X-ray and ultrasound in dogs and cats

With X-ray examinations on dogs and cats, we can uncover a number of typical problems that can affect the animal's health. This includes:

• Skeletal problems: X-rays are an important tool for diagnosing fractures, joint problems such as osteoarthritis, and conditions such as HD (hip dysplasia) or AD (elbow dysplasia). This is especially useful for assessing the condition of bones and joints in cases of lameness or injury.
• Back problems: X-rays can help identify problems in the spine such as calcifications, prolapse, or other structural changes that may cause pain or neurological symptoms.
• Thoracic cavity: A chest X-ray can reveal problems such as an enlarged heart, fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), pneumonia, tumors, or other structural abnormalities of the heart and lungs. This is important for diagnosing respiratory problems or suspected heart failure.
• Abdominal region: When examining the abdomen, X-rays can reveal foreign bodies (which are common in pets that have eaten something they shouldn't), tumors, constipation, or structural abnormalities in organs such as the liver, kidneys, or intestines.
• Dental problems: X-rays are also very useful in dentistry to detect tooth root infections, hidden tooth fractures, or tooth resorption in cats, which are difficult to see without imaging.
• Bladder and kidney stones: X-rays can detect the presence of bladder or kidney stones that can cause pain and difficulty urinating.

These examinations provide an important insight into the dog's or cat's internal condition and help vets make a precise diagnosis and provide the right treatment.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is in many cases a more sensitive aid in imaging than X-ray. Among other things, we can use ultrasound to diagnose pregnancy, uterine inflammation and find tumors in the abdomen.

ECG and ultrasound

With the help of ECG and ultrasound, we can diagnose most heart conditions. We have good communication with foreign specialists in radiology to whom we regularly send X-ray and ultrasound images to ensure the quality of the treatment of our patients.

HD X-ray of dog

A-Vet offers HD X-rays and AD X-rays of dogs. Hip dysplasia (HD) is a hereditary developmental disorder in dogs where the hip socket and femoral head are malformed and do not fit together. This malformation is rarely painful in itself, but it provides the basis for potentially painful sequelae.

Does HD apply to all breeds?

All dogs can develop HD, but it is most common in medium and large breeds of dogs. In order to gain an overview of and reduce the incidence of HD in dogs, a large international effort is being made to screen for the disease. 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 gives an HD grade based on internationally given criteria.

Where can I take HD/AD photos?

HD x-rays must be taken at a vet who is approved and has an agreement for this through NKK. This approval implies that the veterinarian has undergone a separate HD and AD course under the auspices of the Norwegian Veterinary Association and the Veterinary Association. All our veterinarians at A-Vet Small Animal Clinic are approved and have an agreement with the NKK. You can book an appointment with A-Vet here.

Alternative to NKK

We are also a registered clinic with OFA Orthopedic Foundation for Animals which is an alternative to NKK where we submit HD and AD images for grading and storage in their database as well as patella luxation. You can read more about OFA here.