Diagnostic Imaging

What is Advanced Imaging?

Traditional imaging in veterinary medicine has mainly consisted of X-rays. While X-rays are still useful in many situations, MRI, CT, and ultrasound are now available to aid in the diagnostic process. Ultrasound allows for an in-depth look at organs and soft tissues in motion, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans provide detailed, cross-sectional information about the body in much higher clarity than traditional X-rays.

What’s the Difference Between MRI, CT, Fluoroscopy, and Myelography?

• MRI is safe, non-invasive, and is the ideal method to evaluate the nervous system. It gives us a detailed look at the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. MRI is also an advanced way to look at soft tissue structures such as muscle, ligaments, and tendons.  Patients can have MRIs regardless of if they have had implants such as pins, plates, or microchips, but pacemakers and neurostimulators may be contraindicated.
• CT takes X-ray images of “slices” of a patient’s specific organ, muscle, bone, or other internal body part. CT images are much more detailed than a traditional X-ray and can be reconstructed into multiple planes or a three-dimensional model of the affected area, resulting in even greater accuracy. Many conditions which would not be visible using a traditional X-ray can be seen on CT images. CT images are sometimes enhanced with the use of contrast, but MRI is generally preferred for evaluating the nervous system.
• Fluoroscopy uses X-rays to create both images and real-time moving views of the body. It’s used for guiding orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, interventional procedures, and contrast studies.
• Myelography involves injecting a contrast agent in the space next to the spinal cord and using X-rays to make images of the nervous system. Myelograms used to be the standard method for evaluating the nervous system, however, MRI has now replaced this type of imaging in most situations, due to the fact that MRI gives much more information and is non-invasive. Myelography can still be beneficial in situations where MRI is contraindicated.