Imaging provides important clues about what is going on inside of the pet’s body. Armed with this crucial information, our radiologists work with the emergency and specialty veterinarians to help determine the best diagnostics and treatment plan for your pets. This collaborative approach promotes teamwork, efficiency, and thoroughness on your pet’s care.
What is a DACVR?
ACVR board-certified Radiologists (ACVR Diplomate) have the highest level of skill in interpreting all types of imaging including radiographs (x-rays), ultrasound, fluoroscopy, CT, nuclear medicine, and MRI. In addition to determining what is abnormal on the images, our radiologists incorporate other information gathered from the patient’s history, physical exam and bloodwork in order to determine what are the most likely diagnoses and the best course of action for the specific patient.
CVS Imaging Tools
California Veterinary Specialists provide our radiologists with the most advanced tools in the field that allow us to acquire high quality digital radiographic images, (including specific orthopedic radiographs for surgical planning, and contrast urinary and gastrointestinal imaging), and perform thoracic and abdominal ultrasounds, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), and MRI scans.
Our high-field 1.5 Tesla MRI unit, located at our Ontario hospital, is one of the most advanced units available to veterinary medicine and enables us to generate high-resolution imaging of the brain, spine, soft tissues and joints. Our Carlsbad hospital, with its digital subtraction capable fluoroscopy suite, is one of the few veterinary hospitals in the world equipped for vascular and other advanced interventional radiology (IR) procedures.
For access to the advanced imaging modality best for your pet, we provide transport services between our three hospital locations.
Our expertise combined with advancements in technology enable us to perform optimally, and the information provided by our radiologists is often integral for ideal patient management. At CVS, we pride ourselves on providing truly compassionate care, and imaging is no different. We keep our ultrasound rooms dark and quiet and provide gentle calm handling during the ultrasound exams to minimize patient anxiety.
What is a Veterinary Specialist?
A board-certified specialist’s expertise complements the care provided by your primary care veterinarian. In addition to completing a veterinary degree (Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, DVM), a board-certified veterinary specialist must complete an internship, a two to four-year specialized residency, and publish a paper in a peer-reviewed journal. Specialists must also undergo a series of exams based on knowledge and skill in the given specialty.
With so many different imaging options available, there is never a dull moment in diagnostic imaging. I am in constant awe of our ability to look inside of a patient and help get to the bottom of what may be causing them to feel ill. Imaging also allows me to be a part of the treatment team focused on nurturing our patients back to health.
Imaging Doctors
The beauty I find in imaging is being able to noninvasively acquire a comprehensive view of the body and disease processes present. Once when you know what you are dealing with, the best course of action can be taken.