Veterinary Specialty Centre of Newfoundland & Labrador 709-221-7838

IMPORTANT NOTICE: As of September 27, 2024, we will no longer be open on weekends. Our team will continue to be available overnights Monday - Thursday.

Diagnostics

We offer diagnostic services to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of cats and dogs.

Diagnostics

We offer diagnostic services to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of cats and dogs.

DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

Behind Every Great Veterinarian is a Great Radiologist

Board-certified radiologists are trusted partners in both diagnostic and treatment plans. Utilizing multiple imaging modalities to diagnose many different diseases and injuries, they collaborate with our specialists and veterinarians to come up with the optimal treatment plan.

Primary care veterinarians may refer their patients to VSCNL for diagnostic imaging or submit radiographs for specialist interpretation.

CLIENT PREP GUIDE
TERMS & CONDITIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a board-certified Veterinary Radiologist?

Medical images are very complex and a veterinary radiologist may be needed to interpret the results accurately. Veterinary radiologists are licensed veterinarians who have completed a 4-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, followed by a residency program in diagnostic imaging. This program is certified by the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) and the board-certified radiologist has successfully passed certifying examinations. They are a Diplomate of the ACVR. A veterinary radiologist is a specialist in the interpretation of many diagnostic imaging modalities including radiographs (x-rays), ultrasound (including echocardiogram), CT, MRI, and nuclear medicine.

What is diagnostic imaging?

Diagnostic imaging provides veterinarians an inside view of your pet. It is non-invasive, meaning no incision is necessary, and assist in diagnosing or ruling out a variety of conditions that cannot be confirmed by physical examination or blood tests alone. There are five types of medical imaging available through veterinary medicine: radiographs (x-ray), ultrasound, CT, nuclear medicine, and MRI. To learn more, refer to the variety of diagnostic imaging fact sheets we have available on our website.

What is special about the diagnostic imaging equipment and imaging staff at VSCNL?

Our diagnostic imaging unit is run by a board-certified veterinary radiologist, who is supported by registered veterinary technicians specifically trained in diagnostic imaging. There is advanced imaging equipment such as digital radiology, ultrasound, and CT. This combination of staff, equipment, and services is offered only by VSCNL within our province.

Will my pet need sedation and/or anesthesia?

The temperament of your pet and any medical conditions will be taken into account when deciding this. For further information, read Sedation & Anesthesia.

Will my pet need bloodwork?

For the safety of your pet, procedures requiring sedation and/or anesthesia always require bloodwork.For further information, read Sedation & Anesthesia.

Does medical imaging always provide the final diagnosis?

Depending on circumstances, diagnostic imaging may provide a final answer (i.e., fracture, bladder stone). However, multiple tests may be required to determine a diagnosis. Diagnostic imaging results may identify the need for other diagnostic tests, such as a biopsy. It may also rule out conditions, which is also very valuable information.

Why does my pet need diagnostic imaging tests if we’ve already done other tests?

Many diagnostic tools to evaluate your pet’s health are available; each type of diagnostic can tell different things. For example, many problems involve multiple diagnostic imaging techniques for optimal evaluation.For example, an x-ray will show the size, shape and position of an organ. In contrast, an ultrasound and CT allows the veterinarian to see inside the organ and to assess function in some cases. For moving organs such as the heart, the size, tissue character, and muscle function can be assessed in “real time” via an ultrasound. Our veterinarians will be able to help decide which tests are right for your pet.

HELPFUL SURGERY RESOURCES

CBC/Blood Chemistries

CBC/Blood Chemistries

Testing is essential to evaluate patients with fever, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, pale gums, and/or appetite loss, or receiving anesthesia.

Sedation & Anesthesia

Sedation & Anesthesia

Our specialists and veterinarians design the safest sedation/anesthesia plan based upon each patient’s individual needs.

Contrast Studies

Contrast Studies

After contrast administration, diagnostic images are then taken to track the contrast agent through a particular body function.

CAT Scan

CAT Scan

A CT scan uses a narrow X-ray beam that circles around one part of your pet’s body. This provides a series of images from many different angles.

Echocardiogram

Echocardiogram

An echo is a painless, non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to take pictures of the heart in real-time as it beats to assess both its structure and function.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound

Also known as sonography, ultrasound scanning is a non-invasive form of diagnostic imaging that uses sound waves to provide a real-time view of organs.

Radiographs (Xrays)

Radiographs (Xrays)

Also known as a radiograph, an x-ray is a painless test that produces images of the structures inside the body.

The Crucial Role of X-rays

The Crucial Role of X-rays

Griffin is a 3-year-old Rottweiler cross who came to the VSCNL on a Saturday night. Griffin’s owner said he wasn’t himself all day.