In many cases it is useful to be able to image araes of the body using techniques such as x-rays, ultrasound and endoscopes.
We have recently upgraded our x-ray facilities with the addition of a CR digital x-ray system. This will soon allow us to view x-ray images on high resolution monitors around the Practice (including Branch Surgeries). The installed system rapidly analyses the x-ray cassettes using laser technology to produce high quality images in a matter of seconds. We have also invested in a dedicated dental x-ray system (see Dentisty).
X-rays allow us to image inside the body and are particularly useful for assessing bone and joint problems in orthopaedics. They are also helpful to assess chest and abdominal diseases and to search for hidden cancers. They have limitations in that they can only differentiate between certain tissue types, these being gas, fat, soft tissue, mineralised tissue and metal. The radiograph on the right shows the stifle (knee) joint of a dog. Air can be seen as the black area to the left, bone is seen clearly as almost white (metal appears pure white). The gaps between the muscles (soft tissues) can be seen as there is fat between the muscles (soft tissue appears light grey and fat is a darker grey). Therefore, if tissues are of the same type and are adjacent, they cannot be seen as separate structures. This can be why foreign bodies that have been swallowed are not always visible on x-ray films.
Our ultrasound machine is used to see the internal tissues in "real time". Ultrasound uses high frequency sounds that reflect back to the probe to determine the type of tissue below. It is particularly good at detecting fluid (that appears black on the screen) that accumulates abnormally in some conditions. It can also provide information on the structure of organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys that may show signs of disease. Ultrasound cannot determine the cell type of organs and can therefore only give rise to suspician of cancers. A biopsy would be required to confirm the actual disease present.
We have a flexible endoscope and bronchoscope as well as rigid scopes that are all fibre-optic instruments that can be used to look inside airways, the intestinal tract and the bladder. We now have a camera and monitor (awaiting photo!) that allows us to view magnified images and capture pictures to store on computers. Small biopsy samples can be taken using the scopes that can provide a diagnosis without the need for major surgery.
We have recently upgraded our x-ray facilities with the addition of a CR digital x-ray system. This will soon allow us to view x-ray images on high resolution monitors around the Practice (including Branch Surgeries). The installed system rapidly analyses the x-ray cassettes using laser technology to produce high quality images in a matter of seconds. We have also invested in a dedicated dental x-ray system (see 
X-rays allow us to image inside the body and are particularly useful for assessing bone and joint problems in orthopaedics. They are also helpful to assess chest and abdominal diseases and to search for hidden cancers. They have limitations in that they can only differentiate between certain tissue types, these being gas, fat, soft tissue, mineralised tissue and metal. The radiograph on the right shows the stifle (knee) joint of a dog. Air can be seen as the black area to the left, bone is seen clearly as almost white (metal appears pure white). The gaps between the muscles (soft tissues) can be seen as there is fat between the muscles (soft tissue appears light grey and fat is a darker grey). Therefore, if tissues are of the same type and are adjacent, they cannot be seen as separate structures. This can be why foreign bodies that have been swallowed are not always visible on x-ray films.
Our ultrasound machine is used to see the internal tissues in "real time". Ultrasound uses high frequency sounds that reflect back to the probe to determine the type of tissue below. It is particularly good at detecting fluid (that appears black on the screen) that accumulates abnormally in some conditions. It can also provide information on the structure of organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys that may show signs of disease. Ultrasound cannot determine the cell type of organs and can therefore only give rise to suspician of cancers. A biopsy would be required to confirm the actual disease present.
We have a flexible endoscope and bronchoscope as well as rigid scopes that are all fibre-optic instruments that can be used to look inside airways, the intestinal tract and the bladder. We now have a camera and monitor (awaiting photo!) that allows us to view magnified images and capture pictures to store on computers. Small biopsy samples can be taken using the scopes that can provide a diagnosis without the need for major surgery.