Pet Diagnostics and In-House Testing

Similar to human beings, cancer in cats is a leading cause of death among older felines. Although the specific causes of cancer in cats is currently unknown, many experts consider the feline leukemia virus to be a contributor. Other factors that might increase cat cancer include toxins from the environment, second hand smoke, and environmental toxins.

It is important for you to understand that depending on the specific circumstances of your cat’s condition, feline cancer may be treatable. Medical advancements have provided us with more treatment options for cats with cancer. However, the best way to prevent cancer in cats is to emphasize a healthy lifestyle and adhere to a preventive health care regimen. This includes scheduling regular wellness checkups with your veterinarian.

Spotting Cat Cancer Symptoms

First and foremost, fighting cancer in cats begins with spotting symptoms of the disease while it is still in the early stages. However, spotting symptoms can be tricky because cats are very good at hiding illness. Many forms of cat cancer can be externally noticed. Therefore, periodically inspecting your feline friend is key to spotting cancer symptoms. Some of the more common cat cancer symptoms include:

Any lump that changes shape or size
Any sore that does not heal
Change in bowel or bladder habits
Difficulty eating or swallowing
Difficulty urinating or defecating
Unexplained bleeding or discharge from body
Vomiting and/or Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Chronic weight loss
Difficulty breathing or coughing
Stiffness
Oral odor
Should you spot any symptoms, we urge you to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian immediately. Only then can they perform the necessary diagnostic tests to determine whether or not cancer is present, and to what extent. Cat cancer can be aggressive, and requires immediate intervention. If cancer is diagnosed early, the prognosis for recovery increases significantly.

There are various types of feline cancer. We have compiled a short list here, meant only to serve as an introduction to some of the more common types of feline cancer. If you suspect your cat may have cancer, please schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians.

Ceruminous Adenomas These small tumors are dark blue, brown or black and are usually confined to the external ear canal.
Lymphoma- lymphosarcoma (LSA) is common among cats with feline leukemia virus infections. It affects the intestines and other lymphatic tissues in the abdominal area. Symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stool, and constipation. LSA can only be formally diagnosed through medical procedures your veterinarian can administer.
Myeloproliferative tumors are genetic, and can be passed on through reproduction. It affects bone marrow and blood. Symptoms include weakness, labored breathing, pale mucus membranes and a loss of appetite.
Melanoma tumors are basal cell tumors. They are not very common in cats, but can occur nonetheless. They usually are found around the neck, head, ears and shoulders in cats. They are mostly benign, and form as solid lumps underneath the skin.
Squamous cell carcinomas affect areas lacking natural pigmentation, such as the oral cavity, tonsils, lips, nose, eyelids, external ear, limbs, toes and nails. They can also occur in areas under constant irritation or trauma. Diagnosis takes place by performing biopsies.
Mast cell tumors appear as skin nodules that are ulcerated or pigmented. They can be located anywhere on a cat’s body, and must be biopsied to diagnose.
Osteosarcoma tumors affect the bones, joints and lungs. These tumors can lead to swelling, lameness, coughing, and breathing difficulties. Diagnostic tools include X-Rays and biopsies.
Fibrosarcomas tumors occur in the fibrous tissue just beneath a cat’s skin. They can appear as solid, irregular masses underneath the skin. A biopsy is the most accurate diagnostic tool.
Lumps underneath the skin do not always indicate cancerous tumors in cats. It is also possible to find what seems like the symptoms described above without the presence of cancer. Therefore, if your cat is exhibiting any of these symptoms, we recommend making a veterinary appointment immediately, and avoiding the urge to make your own diagnosis. Only your veterinarian can accurately diagnose cat cancer, or another potentially dangerous illness or condition that might be developing in your feline friend.

The first key to cancer treatment for cats is proper diagnosis. At Village Veterinary Clinic, we begin with a complete physical exam. We commonly look at blood work and, when necessary, employ diagnostic imaging such as radiography or ultrasound. We will also perform needle aspirates, a form of biopsy where a needle is inserted into the tumor to collect cells for use in determining tumor type. This is a non-painful and minimally invasive method used for diagnosis. Some tumor types require a core biopsy for diagnosis. In certain cases, cancer specialists may be employed for further diagnostic testing (such as MRI and CT scans) and to be part of our team treating your cat’s cancer.

