Many veterinarians are equipped to perform ultrasound scans, but not everyone is. Luckily, there are non-vets who can perform a scan on your dog. However, you must be very careful when performing the scan yourself, as there are risks. Though pregnancy is a normal occurrence in dogs, it is possible for your dog to be pregnant at an early stage. If your dog is pregnant, you will want to schedule another ultrasound scan soon to ensure everything is progressing normally.
NOSEiD – This device works with any size dog. The process is nearly identical to taking a picture. Before beginning, make sure that the dog is in a brightly lit area and is facing the camera. The NOSEiD app also suggests a good place to perform the scan. It is best to use an outdoor location with bright light so that the image captures the dog’s facial expression. After that, you’ll have your dog’s face.
Microchips can be detected on an x-ray or a microchip scan. If you’re unsure about whether your dog is microchipped, the x-ray will help you to determine whether it’s functioning properly. Another quick way to check for microchips is to scan your dog’s shoulders. Hold the scanner an inch above your dog’s skin and move it in an ‘S’ pattern over the animal’s body. Then, activate the scanner to record a number.
CT scanner – Similar to X-rays, CT scans create images of slices of the patient’s body using computer and radiation. The images are extremely detailed and can be used for surgical planning. If your dog has a tumor in his or her head, the CT scan will be necessary to determine if it is cancerous. Luckily, this process can help you determine the best treatment option for your pet. It is not necessary to sedate a dog for a CT scan.
CT scanners can also be used to check your dog’s lungs. CT scans can identify cancer and determine whether your pet has metastasis. Using these tools, a veterinarian can better plan treatment for your pet. Most commonly, they use them to diagnose nasal disease. But there are other reasons a CT scan might be performed. There are many more reasons to have your dog checked with this imaging method. In fact, CT scans can be useful in diagnosing several different conditions.
X-rays are also used to detect bone disease, joint problems, and internal damage caused by trauma. An x-ray will also reveal bruising in the lungs and diaphragm, which are supposed to keep the chest and abdomen separate. A dog with joint problems or a broken bone might have a traumatic accident that caused internal damage. It can also reveal problems in the heart and lungs.
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