Cat diagnostic imaging may include radiographs (x-rays), ultrasound, MRIs, and CT scans. Each of these may be used as a diagnostic tool to gather information on your cat’s health.

Most imaging is non-invasive and completely painless. However, some imaging may require anesthesia or sedation because your cat must be kept still to allow for accurate images to be produced.

There are many diagnostic images that we can take of your cat. Depending on what is going with your cat, your veterinarian may take radiographs or ultrasound of your cat. These images will help give your veterinarian more information on what is going on inside your cat’s body.

X-Rays (Radiographs)
Radiographs are a great tool to check if your cat has a broken bone, mass in their abdomen, obstruction, problems with their heart or lungs. Radiographs can help diagnose many common problems seen in cats. Radiographs are a very non-invasive way to diagnose many diseases and are cost-effective. For your convenience, Animal General Hospital provides in-house radiographs.

Computed tomography (CT) Scans
CT scans are computer-enhanced x-ray procedures used to evaluate complex parts of the body, such as the head, chest, some joints, and various internal organs. CT scans show different levels of tissue density and produce more detailed images than x-rays. Animal General Hospital works closely with third-party CT imaging facilities where we will refer you, if necessary.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
MRI equipment generates a very powerful magnetic field, resulting in detailed anatomic images of whatever part of a cat’s body is being scanned. Animal General Hospital works closely with third-party Cat MRI imaging facilities where we will refer you, if necessary

Ultrasounds
Ultrasound is one of the most common types of diagnostic imaging tools veterinarians use to diagnose a cat’s medical condition. Ultrasounds use soundwaves to examine and photograph internal tissues in real-time. An ultrasound allows a veterinarian to see into a cat’s body, allowing for easy viewing of organs from different angles that are not easily achieved through x-rays. The functioning of various organs can be observed to determine if they are malfunctioning. For your convenience, Animal General Hospital provides in-house ultrasounds.

If your cat is injured or ill, using one of the above diagnostic tools can help us evaluate your cat and determine any underlying problems and help us get your cat back to full health as quickly as possible.