Communication with you is important throughout the process of diagnosis and treatment. This includes discussing your cat’s possible cancer treatment options and the various possible outcomes. Our number one concern is the best interest of your cat. We also evaluate the costs involved, your expectations, possible lifestyle changes, and any possible side effects of treatment to ensure that you can make informed decisions.

Treating cancer in cats varies greatly depending on the location and stage of the cat cancer. Traditional cat cancer treatments may involve:

Oral medication
Intravenous chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Surgical reduction or removal of the tumor
Ancillary pain management
Complementary treatments may include acupuncture, immunotherapy, or nutritional therapy.

Fortunately, for all the unknowns where cat cancer is concerned, we know more about cancer in cats now than ever before, and because of this, you now have more options than ever when pursuing cat cancer treatment.

Unlike many other species of animals, dogs are susceptible to the same types of cancer as humans. Cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. These cells can originate in any of the body’s tissues. If not found and arrested in time, cancer can expand and connect with the circulatory or lymph systems, and also can spread and infect other tissues in the body. Canine cancer is the leading cause of death for dogs 10 years of age and older. However, half of all cancer in dogs is treatable if it is arrested in its early stages.

The most common types of cancer in dogs are:

Hemangiosarcoma: This form of dog cancer is an incurable tumor of cells that line blood vessels, called endothelial cells. Although dogs of any age and breed are susceptible to Hemangiosarcoma, it occurs more commonly in middle aged or elderly dogs. Also certain breeds have a much higher incidence including Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds. For this reason, we may recommend additional screening these breeds after age 5. This form of dog cancer develops slowly and is essentially painless, so clinical signs are usually not evident until the advanced stages when the tumors are resistant to most treatments. Less than 50% of treated dogs survive more than six months, and many die from severe internal bleeding before there is an opportunity to institute treatment.
Mast Cell Tumors: These are immune cells that are responsible for allergies. Mast cells can be found in all tissues of the body but typically form tumors on the skin in close to 20 percent in the canine population. They range from relatively benign to extremely aggressive. Certain breeds of dog are at an increased risk for the development of this tumor, indicating that genetics might be a cause. Boxers are especially prone to this type of cancer.
Lymphoma: This form of dog cancer can affect any dog of any breed at any age. Most of the time, it appears as swollen glands (lymph nodes) that can be seen or felt under the neck, in front of the shoulders, or behind the knee. Occasionally, lymphoma can affect lymph nodes that are not visible from outside the body, such as those inside the chest or in the abdomen. This can cause trouble breathing and digestive trouble. Generally this form of dog cancer is considered treatable if arrested in its early stages. Standard Poodles, Golden Retrievers and Australian Shepherds are a few of the breeds with higher incidence of lymphoma.
Osteosarcoma: This form of dog cancer is the most common type of primary bone cancer in dogs, accounting for up to 85% of tumors that originate in the skeletal system. Although it mostly affects older large or giant breed dogs, it can affect dogs of any size or age. Osteosarcoma occurs in many areas, but it most commonly affects the bones bordering the shoulder, wrist and knee. A major symptom is lameness in the affected leg, or a swelling over the area that seems painful at the site.
Brain Tumors: Epileptic-like seizures or other extreme behavioral changes are usually the only clinical signs. CAT scanning and MRI is used to determine location, size and severity. Although some oral chemotherapy and radiation therapy can control some inoperable tumors, surgical intervention may be recommended if the tumor is operable.
Bladder Cancer: Some breeds are more at risk for this form of dog cancer than others. This is a slow developing dog cancer, and symptoms may not show for 3 to 6 months. Urinary obstruction and bleeding are common symptoms.
Mammary Carcinoma: Non-spayed female dogs are at high risk for developing malignant mammary tumors, but all female dogs regardless of reproductive state remain at risk. Approximately 50% of these tumors are malignant, and complete surgical removal is recommended if the cancer has not metastasized.
Malignant Histiocytosis: This dog cancer affects larger sport breeds most often. It occurs as localized lesions in the spleen, lymph nodes, lung, bone marrow, skin and subcutis, brain, and periarticular tissue of large appendicular (limb) joints. Histiocytic sarcomas can also occur as multiple lesions in single organs (especially spleen), and rapidly disseminate to involve multiple organs. Unfortunately there is no reported effective therapy for this form of dog cancer.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas: It is most often found in the mouth and the nail beds of the toes. Early detection and complete surgical removal is the most common treatment. Fewer than 20% of dogs develop metastatic disease. SCC of the tonsil and tongue are quite aggressive and fewer than 10% of dogs survive 1 year or longer despite treatment measures.
Mouth and Nose Cancer: This is a very common form of dog cancer, more so in the mouth than the nose. Symptoms include a mass on the gums, bleeding, odor, or difficulty eating. Since many swellings are malignant, early, aggressive treatment is essential. Cancer may also develop inside the nose of dogs. Bleeding from the nose, breathing difficulty, or facial swelling are symptoms that may indicate nose cancer.
Melanoma: This form of dog cancer most commonly occurs in canines with dark skin. Melanomas arise from pigment producing cells called melanocytes, which are responsible for coloring the skin. Melanomas can occur in areas of haired skin, where they usually form small, dark (brown to black) lumps, but can also appear as large, flat, wrinkled masses. Malignant melanoma, which develops in the mouth or in the distal limbs (usually the toenail beds), is an incurable disease. These tumors have very often spread to distant parts of the body by the time they are first noticed, making complete surgical removal impossible.
Testicular: This form of dog cancer is common in unneutered dogs with retained testes. This form of dog cancer is largely preventable with neutering, and curable with surgery if arrested early in the disease process.

Some signs of cancer in dogs are easy to spot and others are not. Signs of cancer in dogs may vary greatly depending upon a number of factors. However, the following list identifies some of the most common signs of cancer in dogs:

Lumps and bumps underneath a dog’s skin
Abnormal odors emanating from the mouth, ears or any other part of the body
Abnormal discharge from the eyes, mouth, ears or rectum
Abdominal swelling
Non-healing wounds or sores
Sudden and irreversible weight loss
Change in appetite
Coughing or difficulty breathing
Lethargy or depression
Changes in bathroom habits
Evidence of pain
Should you witness any signs of cancer in your dog, we strongly recommend making a veterinary appointment immediately.

Tumors in dogs usually appear as fleshy but solid lumps of tissue underneath a dog’s skin and fur. Not all tumors will be outwardly evident. Sometimes you can see evidence of tumors and sometimes they are deep within the body of the dog. However, early detection and treatment are key to preserving your dog’s health and quality of life. Therefore, it is important to periodically inspect your canine companion for any abnormal lumps and keep a semi-annual veterinary appointment schedule.

Owners most commonly find a tumor on their dog while petting or bathing. If you are running your hand over any part of your dog’s body and feel a lump, call to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Most likely, the veterinarian will want to do a needle aspirate to get cells from the tumor to get a diagnosis of the type of tumor. The diagnosis helps determine what if any, kind of surgery and or follow-up cancer care may be necessary. Some tumors in dogs cannot be visualized but can be palpated (felt with touch) by your veterinarian during the exam. For instance, an enlarged spleen may be palpable to your veterinarian but not visible to the owner. You can reference the list of canine cancer symptoms above to get a better understanding of what symptoms to be on the lookout for.

Diagnosing Canine Cancer

Only a veterinarian can accurately diagnose canine cancer. This is why it is extremely important to schedule periodic wellness exams for your canine companion. During these preventive exams, your veterinarian can check your dog for signs of canine cancer. Treating canine cancer before it advances is key to successful recovery.

Treatment Options For Dogs With Cancer

Several factors influence cancer treatment decisions for dogs with cancer, including:

Age of the dog
General health of the dog
Tumor type
Biological behavior of the tumor
The Stage of the Cancer
The patient’s overall health status plays a major role in therapy choices for dogs with cancer. This includes evaluating the patient for his or her ability to tolerate cancer treatment. Life expectancy should also be taken into consideration.

