What is cat diagnostic imaging?

Cat diagnostic imaging involves procedures such as ultrasound, echocardiogram, or an x-ray to examine the internal condition of a cat.

Dr. Amanda German
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital

How does the use of diagnostic imaging help to determine health issues in my cat?

Diagnostic imaging helps us see if anything has grown over time or other internal issues that are not visible externally.

When would my cat require diagnostic images, and what type of diagnostic images would be used?

The need for diagnostic images varies with the condition of the cat. We can use different types of diagnostic images such as CT, MRI, ultrasound, echocardiogram, and X-rays.

What are some possible conditions that are diagnosed using cat x-ray?

With x-rays, we can diagnose conditions such as arthritis, fractures, dislocations, and displacement of internal organs.

How will a veterinarian decide that a cat needs diagnostic imaging?

The decision to use diagnostic imaging is based on the physical exam findings.

Why is early detection and diagnosis of internal injury to your cat so important?

Early detection is crucial because the condition can worsen over time if left untreated. Detecting and treating any issues as soon as possible is important.

If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram

Cat Diagnostic Imaging - FAQs 1

Dr. Amanda German
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital

When is diagnostic imaging recommended for my cat?

We like to recommend it if we find something on the physical exam that makes us concerned and that we need to look internally.

Will my cat need a lab test prior to cat diagnostic imaging?

Sometimes we do require it, especially if they're going to have to go under anesthesia.

What can I expect from a cat diagnostic imaging session?

So depending on what they're doing, you may see that they've been shaved for an ultrasound or an echocardiogram. There may be absolutely nothing else other than that.

What will a veterinarian be looking for in my cat's diagnostic imaging?

It depends on what they came in for, so we may be looking for fractures, we may be looking for heart disease, we may be looking for masses, we may be looking for things displaced.

How can x-rays help my cat?

X-rays help us determine if they've got a fracture or displacement, any signs of masses or anything like that.

How effective is the use of diagnostic imaging on my cat?

It's very effective for cats.

What are baseline diagnostic images and why are they important for my cat?

Baseline diagnostic images are just images taken on a healthy animal. That way we can see when they're sick or when they have other issues, what's been displaced, moved, or changed from those baseline images.

What happens if there's still no diagnosis after cat diagnostic imaging?

Then we're going to do further follow-up care.

If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram

Cat Diagnostic Imaging - FAQs 2

Dr. Amanda German
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital

Is there anything I should do to prepare my cat for a diagnostic imaging session?

You may be asked to fast your cat if sedation is required for the imaging session.

Who conducts cat diagnostic imaging?

Most of the time, your veterinarian will look at your cat's images. There are times it may be necessary to send the images to a radiologist.

Does my cat need to visit a special radiologist?

This depends on your cat's specific circumstances and conditions. We will discuss this in office based on your pet’s specific needs.

Will my cat be anesthetized for digital imaging?

Not necessarily. Anesthesia may be used to keep your cat still for better imaging. However, it is often not necessary when conducting X-rays.

What happens to my cat during an x-ray?

During an x-ray, your cat will simply be lying on a table.

Will my cat experience pain during diagnostic imaging?

Cat diagnostic imaging is usually not a painful process.

Is there any recovery needed after my cat is x-rayed?

No recovery period is necessary after a cat x-ray.

If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram

Cat Diagnostic Imaging - FAQs 3

Dr. Amanda German
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital

Have any risks been associated with cat diagnostic imaging?

Not usually, but there's always the risk if we do have to put them under anesthesia for that anesthetic risk.

How do you ensure the safety of my cat during diagnostic imaging?

If the cats are under anesthesia, we will carefully monitor all of your cat’s parameters.

Will more than one diagnostic imaging tool be used to come up with a diagnosis for my cat?

Sometimes we have to, especially if we are looking at the heart, inside the kidneys, or other intricate parts of your cat’s structure..

Are certain cat breeds predisposed to cat diagnostic imaging risks?

Any cat that has a smushed face, what we call a brachiocephalic, could definitely have some issues, especially for putting them under anesthesia.

How can the risks of cat diagnostic imaging be minimized?

Using as little anesthesia as possible, and if we don't need to use it, we won't use it at all.

What should I do if I think my cat needs to be assessed?

If you think your cat needs to be assessed, please call us.

If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram