Veterinary Radiology at Upstate Veterinary Specialties

Veterinary Radiology is the study and interpretation of medical grade images from multiple modalities, including radiography, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These imaging modalities allow us to obtain an internal view of our patients using equipment and instruments commonly used in human medicine, adapted for veterinary use.

What to Expect:

The radiology team at UVS operates behind the scenes, supporting our specialty and emergency services by guiding each patient’s primary doctor to choose the best imaging test(s) to investigate and diagnose the problems present, and by creating and interpreting those images. When combined with the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, imaging helps our radiology team localize abnormalities and directs our medical team in developing treatment plans. While these modalities are non-invasive, depending on the requested imaging, patients may need sedation or general anesthesia for certain procedures. For abdominal ultrasonography, the patient’s abdomen will be shaved to obtain the best imaging results.

Radiology Services:

Our radiology department currently utilizes the following modalities to make diagnostic images:

Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive imaging modality that uses painless soundwaves to produce images (sonograms) of soft tissues and organs, fluid-filled structures and body cavities, and blood flow. It is most commonly used to assess abdominal organs in real time, and guide procedures such as fine-needle aspirates. Cardiologists use the same technology to evaluate heart structure and function. These studies may be performed directly by a doctor or by a highly trained and experienced technician.
Radiographs
Radiography is the most commonly used imaging modality in veterinary practices. The X-ray images (radiographs) are produced using the same processes as in human medicine, except that the equipment is sized for use with dogs, cats, and other small animals. Radiographs are frequently used to make images of bones, foreign objects, and large body areas, such as the thorax (chest) and abdomen.
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is a specialized video x-ray, capturing images of the patient in real time to allow the medical team to evaluate active processes such as eating and swallowing, tracheal (windpipe) collapse during breathing, blood flow in the heart and blood vessels, or flow of urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder. This modality can also be used by surgeons in the operating room to help repair fractured bones.
Computed Tomography (CT)
CT uses a combination of X-rays and computer processing to capture detailed images of the body, including bones, muscles, internal organs, and blood vessels. CT imaging is produced using the same processes as in human medicine, but with modified software for veterinary patients. In particular this is the most sensitive way to look at a patient’s lungs for subtle abnormalities. Because patients must remain still for this evaluation, sedation or general anesthesia is frequently necessary.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI uses a large and powerful magnet to create images without radiation or discomfort – apart from being loud, as you know if you have ever had an MRI study on yourself! This is most commonly used by neurologists to generate highly detailed images of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, which no other modality can replicate. MRI studies can be time-consuming to perform, and patients are always required to be under general anesthesia for this test so they do not move.
Specialized Contrast Studies
Multiple modalities may involve giving the patient special dye (contrast material) that highlights specific structures or body functions. This can help the medical team identify anatomic abnormalities like vascular shunts or ectopic ureters, assess whether organs are viable based on blood flow or whether blood clots may be present, or whether body areas communicate with one another, such as whether a hollow organ is leaking or if a deep wound extends into a body cavity.

Board-Certified Veterinary Radiologists:

A veterinary radiologist is a veterinarian who has completed at least three years of additional training in a diagnostic imaging residency.  After completing this training, the individual becomes certified by the American College of Veterinary Radiology upon successfully passing a two-part examination with written and case-based components.

UVS has one on-site board-certified radiologist, Dr. Alison Tarbell. We also partner with two off-site board-certified radiologists for diagnostic imaging interpretation, Dr. Kristina Wilson of Capital Region Veterinary Imaging and Dr. Layla Shaikh of Insight Veterinary Imaging and Consulting.