Treatments for dogs with cancer are similar to human therapies, which can include:

Chemotherapy
Surgery
Radiation therapy
Holistic or herbal therapy
There is a lack of consensus as to whether you must choose only one course of treatment or if multiple treatment options can be combined effectively. Sometimes combining methods work well for dogs with cancer, but that may not always be the case as some treatments may interfere with each other and potentially cause unintended harm. These are important issues to address with the veterinarian at your next appointment.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) causes the heart muscle to weaken, which results in the heart becoming enlarged and contracting (or moving blood) weakly
Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (RCM) and are identified but lesser understood than DCM, including having no known causes or treatments presently available
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is usually diagnosed once a veterinarian rules out secondary causes of thickening, including:

Hyperthyroidism
Systemic hypertension
Aortic stenosis
Although there are many types of potential heart problems in cats, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is by far the most common heart condition to affect the feline population.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), heart disease in cats affects 1 of every 10 cats worldwide. Heart disease is a condition in which an abnormality of the heart is present. Heart disease in cats is a medical precursor to congestive heart failure in cats, because heart disease can lead to congestive heart failure in cats if untreated.

Heart disease in cats can be either congenital or acquired.

Congenital heart disease in cats is present at birth, and can be inherited from the parents.
Acquired, or adult onset heart disease, often occurs in middle-aged to older animals due to wear and tear on the heart structures, but can also result from an injury or infection.
While cardiomyopathy is the most common form of acquired, adult onset heart problems in cats, the two most common types of congenital heart disease in cats are:

Malformations of a heat valve
Defects in the wall that divides the right and left halves of the heart

Both types of congenital heart disease cause blood to flow abnormally through the defect. The disturbance in the blood flow causes abnormal vibration or a heart murmur in cats. There are also various stages of heart disease and congestive heart failure in cats that veterinarians use to determine severity. 

Asymptomatic: Heart disease in cats is detected, but there is a lack of any outward signs. Additionally, a heart murmur in cats or arrhythmia may also be present.
Mild to moderate heart failure: Significant clinical signs of congestive heart failure are in evidence both at rest and while active.
Advanced heart failure: Critical clinical signs are evident, including respiratory distress, ascites (fluid in the body cavity), and profound exercise intolerance. The prognosis will worsen with each passing stage, and the need for aggressive treatment will increase.
Symptoms Of Heart Problems In Cats
There are several possible symptoms of heart problems in cats that cat owners can be on the lookout for, including:

Lethargy/weakness/inactivity
Difficulty with or discontinuing exercise
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing possibly accompanied by fluid buildup in the lungs and chest
Sudden paralysis of the hind quarters
Fast breathing during dormancy (not panting)
Fainting/collapse
Chronic coughing
Regularly elevated heart rate

The above symptoms can indicate one of many possible conditions, including feline heart disease and potentially something unrelated to the cardiovascular system. If you notice any of the above symptoms, we recommend scheduling an appointment with our veterinary cardiologist immediately.

Diagnosing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats begins with one of the most effective diagnostic tools for detecting heart disease in cats: A Cardiac Examination. A cardiac examination allows us to follow a thorough investigative protocol to determine the presence and extent of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats. A cardiac examination can include some or all of the following procedures:

Physical exam: We listen to your cat’s heart and lungs with a stethoscope to check for abnormal sounds
Ultrasound: We can view and measure your cat’s heart’s chamber, valves and muscles, as well as the major cardiac vessels using soundwaves and without any pain or invasion
Blood pressure: We perform a standard, non-invasive blood pressure test to monitor systolic and diastolic pressure
Electrocardiogram (EKG): We measure the electrical activity of your cat’s heart to diagnose heart murmur in cats, among other conditions
X-Rays: We can view the heart’s overall size, its positioning in the chest, and the general condition of the lungs
Blood analysis: We can perform a complete blood work chemistry to help assess the general health of our patient
A blood chemistry analysis can also determine the level of thyroid hormone present in the bloodstream. This is very helpful when evaluating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats, because an overactive thyroid gland can be an underlying cause of heart disease.

