As the saying goes, identifying the problem is half the problem solved. This is especially true in case of illness. Once the illness is identified, specific treatment and cure can be then planned. At the next level, this is truer of illnesses and injuries in pets which cannot voice out the problem. Ailing pets need more care, and only with accurate diagnosis can appropriate treatment be done.
Technological advancement in Imaging
With advances in technology, the last few decades have seen significant changes in veterinary digital radiography. Whether it is your cute little puppy or your thoroughbred horse, there are necessary radiography equipments available now to arrive at the right diagnosis. Categories of these equipment like bovine, equine, sheep, small animal, etc., are available, so various pets can be diagnosed without concern of the size. X-ray machines, ultra-sonography, soft tissue scanning, dental imaging - whatever it takes to diagnose your pet, they are now available.
Veterinary digital radiography could happen either at your place, the primary vet, or at a specialized diagnostic center. The most feasible option would be if your primary vet has the mobile imaging device, the diagnosis could be done right in your home setting. Alternately, your primary vet may know somebody who has mobile devices available, so it is possible that you do not have to leave the primary vet's office, but have the testing done right there.
If imaging cannot be done at your place, then there are again two options. It is likely that your primary vet has the necessary equipment in his office, and the pet may need to be transported to the primary vet's centre. However, it is likely that the primary vet may not have the necessary advanced equipment. These machines require huge investment and not always available at all treatment centres. Then the imaging will happen at the most proximally located radiography centre from where the images will be digitally transferred to the primary vet, who will then arrive at the right diagnosis and decide on treatment plan.
Easy diagnosis
So whether it is a decaying tooth or a slip of the vertebrae or a torn ligament that is hurting your pet, easy diagnosis with these equipment is possible. Further, these digital images are readily available for future reference, in case the problem persists or returns.
With recent advances in computed radiography and direct digital radiography, conventional radiography using films that need to be processed are slowly getting on the exit lane.
Mobile radiographic gadgets
From a clinical point of view, there are a number of compact, mobile radiographic devices available now. They are simple to use, provide reliable results, give super-fast results, and are wireless. Technical support and services for these devices is excellent, taking your radiography a notch higher.
With this, the next time you are not sure what is ailing your pet, be assured that radiographic diagnosis is there is to help find the actual problem and get your pet back.