What can we dig up for you?
VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital
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VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital
310-473-2951
Sometimes we are unable to determine from a physical examination what may be troubling your pet. This can be frustrating to you and uncomfortable for your pet. When this happens, we use state-of-the-art noninvasive radiology to help diagnose many pet illnesses and injuries. The specialists we work with, called radiologists, correlate medical image findings with other examinations and tests to help in the diagnosis of many disease conditions. We are committed to providing optimal care to our patients using state of the art veterinary diagnostic imaging. We also provide outpatient imaging services for veterinarians.
The radiologists at our hospital have completed a residency program and are board certified, just like our other specialists. A board-certified radiologist reads all radiographs taken at no extra charge to you.
CT scans allow visualizations of internal organs and soft tissues that are often not detectable with routine X-rays. X-ray computed tomography (CT) is a medical imaging method employing tomography created by computer processing. Digital geometry processing is used to generate a three-dimensional image of the inside of your pet’s body from a large series of two-dimensional X-ray images taken around a single axis of rotation. CT gives tremendous insight and accuracy into the diagnosis of nasal and pulmonary disease, as well as helping us to plan surgery.X-rays and CT scans help our veterinarians evaluate:
Welcome to the VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital Radiology and Advanced Imaging department. We are committed to providing optimal care to our patients using state of the art veterinary diagnostic imaging. We also provide outpatient imaging services for veterinarians. For information about our radiology and advanced imaging services, please call us at (310) 473-2951.
Services provided:
DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY
Radiographs, or x-ray studies, use x-rays to create an image of the body. This is the most frequently used form of veterinary imaging. Digital radiography does not use film, so it is faster to obtain the images and also makes it easy to share images with other veterinarians. Radiographs are used to diagnose disease in the chest, abdomen, and musculoskeletal system. Contrast studies of the gastrointestinal and urinary tract may also be performed.
ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND
Abdominal ultrasound images are obtained by using a probe that sends sound waves into and then receives them from the body. Ultrasound imaging allows us to evaluate the structure and architecture of internal organs. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, blood flowing through blood vessels can also be evaluated. Fine needle aspirates and biopsies are commonly obtained under ultrasound guidance. Ultrasound examinations are non-invasive and do not use radiation.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)
MRI is a highly advanced, non-invasive imaging modality that uses a super-conducting magnet and radio frequencies to obtain detailed cross sectional images of the body. MRI is most commonly used to evaluate the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Patients are under general anesthesia for this procedure to ensure that optimal images are acquired to make an accurate diagnosis. Radiation is not involved in MRI.
HELICAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT SCAN)Computed tomography (CT) uses x-rays to obtain detailed cross sectional images of the body. Given the lack of superimposition, CT provides more detail than conventional x-rays. CT is most commonly used to evaluate the nasal cavity, lungs, and bone abnormalities. It is also used for radiation planning. Fine needle aspirates and biopsies may also be obtained under CT guidance. Patients are under general anesthesia for this procedure to ensure that optimal images are acquired to make an accurate diagnosis. Helical CT is faster than conventional CT, which decreases anesthesia time and also allows us to do contrast studies such as portal CT angiography.
FLUOROSCOPY
Fluoroscopy uses a continuous low dose x-ray that allows evaluation of dynamic imaging of the body. It is most commonly used to diagnose diseases that involve motion, such as collapsing tracheas and swallowing disorders.