Presently, there is no cure for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats. Changes to the size and structure of the heart muscle are irreversible. The longer HCM is allowed to go untreated, the more severe any changes become. However, in some cases where the heart disease is secondary to a treatable condition such as hyperthyroidism, then the symptoms may be alleviated when the underlying condition is corrected.

The good news is that your veterinarian can prescribe several different types of medication that help reduce the risk of congestive heart failure in cats resulting from HCM. In some cases, medication can help:

Relax the heart muscle
Slow down heart rate
Decrease the workload of the heart
These changes provide the heart more time to fill and drain, thus allowing for a reduced chance of damage and failure. Because heart medication is modifying the function of the heart, it is important to strictly follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for dosage and administration frequency.

Owners of cats with HCM should monitor their feline friends for any changes in their condition, even if they seem minor at first glance. This includes learning how to monitor respiratory rates and other vital signs at home, which a veterinarian can help with. It is also important to come in for a exam with any changes in your cat’s health or behavior and keep up all recheck appointments for the best outcome.

Complications Associated With HCM

Many felines diagnosed with HCM eventually develop signs of congestive heart failure. Cats with HCM are at risk for developing blood clots that can escape the heart and eventually become lodged in a blood vessel that has become too narrow. This is called thromboembolism. A common area for this to occur is the hind quarter’s region, at the point, the aorta splits before going into each rear leg. If this happens, paralysis and severe pain will result. Paralysis and pain are prevalent reasons many owners initially bring their cat to see a veterinarian. However, what they thought might be a broken leg or lameness is cat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

With supportive veterinary and in-home family care, 40%-50% of patients with thromboembolic disease can internally break down clots and regain some limb function over time.

Due to how blood clots fragment and disperse throughout the body, cats that experience blood clotting once is at a significantly increased risk of developing another clot within the following weeks or months. Because of the somber prognosis for cats that have suffered a thromboembolic event, some owners elect euthanasia.

Prognosis For Cats With Cardiomyopathy

Even though hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats is incurable, the old saying, an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure. Still, it greatly applies to cats living with heart disease or congestive heart failure for cats in one form or another. This is because if HCM is detected and arrested in its mild to moderate stages, the prognosis for everyday life for several years can be good. However, the form and severity of the disease at the time of discovery will ultimately dictate the prognosis in all cases. Additionally:

HCM can worsen quickly or progress slowly over the years
HCM can remain undetected in some cats until the advanced stages, and the time between diagnosis and death can be a matter of weeks or months
HCM can remain mild in some cats and never progress to the advanced stages, while other cats will move to the advanced stages despite medical intervention
These variables and possibilities make preventive and follow-up care of the utmost importance where heart disease and congestive heart failure are concerned.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), heart disease in dogs affects 1 of every 10 dogs worldwide. Dog heart disease is a condition in which an abnormality of the heart is present. Heart disease in dogs can lead to heart failure if untreated.

Heart disease in dogs can be either congenital or acquired:

Congenital heart disease in dogs is present at birth, and can be inherited from the parents
Acquired heart disease in dogs often occurs in middle-aged to older animals due to wear and tear on the heart structures, but can also result from an injury or infection
There are several common causes of congenital dog heart disease, including:

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA): The most commonly diagnosed of all the heart problems in dogs, and happens when the vessel connecting the aorta and pulmonary artery in the developing fetus (known as the ductus arteriosus) does not close properly shortly after birth
Aortic stenosis (or subaortic stenosis): Most commonly seen in large breed dogs, and results in a narrowing or partial blockage of the aorta as it leaves the left ventricle of the heart. The aorta is responsible for transporting blood to the rest of the body
Pulmonic stenosis: A narrowing of the valve that allows blood to flow from the heart to the lungs, it is the third most common congenital heart defect seen in dogs
Ventricular septal defects: This results from the presence of a hole between the heart’s right and the left ventricles
A persistent right aortic arch: This results from a fetal structure (known as an aortic arch) that does not deteriorate as it should, but instead it encircles a dog’s esophagus and causes abnormalities in the esophagus’ growth and function.
Some common causes of acquired dog heart disease include:

