Diagnostic imaging
Diagnostic imaging of dogs and cats is a very important tool in veterinary medicine allowing the detection of various diseases and injuries and monitoring the health of the pet without invasive methods. Our clinic specialists can assess your pet's health, determine the causes of the disease, and select the appropriate treatment accurately and quickly by using advanced diagnostic equipment.
Main procedures of diagnostic imaging:
1. X-ray examination (radiography):
– X-rays are used to image bones, joints, the spine, and certain soft tissues (for instance, the lungs). X-ray examination helps diagnose fractures, dislocations, joint diseases (e.g. arthritis), lung infections, heart enlargement, and foreign bodies.
2. Ultrasound examination (echoscopy):
– ultrasound examination allows for the interpretation of images of internal organs in real time by using ultrasound waves. This procedure is very useful for examining abdominal organs (e.g., liver, kidneys, bladder), determining pregnancy, evaluating heart function (echocardiography), and detecting neoplasms or fluid accumulation in the body.
3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):
– MRI is an advanced imaging technology used for detailed examinations of soft tissues, the nervous system, and the brain. It is often used in cases of suspected neurological diseases, spinal cord injuries, neoplasia, or for detailed examination of joints and ligaments.
4. Computed tomography (CT):
– CT is used for precise imaging of internal organs and bone structure. This procedure is particularly useful in detecting small neoplasms, assessing the brain condition, investigating complex injuries or internal organ damage, when radiological examination may not detect and/or show these changes.
5. Endoscopy:
– during endoscopy uses a special tube with a camera allowing a Veterinarian, a Gastroenterologist and/or Pulmonologist to examine the internal organs, for instance, digestive tract or respiratory tract, directly. This procedure is used to remove foreign bodies, perform biopsies and/or assess the condition of internal organs.
The most common situations when it is necessary to apply for diagnostic imaging procedures:
1. Injuries and fractures:
– if your pet has suffered an injury, fallen, or been hit by a car, it is important to have an X-ray examination to identify and/or rule out possible fractures or internal injuries.
2. Heart and lung problems:
– if your pet starts coughing, breathing more heavily than usual or you notice other signs of heart or lung dysfunction or exercise intolerance, an X-ray and/or ultrasound examination must be performed.
3. Pregnancy:
– ultrasound is the best tool to determine the presence of pregnancy and monitor the condition of the foetus. This procedure is also useful in assessing potential risk factors for birth complications.
4. Neurological problems:
– if a pet experiences seizures, paralysis, loss of consciousness, or unusual behaviour, an MRI or CT scan may be required to identify neurological problems.
5. Digestive problems:
– if your pet is vomiting, has diarrhoea, loss of appetite, or is suspected of swallowing a foreign object, an endoscopy or X-ray examination may help determine the cause of the problem.
6. Urination and kidney problems:
– if a pet has difficulty urinating, has bloody urine, or kidney disease is suspected, an ultrasound examination is a good choice for diagnosis.
Regular monitoring of your pet’s health and timely diagnostic imaging can help prevent serious health problems or start necessary treatment in time to avoid possible consequences. Always consult your Veterinarian if you notice any unusual changes in your pet’s health or behaviour.
Our clinic performs diagnostic imaging examinations. Examinations are also performed according to referral from other Lithuanian or European veterinary clinics.
We attach referral forms to fill out when referring patients for testing:
Register for consultation by phone +3701288788
Head of Department: Veterinarian Paulius Klibavičius
Doctors of Department:
Veterinarian Doc. Dr. Vytautas Sabūnas