Cat diagnostic imaging may include radiographs (x-rays), ultrasounds, MRIs, and CT scans. Each of these may be used as a diagnostic tool to gather information about your cat’s health.

Most imaging is non-invasive and completely painless. However, some imaging may require anesthesia or sedation to immobilize your cat and allow for accurate imaging.

There are diverse types of diagnostic images that we can use to assess your cat’s condition. Depending on your cat’s symptoms, your veterinarian may utilize radiographs, ultrasounds, or other diagnostic means to evaluate your cat. Your veterinarian uses the images to collect information about your cat and then create a medical or surgical plan.

X-Rays (Radiographs)

Radiographs are an excellent tool for evaluating whether your cat has a broken bone, a mass in their abdomen, an obstruction, or problems with their heart or lungs. Radiographs can help diagnose many common problems seen in cats. Radiographs are a non-invasive and cost-effective way to diagnose a variety of diseases. For your convenience, Animal Health Center, Opelika, Auburn, provides in-house radiographs.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scans

CT scans are computer-enhanced x-ray procedures used to evaluate the body’s complex parts, such as the head, chest, joints, and various internal organs. CT scans show different levels of tissue density and produce more detailed images than X-rays. Animal Health Center, Opelika, Auburn, works closely with third-party CT imaging facilities, where we will refer you if necessary.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI equipment generates an enormously powerful magnetic field, resulting in detailed anatomic images of specific parts of a cat’s body. Animal Health Center, Opelika, Auburn, works closely with third-party cat MRI imaging facilities, where we will refer you if necessary.

Ultrasounds

Ultrasound is one of the most common types of imaging tools veterinarians use to diagnose a cat’s medical condition. Ultrasounds use sound waves to examine and photograph internal tissues in real time. An ultrasound allows a veterinarian to see into a cat’s body, allowing for easy viewing of organs from different angles that are not easily achieved through X-rays. Ultrasounds can observe inside internal organs (kidney, liver) and see changes or tumors that would be invisible to X-rays. Cat ultrasounds allow veterinarians to monitor the functioning of various organs to determine whether they are malfunctioning. For your convenience, Animal Health Center, Opelika, Auburn, provides in-house ultrasounds.

Echocardiograms

Animal Health Center offers in-house echocardiograms by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist to provide detailed information for diagnosing and treating various heart problems seen in cats.

Cat Diagnostics Goal

Cat diagnostic imaging aims to determine a diagnosis or obtain a final answer without performing more invasive tests or procedures on your cat. For example, an X-ray might show evidence of a tumor of the spine and possibly involve the surrounding muscle. The addition of an MRI would reveal the specific tumor and the extent to which the tumor extends into the surrounding muscle tissue. This type of information is significant when creating a prognosis and treatment plan.

Veterinary diagnostic imaging offers an array of incredibly useful tools in a veterinarian’s toolkit. Sometimes, a diagnostic imaging session can lead to the need for further diagnostics.

If you are concerned that your cat might be injured or experiencing internal problems, or if you would like to discuss how cat diagnostics can benefit your pet, please contact Animal Health Center, Opelika, Auburn, today (334-745-0060).