Valvular disease affects all dog breeds, but is especially common in toy and small dog breeds. The most commonly affected valve is the mitral valve, but other heart valves can also be affected
Myocardial disease also called cardiomyopathy, affects the heart’s muscle structure. Cardiomyopathy affects all dog breeds, but is most commonly diagnosed in large dogs
Cardiac arrhythmias are abnormal heart beats or heart rhythms resulting from dog heart disease that affects the heart’s (electric) regulatory system and thus, the ability for the heart to beat properly
Pericardial disease affects the pericardium, or the sac that surrounds the heart, by restricting the heart so it is unable to beat properly
Additionally, acquired dog heart disease can come from infections and viruses like heartworm or parvovirus. Because many of these types of heart disease share symptoms and characteristics with each other, proper diagnoses require consultation with a dog cardiologist.

Congestive heart failure in dogs occurs when the heart is no longer able to support the circulatory system. Although geriatric or sedentary dogs may show no apparent symptoms of congestive heart failure until its advanced stages, habitually active adult dogs usually show some common signs of distress. A few prevalent symptoms of congestive heart failure in dogs include:

Coughing
Edema
Rapid breathing
There are various stages of congestive heart failure in dogs that veterinarians use to determine severity:

Asymptomatic: Dog heart disease is detected, but there is a lack of any outward signs. Additionally, a cardiac murmur or arrhythmia may also be present
Mild to moderate heart failure: Significant clinical signs of congestive heart failure are in evidence both at rest and while active
Advanced heart failure: Critical clinical signs are evident, including respiratory distress, ascites (fluid in the body cavity), and profound exercise intolerance. The prognosis will worsen with each passing stage, and the need for aggressive treatment will increase

There are several possible symptoms of heart problems in dogs that dog owners can be on the lookout for, including:

Lethargy/weakness/exercise intolerance
Difficulty with or discontinuing exercise
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing possibly accompanied by fluid buildup
Fast breathing during dormancy (not panting)
Fainting/collapse
Chronic coughing
Regularly elevated heart rate
Because these symptoms of heart problems in dogs can indicate one of many possible conditions, and potentially even something unrelated to the cardiovascular system, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian immediately if you suspect anything out of the ordinary.

Early detection of dog heart disease requires due diligence on the part of dog owners. After all, a dog cannot articulate to human beings how it feels in a language we can understand. One of the most effective diagnostic tools for detecting dog heart disease is a cardiac examination. A dog cardiologist can employ some or all of the following procedures during a cardiac examination:

Physical exam: We listen to your dog’s heart and lungs with a stethoscope to check for abnormal sounds
Ultrasound: We can view and measure your dog’s heart’s chamber, valves and muscles, as well as the major cardiac vessels using soundwaves and without any pain or invasion
Blood pressure: We perform a standard, non-invasive blood pressure test to monitor systolic and diastolic pressure
Electrocardiogram (EKG): We measure the electrical activity of your dog’s heart to diagnose heart arrhythmias among other conditions
X-Rays: With diagnostic imaging such as x-rays, we can view the heart’s overall size, its positioning in the chest, and the general condition of the lungs
Blood analysis: We can perform a complete blood work chemistry to detect chemical deficiencies or surpluses that indicate cardiovascular issues

Many of the same heart medicines that medical professionals employ to treat human heart patients are currently available in veterinary medicine as well. These includes various types of heart medicine that has been proven effective for dogs. Choosing the correct medication and dosage will depend upon the diagnosis and stage of the heart disease. Follow up visits and progress checks are extremely important to determine the efficacy and response to treatment. This information will greatly aid our doctors in helping to insure that your dog has the best outcome for the longest time possible. We will work with you to give them the best quality of life possible.

Veterinary diagnostic imaging includes radiographs (x-rays), ultrasound, MRIs and CT scans, all of which are used as diagnostic tools to collect information on your cat’s health. The vast majority of imaging is non-invasive and completely painless. However, some imaging may require sedation or even anesthesia because the cat must be kept still to allow for adequate images to be produced. Veterinarians use these images to collect information on your cat to help them to make a medical and sometimes surgical plan.

