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Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic Imaging is defined as the use of technology such as X Rays, ultrasound, MRI or CT Scans to “image” internal structures in order to identify disease. In the last 20 years Diagnostic Imaging has advanced markedly with advances in technology. Its not enough, though to simply have the technology, the devices and machines to create the images. Without an trained and educated eye, these images are worthless.

Boulder’s Natural Animal has a digital-ready, microprocessor-controlled automatic exposure high frequency X Ray machine that reduces the radiation exposure involved with taking X Rays (also known as “radiographs”). We are able to get near perfect radiographs each time due to the machine’s special microprocessor. This means less radiation exposure for both your pet and our staff. The high frequency also allows for smaller doses and sharper pictures.

We have 2 Board Certified Veterinary Radiologist who visit our office regularly to read radiographs and to perform ultrasound studies of our patients. These radiologists have added a huge advantage to our practice by allowing us to diagnose problems occurring internally, that before we had this ability to image internal organs, we would have had to do an exploratory surgery in order to get a diagnosis. Exploratory surgeries are very invasive, potentially risky and can be expensive as well.

Our radiologists are able to take specimens from internal organs and structures, “non-invasively” by guiding the biopsy needle with the ultrasound beam directly into the structure in question, whether it be an enlarged lymph node, a tumor on the spleen, or the thickened wall of the bowel. This enables us to achieve a very accurate diagnosis with a minimum of cost and risk and trauma to your pet.

We also have a Board Certified Veterinary Cardiologist who comes to our office as needed with her Color Doppler Ultrasound machine to evaluate the cardiovascular function of our patients with cardiac disease.

If your pet needs an MRI or a CT Scan, there are several referral facilities in our area that we can refer you to who will send us a complete written report of their findings, to allow us to better diagnose and treat your little critter.