Our modern veterinary services include advanced imaging diagnostics such as X-ray and ultrasound in dogs to ensure a comprehensive and accurate examination of your four-legged friends. These examinations often complement each other and allow our veterinarians to make precise diagnoses and offer optimal treatment with state-of-the-art, highest quality equipment.
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X-ray in a dog
Dog X-rays are a valuable tool for diagnosing and treating various health problems in our four-legged friends. X-rays provide a detailed picture of internal structures such as bones, organs and joints, providing insight that would otherwise be unavailable. At A-Vet, we use X-rays to examine both the skeleton and internal organs in the chest and abdominal cavities of your dog. We offer advanced digital direct X-rays that provide instant images and help detect conditions such as bone fractures and the presence of foreign bodies in the abdomen. Our veterinarians are dedicated to using this technology to ensure thorough examinations.
How does X-ray work?
X-rays are an imaging technology that uses X-rays, a type of electromagnetic radiation, to pass through the part of your dog's body that is being examined. Bones and dense structures absorb more X-rays and therefore appear whiter on the images, while softer tissues such as organs and muscles let more rays through and appear darker. This creates a high-contrast image that gives us detailed information about your dog's internal anatomy.
Preparations for X-ray examination of dogs
Before an X-ray examination begins, the dog must undergo thorough preparation to ensure accurate and reliable results. The veterinarian will often ask the owner to fast the dog for a certain period of time before the examination, especially if the stomach or intestinal area is to be examined. This reduces the amount of air and food in the stomach, which improves the quality of the X-ray images.
Depending on the dog's temperament, size, and the specific area being examined, it may be necessary to administer anesthesia or sedatives. This ensures that the dog remains calm and in a stable position throughout the procedure. A sedated state is essential to avoid blurry images.
How is the X-ray examination carried out?
When the dog is ready, it will be placed on the X-ray table and the veterinarian will adjust the position to get the most informative images. Often, multiple angles and images are required to get a complete picture of the desired area. In addition, we ensure minimal exposure to limit radiation risk.
After the images are taken, your veterinarian will carefully analyze them to identify any abnormal findings. The results provide valuable information that can be used to make accurate diagnoses and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
HD X-ray of dog
At A-Vet we offer HD X-rays of dogs. Hip dysplasia (HD) is a hereditary developmental disorder that occurs in dogs of many breeds in which the hip socket and femoral head are malformed and do not fit together. This malformation is rarely painful in itself, but it can lead to potentially painful sequelae.
Although all dogs can develop HD, it is most common in medium and large dog breeds. In order to gain an overview of and reduce the incidence of the disease, a large international effort is being made to screen for HD among dogs. This involves taking X-rays of a large number of dogs when they are over one year old. The images are then sent to a reading panel that reads the images and assesses the degree of HD based on international criteria. HD X-rays must be taken by a veterinarian who is approved and has an agreement for this through the Norwegian Kennel Club. This approval means that the veterinarian has undergone a separate HD and AD courses under the auspices of the Norwegian Kennel Club og The Veterinary Association. All our veterinarians at A-Vet Small Animal Clinic are approved and have an agreement with the NKK.
Ultrasound in dogs
Ultrasound in dogs is an effective method for diagnosing and monitoring the health of our four-legged friends. This advanced method allows our veterinarians to examine internal organs without the need for complicated procedures and it is proven to be a gentle and reliable method for detecting various health problems in dogs. At A-Vet, we often use ultrasound in dogs to examine pregnancy, but it can also be used to diagnose heart and abdominal organ disorders.
How does ultrasound work?
Ultrasound, or high-frequency sound waves, is the foundation of this technology. When the device is placed on your dog's skin, it sends sound waves into the body. These waves are reflected by the tissues in the body and return as echoes to the device. A computer then interprets these echoes and creates detailed images of organs, tissues, and structures in real time.
Preparations for an ultrasound examination of the dog
Before the ultrasound examination begins, it is common for the dog to fast for a couple of hours beforehand. This ensures that the stomach is empty and gives the ultrasound technician a clear visual access to the internal organs. If an ultrasound examination of the urinary bladder is being performed, it is best for it to be full.
In some cases, it may be necessary to anesthetize the dog to ensure calmness and stability during the examination. This is especially common if your dog is restless or has difficulty staying in a certain position. The vet will assess the dog's condition and decide if anesthesia or sedatives are necessary.
How is the ultrasound examination carried out?
The ultrasound examination is performed by one of our experienced veterinarians who places the dog on an examination table when everything is ready and carefully applies a special gel to the area to be examined. The gel helps eliminate air pockets between the skin and the device, ensuring clear and accurate images. The device is then carefully moved over the area while images are displayed on a screen in real time.
The organs commonly examined include the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder and reproductive organs. The images generated by the ultrasound machine provide information about the size, structure and any disease of the organs. This allows the veterinarian to detect potential problems such as cysts, tumors or inflammation.
One of the advantages of ultrasound examinations is that they are painless and gentle. The dog usually does not require sedation for this procedure unless the dog is anxious or restless. However, some owners choose to be present during the examination to calm the animal.
Fetal diagnostics of dogs
Pregnancy testing is the most common reason for an ultrasound scan. Here, pregnancy can be determined with certainty as early as 23 days after mating, and in some cases, pregnancy can be determined earlier. However, it can be difficult to count the number of fetuses with certainty using ultrasound alone, especially in large litters. To know the exact number of kittens, an X-ray examination can be performed closer to birth.
Diagnoses using ultrasound
Ultrasound is also helpful for examining the abdomen, and the veterinarian will be able to see the abdominal organs, vessels, and lymph nodes and identify changes in the liver, kidneys, and uterus, among other things. When examining the abdomen, the dog usually has to shave its belly. Ultrasound is also commonly used for echocardiography, which is an examination of the heart.
Expert assessment with teleradiology
A-Vet has skilled professionals in diagnostic imaging with a specialist in cardiac and image analysis. In collaboration with IDEXX Telemedicine og SignalPet Telemedicine With specially trained radiologists in Oslo and Sweden, we can discuss cases and images for expert assessment if needed.
X-ray and ultrasound for dog price
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about X-ray and ultrasound examinations for your dog. Information on prices can be found here. We are here to ensure that your pets receive the best care and treatment they deserve.
