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If your pet has received any type of <\/span>imaging<\/span><\/a>, it\u2019s likely a board-certified veterinary radiologist was behind the scenes reviewing those results. They are the ones helping your family veterinarian, emergency veterinarian, or specialty veterinarian piece together your pet\u2019s diagnosis.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n So, what exactly does a veterinary radiologist do? In this blog, we\u2019ll explore the field of veterinary radiology, breaking down the role of a veterinary radiologist to help pet parents better understand the imaging process and why veterinary radiologists are essential to your pet\u2019s care.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A veterinary radiologist is a board-certified specialist who has completed extensive training and testing in diagnostic imaging.<\/span> This includes:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Veterinary radiologists are experts in evaluating diagnostic imaging studies which includes x-rays, fluoroscopy (a moving x-ray), ultrasound, CT, and MRI. They provide other veterinarians with comprehensive results and imaging reports.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Veterinary radiologists interpret imaging studies which can provide details on hidden health problems that may not show up on <\/span>a <\/span>physical <\/span>exam<\/span> or bloodwork<\/span>. They can also provide more detailed information on suspected diseases.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Example:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Vomiting in a pet can have a large variety of potential causes. An x-ray or ultrasound study<\/span> often<\/span> provide<\/span>s<\/span> a detailed diagnosis or <\/span>narrow<\/span>s<\/span> the list of potential<\/span> causes.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Most ultrasound<\/span> studies are performed by the radiologist, allowing a thorough evaluation and immediate interpretation. <\/span>Imaging studies often uncover diseases including bone fractures, pneumonia, intestinal blockages, tumors, infections, and ageing changes.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In addition to interpreting results, veterinary radiologists are there to ensure imaging procedures are safe for both pets and the <\/span>veterinary <\/span>tea<\/span>m<\/span> ass<\/span>isting<\/span> th<\/span>e pet. This includes:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Veterinary <\/span>r<\/span>adiologists are also skilled in <\/span>acquiring<\/span> either<\/span> ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirates (aspiration of a nodule, tumor, or organ with a thin needle), or larger tissue biopsies when <\/span>indicated<\/span> such as a <\/span>tru-cut<\/span> biopsy which is a larger core biopsy. For most cases, the radiologist can perform these aspirates\/biopsies at the time of the imaging study (often after ultrasounds, CT, or MRI studies) with sedation or under the same general anesthesia episode as the imaging study.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A<\/span> veterinary radiologist works closely with other veterinarians to discuss challenging cases, findings,<\/span> and<\/span> treatment plans<\/span>. They also<\/span> perform recheck studies to <\/span>determine<\/span> if a pet\u2019s treatments <\/span>have been effec<\/span>t<\/span>ive<\/span>. By working together as a team, veterinary professionals strive to provide the highest standard of care and improve outcomes for many types of healthcare problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The next time your pet needs advanced diagnostics or imaging, you can trust the <\/span>expertise<\/span> of a veterinary radiologist to provide comprehensive assessment and compassionate care. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet\u2019s imaging needs, you can consult with your family veterinarian<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Learn more about Imaging options at Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota <\/span><\/span>here<\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n More Reading:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Dr.](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/10.png\")
<\/p>\nWhat is a Veterinary Radiologist?\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Image Interpretation and Guiding Treatment Plans<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nAdvocating for Pet & Staff Safety<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Image <\/span>G<\/span>uided <\/span>B<\/span>iopsies<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nPart of Your Pet\u2019s Healthcare Team<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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