Radiology Services

Advanced Imaging for Accurate Diagnosis and Care

At Attadale Veterinary Hospital, we use state-of-the-art radiology (X-ray) technology to help diagnose a wide range of health conditions in your pet. Radiology is a vital diagnostic tool that allows our veterinary team to see inside your pet’s body without invasive procedures, helping us understand injuries, illnesses, and internal issues quickly and accurately.

What Is Radiology?

Radiology involves taking X-ray images of your pet’s bones, chest, abdomen, and other areas. These images help detect fractures, tumors, organ abnormalities, foreign bodies, and respiratory or digestive problems.

Diagnosing Cruciate Ligament Injuries with Radiology

One of the common uses of radiology is assessing cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries, which are a frequent cause of hind leg lameness in dogs. The cranial cruciate ligament stabilizes the knee joint, and when it tears or ruptures, it causes pain, instability, and arthritis.

X-rays help our veterinarians evaluate the knee joint for signs of ligament damage and rule out other causes of lameness. They also allow us to assess the extent of arthritis and joint changes to plan the best treatment approach.

TPLO Surgery and Radiology

For dogs with confirmed cranial cruciate ligament rupture, Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery is often recommended. TPLO is a surgical procedure designed to stabilise the knee by changing the angle of the tibia bone, allowing the dog to regain mobility and reduce pain.

Radiology plays a crucial role before and after TPLO surgery:

• Pre-surgical X-rays guide the surgeon in planning the procedure, measuring bone angles, and customizing the surgical approach.

• Post-surgical X-rays ensure the implant and bone healing are progressing as expected during recovery.

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When Is Radiology Used?

Our veterinary team may recommend radiology for:

• Suspected bone fractures or joint problems, including cruciate injuries

• Respiratory issues like coughing or difficulty breathing

• Digestive concerns such as vomiting, diarrhea, or suspected foreign objects

• Evaluating heart size and lung health

• Detecting tumors or abnormal growths

• Monitoring chronic conditions such as arthritis or heart disease

What to Expect During the Procedure

Radiology is a non-invasive and generally quick procedure. Depending on your pet’s temperament and the area being examined, a mild sedation or General Anaesthesia may sometimes be recommended to ensure clear, accurate images and your pet’s comfort.

Our skilled veterinarians and nurses carefully position your pet and operate the imaging equipment to obtain the best possible results while ensuring safety for both pets and staff.

Interpreting Results and Next Steps

Once the images are taken, our veterinary team will review them thoroughly to provide a clear diagnosis. We will explain the findings and discuss the most appropriate treatment or further investigations if needed.

Your Pet’s Health Is Our Priority

With advanced radiology services available onsite, Attadale Veterinary Hospital is equipped to provide timely and accurate diagnoses, helping your pet receive the care they need as quickly as possible.