Diagnostic & Internal Medicine

Ultrasonography

An ultrasound is a non invasive means of obtaining a diagnosis or at least further investigating internal problems. Our modern ultrasound machine is particularly useful to examine the abdominal organs such as liver, spleen, stomach, intestines, bladder, uterus and kidneys. Cardiac ultrasounds can provide important information when assessing and managing patients with heart disease. It can also prove life saving in certain heart conditions where emergency treatment is needed.

Sometimes a quick diagnosis can be obtained such as in the case of assessing animal pregnancies. At other times ultrasound findings can also provide useful information to aid the surgeon prior to a surgical procedure. We also have the ability to print pictures of any significant findings, which can be viewed and discussed with owners.

Radiology

Radiology refers to the study of x-rays and at Brandon Park Veterinary Hospital we have a dedicated radiology area which is well equipped with an X-ray machine and automated X-ray processor. The benefits of an automatic processor include rapid turn around time between x-rays. We are therefore able to quickly have a diagnosis which is particularly important for those emergency patients. Furthermore, for patients who require general anaesthesia, automatic processing minimises the time spent under anaesthesia.

Electrocardiogram – ECG

Electrocardiogram or an ECG is used to evaluate the heart rhythm and electrical conduction through the heart.

The hospital has recently acquired a state of the art electrocardiogram unit that is fully computerised. It allows easy reading and printing of ECG traces and also means we can save individual patients to the database for future reference.

An ECG can be very useful to evaluate pets with heart conditions and heart arrhythmias (irregular beats), and make decisions on the best ways to manage these problems.

Endoscopy

An endoscope is a fiberoptic tube with a light source which can be used to examine the inside of the mouth, nose, oesophagus, stomach and intestines.

This is a very useful diagnostic tool and common uses involve retrieval of foreign bodies such as bones from the oesophagus, investigation of the nasal passages and examination of the stomach for ulcers or tumours.