When Is Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging Necessary For Your Cat?

After your veterinarian has examined your cat, he or she may want to begin to collect more information that will lead to a diagnosis and then, a treatment plan. X-rays are usually a first line of imaging. The x-ray may lead to a diagnosis which allows them to move forward with a plan. However, sometimes the next step may be ultrasound to get a more thorough or specific look at a particular area of the body.

For instance, if your cat is vomiting and feeling ill, you veterinarian may take an xray to look for possible causes such as obstruction of intestines or an obvious foreign body. The x-ray may show some signs of an intestinal obstruction, however, before proceeding to surgery, it would be prudent in some cases to follow with an abdominal ultrasound. The ultrasound will give more detail of the area and therefore allow more confidence of the treatment plan to move forward with surgery. Occasionally, x-rays and ultrasound allow for a definitive diagnosis but other times they will simply add more information to help put the puzzle together for the best treatment plan for your cat.

The Two types of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging our veterinarians may utilize to assist in diagnosis of your cat’s condition are:

X-Rays
Ultrasounds
More information on each of these types of radiographs is provided below.

Cat x-rays have been in use throughout the medical community for many decades. Cat x-rays are by far the most regularly used form of diagnostic imaging in the veterinary industry because they are cost effective (comparatively speaking), and they can accurately diagnose the state of skeletal structure and composition, large body cavities, and the presence of many foreign objects. Cat x-rays are totally painless, but some cats can benefit from sedation to reduce anxiety and stress.

Cat x-rays usually proceed as follows:

The cat is placed on the x-ray table
A technician positions the x-ray machine so that the x-ray beam targets only the area of interest
Modern x-ray equipment allow for low levels of radiation and when used only occasionally are perfectly safe for your cat
Because cat x-rays are static images, the procedure usually requires less time than a procedure like an MRI
Cat x-rays have traditionally been captured on actual film, and still can be when necessary. However, our x-ray images are now digital which allows us to capture the images on a secure server that our veterinarians can access at any time, and can also share with specialists, if necessary.

A cat ultrasound is the second most common type of diagnostic imaging tool veterinarians use to diagnose a cat’s medical condition. Ultrasounds use soundwaves to examine and photograph internal tissues in real time. An ultrasound allows a veterinarian to see into a cat’s body, allowing for easy viewing of organs from different angles that are not easily achieved through x-rays. The functioning of various organs can be observed to determine if they are malfunctioning.

A cat ultrasound procedure usually proceeds as follows:

A cat ultrasound technician gently presses a small probe against the cat’s body that emits digital sound waves
The sound waves are directed to various parts of the cat’s abdominal area by manually shifting the probe’s position
The sound beam changes velocity while passing through varying body tissue density, which causes echoes
Our ultrasound equipment converts these echoes into electrical impulses that are then further transformed into a digital image that represents the appearance of the tissues
These images can be viewed in real time by a veterinarian, as well as stored for further review at any time
In modern scanning systems like the ones Village Veterinary Clinic has on-site and uses on our feline patients, the sound beam sweeps through the body many times per second. This produces a dynamic, real-time image that changes as the cat ultrasound device moves across a cat’s body. We can use the results of an ultrasound to determine what is ailing your cat, and to devise the most effective treatment protocol.

Common symptoms that may cause a veterinary to use ultrasound include: vomiting, weight loss, kidney impairment or blockage and heart disease.

The goal of feline radiographs is to ascertain a diagnosis, or obtain a final answer without having to perform further, more invasive tests or procedures. For example, an x-ray might show evidence of a tumor of the spine and possibly involve the surrounding muscle. The addition of an MRI would reveal the specific tumor and the extent that the tumor extends into the surrounding muscle tissue. This type of information is very important for a prognosis and treatment plan.

Veterinary diagnostic imaging offers an array of incredibly useful tools within a veterinarian’s toolkit. Sometimes a diagnostic imaging session can lead to the need for further diagnostics.

If you are concerned that your cat might be injured or experiencing internal problems, or to discuss how feline radiographs can benefit him or her, please contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians today.

