows for expert image acquisition and interpretation, helping us provide timely, accurate diagnoses without requiring you to travel to a specialty hospital.
3. Who interprets my pet’s X-rays?
Every radiograph taken at Cascade Heights Veterinary Center is first reviewed by one of our veterinarians, allowing us to begin discussing findings and treatment recommendations right away. For an additional layer of expertise, we also submit your pet’s X-rays to a board-certified veterinary radiologist for a formal interpretation. This collaborative approach helps ensure subtle abnormalities are not overlooked and provides the most accurate information possible when making decisions about your pet’s care.
4. Why are X-rays important?
Radiographs (X-rays) allow us to see structures inside your pet’s body that cannot be evaluated during a physical examination. They are commonly used to diagnose broken bones, arthritis, heart disease, lung conditions, abdominal abnormalities, bladder stones, certain cancers, and intestinal obstructions. X-rays are often one of the first and most valuable diagnostic tools we use to identify the cause of illness or injury.
5. What’s the difference between an X-ray and an ultrasound?
While both are important imaging tools, they provide different types of information. X-rays are excellent for evaluating bones, the chest, and identifying abnormalities such as fractures, pneumonia, or bladder stones. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images of internal organs, making it particularly useful for evaluating the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, gastrointestinal tract, and other soft tissues. In many cases, these imaging techniques complement one another and provide a more complete picture of your pet’s health.