Digital Radiology

Montreal Road Animal Hospital

Radiographs are routinely used to provide valuable information about a pet’s bones, gastrointestinal tract (stomach, intestines, colon), respiratory tract (lungs, trachea), heart, and genitourinary system (bladder, prostate, urethra).

They can be used alone or in conjunction with other diagnostic tools to provide a list of possible causes for a pet’s condition, identify the exact cause of a problem or rule out possible problems.

When a pet is being radiographed, an x-ray beam passes through its body and hits a piece of digital electronic radiographic "film". Images on the film are projected through a computer, and appear as various shades of gray and reflect the anatomy of the animal. Bones, which absorb more x-rays, appear as light gray structures. Soft tissues, such as the lungs, absorb fewer x-rays and appear as dark gray structures.

Interpretation of radiographs requires great skill on the part of the veterinarian. We can also send your radiographs for interpretation with a specialist if need be.