At Cimarron Animal Clinic we are proud to be on the cutting edge of medical technology. Radiology is a technique and diagnostic tool that we use to look inside the body in a completely non-invasive way. X-rays allow us to create images of all the body's organs.
In other words, the use of radiology gives us a view of the internal organs in your pet's body that we otherwise could not see. It's an important diagnostic tool that helps veterinarians detect and prevent illness.
The use of radiology is safe and our entire staff is highly trained. It is our goal to provide your pet with the highest level of medical care possible, and this is just one of the many ways we achieve that.
High-definition diagnostic imaging enabling rapid detection of internal pathologies.
The Power of Digital Radiography Over Traditional Film
Our hospital utilizes modern direct digital radiography (DR) technology, which offers tremendous clinical advantages: - Instant Image Acquisition: Digital images appear on diagnostic monitors within 4 seconds, drastically shortening examination times and reducing stress for your pet. - Superior Image Contrast & Zoom Capabilities: Digital enhancement tools allow our clinicians to magnify subtle hairline fractures, micro-calcifications, and delicate soft tissue boundaries without taking additional exposures. - Ultra-Low Radiation Exposure: Digital sensors require significantly lower radiation doses than old-fashioned chemical film systems, maximizing safety for both patients and veterinary personnel. - Seamless Specialist Consultation: Images are stored digitally in standard DICOM format, allowing instant telemedicine transmission to board-certified veterinary radiologists when complex second opinions are required.
Common Diagnostic Applications for Digital X-Rays
Digital radiology is essential for diagnosing a broad array of acute and chronic conditions: - Orthopedic Evaluation: Diagnosing bone fractures, joint dislocations, hip dysplasia, and osteoarthritic degenerative changes. - Cardiopulmonary Imaging: Assessing heart enlargement (cardiomegaly), congestive heart failure fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), asthma, pneumonia, or metastatic lung lesions. - Abdominal Exploration: Detecting swallowed radiopaque foreign bodies (rocks, coins, toys), bladder stones (uroliths), intestinal obstructions, organomegaly, and abdominal tumors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are X-rays safe for my companion animal?
Yes, extremely safe! Digital radiography uses minimal radiation doses. The diagnostic benefit of identifying fractures, foreign bodies, or heart failure vastly outweighs any negligible radiation exposure.
Will my pet need to be sedated for X-rays?
Most cooperative pets can be gently positioned by our trained technicians without sedation. However, if a pet is in severe pain from a broken bone or requires precise orthogonal orthopedic positioning for hip clearances, light, safe sedation is used to ensure patient comfort.
How quickly do we receive the results of the X-rays?
Immediately! Because our digital system renders images within seconds, your veterinarian will review the radiographs with you in the exam room during your visit.