Dr Joanna Bronson
Physical exams tell us a lot about an animal’s condition, but using the right diagnostic tools can reveal more.
Standard blood tests (CBC/complete blood counts) show whether the results are within the normal range and, if not, where to start looking for intervention and treatment procedures and plans.
Other diagnostic tests can help identify problems that are not visible through a physical exam, blood tests, biopsies, or urine or stool tests.
Radiology (X-rays) uses radiation to produce energy that penetrates the body to show underlying structures such as bones and soft tissues (organs). Radiology is considered a standard test for most clinics.
X-rays allow for rapid imaging and can help diagnose many conditions, such as fractures, heart failure, bladder stones, and some types of cancer. However, radiology may not reveal brain tumors, prolapsed spinal discs, and more complex issues.
Ultrasounds can look inside the body by using sound waves. They are useful for diagnosing conditions that might be missed or not easily defined using x-rays. Possibilities include bladder stones, tumors of the abdominal organs, and abdominal fluid deposits such as those found in a bleeding tumor.
Echocardiography is an ultrasound examination of the heart that can find tumors in the heart and evidence of suspected heart disease, while radiology can show enlargement of the heart and blood vessels, echocardiography shows the heart and valves in motion. However, it may not reveal all conditions, such as pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).
Many veterinary clinics also use ultrasounds as standard procedures, but if a case is more complex, animals usually need to be referred to a larger veterinary center for imaging such as a CT scan or MRI.
A CT scan combines X-rays taken from different positions to create a more detailed image. This can is very useful for detecting small tumors, complex orthopedic problems and internal bleeding.
If the CT scan does not provide enough information, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to diagnose injuries to the knee, nerves, brain, and spinal cord, especially if tumors or bleeding are suspected.
Bronson Veterinary Services can now offer appointments with a portable CT scan service available to our clients on an as-needed basis. This service is for small animals only, but it is a cost-saving tool as the customer pays for the service directly and saves a trip to a larger facility. The images provide us with the results so that a treatment plan can be designed.
A CT scan can provide more information about areas of concern that are beyond our resources. Head imaging may reveal the cause of chronic nasal discharge by polyps, neoplasm, fungus, or a foreign body. It can also help identify chronic otitis media or otitis media. In cases of facial trauma, you can determine the extent of the injury. Eye disease, oral masses, and the extent of dental disease can be seen.
In the thoracic area, imaging can provide information on metastatic conditions, pleural effusions, pneumothorax and lung blebs, mediastinal/heart base masses, and lung lobe torsions.
CT scans can provide images of the entire head, including the brain, neck, and head, and information about thyroid conditions. By viewing the abdominal region, a scan can determine the presence of a mass and indicate whether it might be operable. Body wall imaging can identify invasive vaccinal sarcomas/lipomas and help with surgical planning. A bone scan may reveal cancer versus osteomyelitis versus cysts versus proliferative disease.
With fractures that are located in the skull, facial area, ribs, and pelvic areas and to view dense tissue such as that found in the liver and spleen, a CT image is superior.
A CT scan is excellent for imaging different body conformations and the presence of obstructive gas that may be missed on an ultrasound.
Pancreatitis, adrenal disease, and multiple obstructions are also clearer on examination.
The MVCT (Mobile Veterinary Computed Tomography) Scanning Mobile Computed Tomography unit travels throughout Michigan serving veterinary clinics, hospitals and zoos and includes all exotic animals.
Referring veterinarians have immediate access to images and MVCT also transmits images to a board-certified veterinary radiologist for further interpretation with results typically available the next day.
MVCT uses a state-of-the-art portable eight-slice CT scanner made in Danvers, MA, and is the same scanner used in stroke ambulances and hospital intensive care units.
Appointments typically take 1-2 weeks to schedule through our clinic for this convenient diagnostic procedure.
— Dr. Joanna Bronson of Bronson Veterinary Services, located at 452 W. Central Road, Coldwater. Contact her at 517-369-2161 or visit bronsonvetservices.vetstreet.com.