After your veterinarian has examined your dog, he or she may want to begin to collect more information that will lead to a diagnosis and then, a treatment plan. X-rays are usually a first line of imaging. The x-ray may lead to a diagnosis which allows them to move forward with a plan. However, sometimes the next step may be ultrasound to get a more thorough or specific look at a particular area of the body.

For instance, if your dog is vomiting and feeling ill, your veterinarian may take an xray to look for possible causes such as obstruction of intestines or an obvious foreign body. The x-ray may show some signs of an intestinal obstruction, however, before proceeding to surgery, it would be prudent in some cases to follow with an abdominal ultrasound. The ultrasound will give more detail of the questionable area and therefore allow more confidence of the treatment plan to move forward with surgery. Occasionally, x-rays and ultrasound allow for a definitive diagnosis but other times they will simply add more information to help put the puzzle together for the best treatment plan for your dog.

The two types of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging our veterinarians may utilize to assist in diagnosis of your dog’s condition are:

X-Rays
Ultrasounds
More information on each of these types of radiographs is provided below.

Dog X-Rays

Dog x-rays have been in use throughout the medical community for many decades. Dog x-rays are by far the most regularly used form of diagnostic imaging in the veterinary industry because they are cost effective (comparatively speaking), and they can accurately diagnose the state of skeletal structure and composition, large body cavities, and the presence of many foreign objects. Dog x-rays are totally painless, but some dogs can benefit from sedation to reduce anxiety and stress.

Dog x-rays usually proceed as follows:

The dog is placed on the x-ray table
A technician positions the x-ray machine so that the x-ray beam targets only the area of interest
Modern x-ray equipment allow for low levels of radiation and when used only occasionally are perfectly safe for your dog
Because dog x-rays are static images, the procedure usually requires less time than a procedure like an MRI
Dog x-rays have traditionally been captured on actual film, and still can be when necessary. However, our x-ray images are now digital which allows us to capture the images on a secure server that our veterinarians can access at any time, and can also share with specialists, if necessary.

Dog Ultrasounds

A dog ultrasound is the second most common type of diagnostic imaging tool veterinarians use to diagnose a dog’s medical condition. Ultrasounds use soundwaves to examine and photograph internal tissues in real time. An ultrasound allows a veterinarian to see into a dog’s body in real time, allowing for easy viewing of organs from different angles that are not easily achieved through x-rays. The functioning of various organs and blood flow can be observed to determine if they are malfunctioning.

A dog ultrasound procedure usually proceeds as follows:

A dog ultrasound technician gently presses a small probe against the dog’s body that emits digital sound waves
The sound waves are directed to various parts of the dog’s abdominal area by manually shifting the probe’s position
The sound beam changes velocity while passing through varying body tissue density, which causes echoes
Our ultrasound equipment converts these echoes into electrical impulses that are then further transformed into a digital image that represents the appearance of the tissues
These images can be viewed in real time by a veterinarian, as well as stored for further review at any time
In modern scanning systems like the ones Village Veterinary Clinic has on-site and uses on our canine patients, the sound beam sweeps through the body many times per second. This produces a dynamic, real-time image that changes as the dog ultrasound device moves across a dog’s body. We can use the results of an ultrasound to determine what is ailing your dog, and to devise the most effective treatment protocol.

Common symptoms that may cause a veterinary to use ultrasound include: vomiting, weight loss, kidney impairment or blockage and heart disease.

The goal of canine radiographs is to ascertain a diagnosis, or obtain a final answer without having to perform further, more invasive tests or procedures. For example, an x-ray might show some soft tissue swelling in the knee but the addition of an MRI would reveal the specific tendon or ligament tear that is causing a dog to limp and allow for a more specific treatment plan, diagnosis and prognosis.

Veterinary diagnostic imaging offers an array of incredibly useful tools within a veterinarian’s toolkit. Sometimes a diagnostic imaging session can lead to the need for further diagnostics. This is why it is important to understand that diagnostic imaging may lead to a progressive fact-finding mission that must occur in order to diagnose your dog’s ailment.

If you are concerned that your dog might be injured or experiencing internal problems, or to discuss how canine radiographs can benefit him or her, please contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians today.