Wellness Care for Every Age and Stage
Fluoroscopy is a specialized diagnostic tool that veterinarians can use to capture real-time, moving images of your pet’s internal structures. This advanced imaging technology gives our staff at Sequoyah Animal Hospital the ability to observe functions like breathing, swallowing, and joint movement in action, providing a deeper understanding of your pet’s health. Pet fluoroscopy is an invaluable resource for diagnosing complex conditions that may not be easily detected through other methods.
Fluoroscopy vs Traditional X-rays in Pets
While traditional X-rays offer a static image of bones and internal structures, fluoroscopy goes a step further by capturing continuous, real-time video. This dynamic imaging is particularly useful for assessing areas of the body that are constantly in motion, such as the heart, lungs, joints, or gastrointestinal tract.
Traditional X-rays are highly effective for diagnosing bone fractures, dental problems, or large masses, but they only provide a snapshot of the body at a single point in time. Fluoroscopy, on the other hand, uses X-ray technology to create a “live” view of the body in motion. With this viewpoint, we can observe how different systems function as your pet moves or breathes. This is especially useful for identifying issues that may change or progress during movement, such as joint instability, collapsing trachea, or swallowing disorders.
What to Expect at Your Pet’s Fluoroscopy in Soddy Daisy
When your pet needs a fluoroscopy at Sequoyah Animal Hospital, you can expect them to receive the highest level of care and attention. Whether or not your pet requires anesthesia depends on what we are using fluoroscopy for, as well as the temperament of the individual cat or dog. We will let you know whether sedation is needed ahead of the procedure. This diagnostic may be used for:
- Respiratory Issues: Fluoroscopy assesses breathing problems, such as tracheal collapse or lung issues, in real-time by showing how your pet’s airways are functioning.
- Swallowing Disorders: If your pet has difficulty swallowing, a fluoroscopy shows the swallowing process, detects obstructions, and determines the function of the esophagus.
- Joint and Bone Movement: Fluoroscopy can detect joint instability, abnormal movement in limbs, or specific injuries like torn ligaments that may not be apparent in a static X-ray.
- Gastrointestinal Problems: Fluoroscopy can be used to monitor the movement of food or liquid through the digestive tract, helping vets diagnose conditions like blockages, reflux, or motility disorders.
During the exam, your pet will be placed on the fluoroscopy table with the imaging equipment positioned to capture real-time footage of the area being examined. Depending on the specific condition being investigated, we may ask your pet to perform certain movements or ingest contrast material to better visualize certain areas. Fluoroscopy is typically a painless and non-invasive procedure, and because it provides immediate results, our veterinarians can often diagnose and discuss findings with you on the same day.
If your pet is experiencing respiratory, gastrointestinal, or joint issues, contact Sequoyah Animal Hospital at (423) 332-0979. We can discuss and schedule the best diagnostic option for your pet.