Veterinary radiography, ultrasound and CT are diagnostic imaging tests that allow internal structures of dogs and cats to be viewed without the need for surgery. The main difference is in the type of information each provides: radiography shows bones and thorax very well, ultrasound allows assessment of moving organs and soft tissues, and CT provides more detailed images and slices, especially useful in complex cases.
In a veterinary practice in BenissaThe clinical team decides which test is most appropriate according to the symptoms, the affected area, the urgency, the condition of the animal and the diagnostic suspicion. One test does not always replace another: they are often complementary.
In Benivet Benissa we offer the following services veterinary diagnostic imaging to help study digestive, respiratory, urinary, traumatological, abdominal, cardiac or surgical problems in dogs and cats.
What is a veterinary X-ray?
Veterinary radiography uses x-rays to obtain internal images of the body. It is a quick and very useful test to assess bones, joints, thorax, abdomen, presence of foreign bodies, stones, pulmonary alterations, approximate cardiac size and some digestive or traumatic signs.
The veterinary radiology is usually recommended when there is lameness, suspected fracture, trauma, respiratory distress, cough, pain, possible ingestion of objects, abdominal distention or the need to assess the chest prior to surgery.
Its main advantage is that it allows rapid information to be obtained. Its limitation is that it offers a two-dimensional image and does not always allow detailed differentiation of organs or soft tissues, so it may need to be complemented with ultrasound or CT.
What is a veterinary ultrasound?
Veterinary ultrasound uses ultrasound to visualise organs and soft tissues in real time. It does not use ionising radiation and allows observation of movement, shape, size and texture of internal structures such as liver, kidneys, bladder, spleen, intestine, uterus, prostate or heart.
The veterinary ultrasound in Benissa is especially useful in abdominal problems, vomiting, chronic diarrhoea, weight loss, abdominal pain, urinary disturbances, suspected masses, gestation, abdominal fluid or monitoring of internal diseases.
In digestive, urinary, hepatic, hepatic, renal or metabolic cases, ultrasound can be part of a veterinary internal medicinetogether with blood tests, urine tests or other tests.
Its main advantage is that it provides a lot of information about soft organs and does not require X-rays. Its limitation is that it does not pass through air or bone well, so it is not the ideal test to assess whole lungs, bone fractures or some deep areas if intestinal gas is present.
What is a veterinary CT scan?
Veterinary CT, or computed axial tomography, uses X-rays and computer technology to obtain images in slices of the body. This allows internal structures to be seen in great detail and complex areas to be reconstructed in different planes.
The Veterinary CAT scan is often recommended when more precision is needed than with conventional radiography, especially in complex trauma, spine, skull, nasal cavity, ear, chest, joint, surgical planning, masses or selected oncological cases.
It can also be useful in an assessment of veterinary traumatologyfor example when there are complex fractures, joint injuries, spinal problems or the need for more detailed surgical planning.
Its main advantage is the high anatomical definition. Its limitation is that it usually requires sedation or anaesthesia to keep the animal still during the test, and it is not always necessary as a first diagnostic option.
Main differences between X-ray, ultrasound and CT scans
| Test | What do you value most highly | When it is usually recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary radiography | Bones, thorax, abdomen, foreign bodies, fractures and some pulmonary or digestive disorders. | Lameness, trauma, cough, respiratory distress, suspected fracture, ingestion of objects or pre-surgical assessment. |
| Veterinary ultrasound | Abdominal organs, bladder, kidneys, liver, spleen, intestine, uterus, prostate and soft tissues. | Vomiting, chronic diarrhoea, abdominal pain, urinary disturbances, weight loss, abdominal masses or monitoring of internal diseases. |
| Veterinary CAT scan | Complex structures in detailed sections: skull, spine, thorax, nasal cavity, joints, masses and complex fractures. | Complex cases, surgical planning, severe trauma, spinal injuries, oncology or when more detail is needed than with X-ray or ultrasound. |
Which one does my dog or cat need?
The appropriate test depends on the problem. If your dog is limping after a blow, an x-ray may be indicated. If your cat vomits, loses weight or has abdominal pain, an ultrasound may be more useful. If there is a complex injury, a spinal problem, a difficult fracture or a mass that needs planning, a CT scan may be recommended.
In some cases, the veterinarian may start with a simpler test and add others if more information is needed. For example, a patient with abdominal pain may need analysis and ultrasound; an animal with trauma may require radiography and, if there are complex lesions, CT; and a patient with suspected internal disease may need to combine imaging with veterinary blood tests o veterinary urinalysis.
Do they need sedation or anaesthesia?
It depends on the test, the character of the animal and the area to be studied. Many x-rays and ultrasound scans can be performed without sedation, although some patients need assistance if they are in pain, afraid or unable to lie still.
Veterinary CT often requires sedation or anaesthesia to obtain accurate images and avoid movement. In these cases, the team first assesses the patient's condition and applies protocols of veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia adapted to their age, species, weight and clinical situation.
When to make an appointment in Benivet Benissa
Make an appointment if your dog or cat has pain, lameness, respiratory distress, persistent cough, vomiting, chronic diarrhoea, weight loss, urinary disturbances, trauma, lumps, swollen abdomen or any symptoms that may require diagnostic imaging.
At Benivet Benissa we can assess which test is most appropriate in each case: X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan or other complementary tests. The aim is to obtain the necessary information without carrying out unnecessary tests and with a safe approach for your pet.
If your dog or cat needs an image test and you live in Benissa, Calpe or the Marina Alta area, you can contact with Benivet Benissa to make an appointment and receive veterinary advice tailored to your case.
Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa
Tel. +34 622 325 271
Email: info@benivetbenissa.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-18:30 - Sat 10:00-13:00
