Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging Services

The Diagnostic Imaging Department at the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital strives to be at the forefront of imaging technology. Our department provides numerous imaging modalities for the broad range of species seen at PUVTH including; small animals (dogs and cats), equine, farm animals, and exotic species. The Diagnostic Imaging staff consists of veterinarians who are board certified in both the American and European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging, residents in training, a radiation technologist, and registered veterinary nurses who specialize in diagnostic imaging. A veterinary nurse is available 24 hours a day to provide emergency service and imaging support.

Diagnostic imaging services for all species include:

Digital radiography – X-rays, a type of ionizing radiation, are used to produce images of the body. Typical studies are of the thorax, abdomen, or musculoskeletal system.

Fluoroscopy – continuous low dose x-rays are used to obtain real-time, moving, images to aid in the diagnosis of tracheal and esophageal abnormalities.

Computed tomography (CT) – CT scans use x-rays to provide rapid, multiple, cross-sectional images that can be used to detect problems in organs, soft tissues, bones, and vasculature.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a noninvasive procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body. MRI is particularly useful in diagnosing neurological and musculoskeletal disorders.

Nuclear medicine - a subspecialty of radiology in which radioisotopes (compounds containing radioactive forms of atoms) are put into the body to evaluate organ function or localize bone disease such as stress fractures or tumor metastasis.

Ultrasound - used to produce images of internal organs such as the kidneys, urinary bladder, adrenal glands, liver and gallbladder using high-frequency sound waves. Unlike a traditional x-ray, there is no ionizing radiation exposure with this imaging modality.