Cat Diagnostic Imaging

Advanced Imaging for Feline Health

What is a cat diagnostic imaging?

Diagnostic imaging covers several different types or modalities. The most common that we use at the clinic is X-rays. Other types that we also use include ultrasound, and occasionally we refer cases out to do CT or CAT scans, or possibly MRI imaging.

Dr. David Hale

Hebron Animal Hospital

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

We use diagnostic imaging because cats can’t speak to us. Cats often come in with vague symptoms that people observe, and we will then make the decision that an x-ray or an ultrasound would be a valuable tool to see what’s going on on the inside.

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

The most obvious condition we diagnose using X-rays is a broken bone. However, we also use X-rays for cats if they’re not breathing well or if they’re coughing or gagging. Cats that are vomiting or have diarrhea will have x-rays taken to rule out problems in their abdomen.

What other diagnostics can we see with the cat ultrasound?

With the cat ultrasound, we can see real-time imaging of what’s going on internally. We do abdominal ultrasounds fairly frequently to look at the health of their bladder and kidneys. Sometimes, we use it to look for abnormal fluid that might accumulate in their abdomens, as well as to check the health of their liver and gallbladder.

How would you decide that a cat needs diagnostic imaging?

It all starts with the observations that the cat’s owner would make, from lack of eating to weight loss, increased amounts of water consumption, vomiting, etc. Based on that, and a regular examination of the cat, we would determine if an x-ray or ultrasound would be relevant to get the information we need to help.

Why is early detection and diagnosis of internal injury important to cats?

Early detection is key. The sooner we can find a problem, the sooner we can treat it before a cat, or any animal, becomes too sick.