Pet X-Rays & Ultrasounds
At Lansdowne Animal Hospital in Leesburg, VA, we invest in advanced pet X-ray and ultrasound tools to ensure accurate diagnostics and quickly assess your pet’s health.
Pet X-Rays and Ultrasounds at Lansdowne Animal Hospital in Leesburg, VA
Our pet X-ray services provide detailed images of your pet’s internal structures, allowing us to diagnose a range of health conditions that may not be evident during a physical exam and create effective treatment plans. Similarly, pet ultrasounds are non-invasive, real-time procedures that help our veterinarians identify and assess conditions not detectable through other methods.
When Are Pet X-Rays Necessary?
Pet X-rays are recommended in various scenarios where a deeper look into your pet’s health is required. If your pet has suffered an injury, is showing signs of pain, or is experiencing symptoms like difficulty breathing, vomiting, or lameness, an X-ray may be necessary to determine the underlying cause. X-rays are also commonly used before surgical procedures to provide a clear understanding of the area being treated, ensuring that our veterinarians can plan the surgery with precision.
In addition to these situations, X-rays may be used as part of routine wellness exams, especially for senior pets or breeds predisposed to certain health conditions. Regular imaging allows us to monitor your pet’s health over time and catch any developing issues early, leading to more effective and timely treatment.
OFA/SV X-Rays
For pet owners interested in having their dogs evaluated for hereditary orthopedic diseases, we offer either the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) for all breeds or SV (Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde) for the German Shepherd Dog. X-rays of the hips, elbows, and spine are performed and sent to the respective organization for evaluation and rating.
Fewer than 65 veterinary practices within the US are approved for digital submission direct to the SV; Lansdowne Animal Hospital is currently the only approved hospital in the state of Virginia. On our team, Elaine has been working with the German Shepherd Dog for over 20 years. She has been submitting X-rays to the SV since 2015. Patients are carefully and safely placed under sedation for the entire procedure, ensuring their comfort as well as the accuracy of imaging. Our experienced veterinary staff know exactly how to capture quality radiographs that meet the stringent requirements for OFA and SV rating.
For OFA, the X-ray images gathered are submitted, and upon review and approval, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals will assign a number. Preliminary OFA evaluations can be performed as early as four months of age, but official certificates are not issued until the dog reaches at least 24 months. SV ratings are assigned by the SV breed club in Germany and are issued after the age of 12 months. If you have questions about OFA or SV X-rays, contact Elaine at Lansdowne Animal Hospital. We’d be happy to discuss the process and your options, as well as answer any questions or concerns you may have. Give us a call today!
What Are Pet Ultrasounds?
Pet ultrasounds involve using high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of your pet’s internal organs and tissues. Unlike X-rays, which provide images of bones and dense structures, ultrasound is ideal for examining soft tissues such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and bladder. The procedure is safe and does not expose your pet to radiation, making it suitable for repeated use if ongoing monitoring is necessary.
During the ultrasound, a veterinarian or trained technician will apply a small amount of gel to the area being examined. A handheld device called a transducer is then moved over the area, emitting sound waves that bounce off the internal structures. These sound waves are captured and converted into images displayed on a monitor, allowing our team to view the organ or tissue in real-time.
Benefits of Pet Ultrasounds
Non-invasive procedure
Ultrasound allows for internal imaging without the need for surgery or other invasive techniques, reducing stress and discomfort for your pet.
Real-time imaging
Provides immediate and detailed images of soft tissues, enabling quick and accurate diagnosis of various conditions.
Versatility
Useful for diagnosing a wide range of health issues, including heart disease, tumors, bladder stones, and organ diseases.
Safe and painless
The procedure does not involve radiation, making it safe for repeated use if ongoing monitoring is necessary.
Guided procedures
Ultrasound can assist in guiding biopsies or other treatments, ensuring precision and effectiveness in targeted areas.
Why Choose Lansdowne Animal Hospital for Pet X-Rays and Ultrasounds?
At Lansdowne Animal Hospital, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for your pet. Our experienced veterinary team conducts both pet X-rays and ultrasounds in Leesburg, VA, using advanced imaging technology to ensure accurate and reliable results. We understand how important your pet’s health is to you, and we strive to make the diagnostic process as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you have concerns about your pet’s health or believe they may need an X-ray or ultrasound, contact Lansdowne Animal Hospital today. Our team is here to provide the expert care your pet deserves, helping them live a healthy and happy life.