Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital offers a variety of imaging modalities including digital radiography, ultrasound and echocardiography. These tools allow us to look at the internal organs (heart, lungs, liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, bladder and intestines) and body cavities in a variety of ways in order to diagnose disease and monitor health.

Digital X-Rays

This technology allows us to see inside the body in two dimensions. It is best used to evaluate bones, and to evaluate the size, shape and position of internal organs. Some animals require a mild sedation in order to hold still for the pictures. We can evaluate the images right here at PVH and also have the resources to send them out for evaluation by a board certified radiologist when we need it.

Ultrasonography

Using ultrasound we can evaluate the internal organs and body cavities in a way that is different from X-rays. We use sound waves to allow us to see the internal structures of tissues and organs as well as to evaluate lymph nodes and to look for pockets of fluid or blood. We can do this test with an animal in a comfortable standing or laying position.

Echocardiography

This is an ultrasound of the heart. With this test we can watch and measure the moving heart. This modality allows us to diagnose and track a variety of heart conditions. The images that we take at our hospital along with chest X-rays, blood pressure measurements and an EKG are digitally sent to a board certified cardiologist for review. We get a report from the specialist that can help guide us in treatment and prevention of illness in our patients. We recommend evaluating the heart in this way prior to anesthesia in many of our patients that have heart murmurs. The cardiologist can help us to know whether or not anesthesia is risky and if not, how best to support these animals during anesthesia.