Diagnostic Care
Radiology
Radiographs (x-rays) are one of the most effective tools we use for diagnosing your pet's condition. Clear, detailed x-rays help us diagnose and treat your pet's condition quickly. X-rays are used to identify a variety of health problems, from detecting signs of heart disease and locating tumors to pinpointing the location and severity of bone fractures and finding foreign bodies (such as bones or household items) that your pet may have swallowed.
In order to provide your pet with the best medical care, Oxford Animal Hospital uses the latest digital radiology equipment. Our hospital uses the Idexx DR radiology system for x-rays. We are also equipped with the Pro-Image digital dental x-ray system, so that we may provide excellent dental care for your pet. Digital x-rays are very beneficial to your pet. Digital radiology equipment produces highly detailed images, which makes it easier to diagnose your pet's condition. Because digital x-rays are more accurate, fewer images need to be taken, and so your pet spends less time on the x-ray table. Digital x-rays can be stored on a disc or emailed to veterinary specialists for special consultations.
Oxford Animal Hospital is a PennHip-certified center. We also partner with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for telemedicine consultations and faster reporting.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is an advanced imaging technique that uses soundwaves to provide a real-time moving image of your pet's internal organs. This procedure is particularly useful for diagnosing abdominal and cardiac problems and can also be used to detect abdominal fluid, tumors, foreign bodies and other illnesses.
An ultrasound machine is on site to guide many diagnostic procedures. Ultrasound is also helpful to diagnose pregnancy and visualize fetal heart rates. To better diagnose and treat your pet, Oxford Animal Hospital uses telemedicine services to transmit ultrasound images to other veterinary specialists for consultations.
Endoscopy
An endoscope uses a long tube equipped with a lighted video camera on the end. Images from the camera are transmitted to a monitor, and the endoscope acts as the veterinarian's "eye." This allows for an up-close view of your pet's internal organs - a view that might otherwise require invasive surgery. Your pet experiences less time on the operating table when endoscopy is used.
Endoscopic procedures are particularly useful in diagnosing and treating conditions in your pet's mouth, esophagus, stomach, colon and the upper intestinal tract. Many times, an endoscope is used to guide the removal of a foreign object from the stomach or intestine, procure a biopsy sample or perform an exploratory procedure. Oxford Animal Hospital is equipped with a Storz flexible gastroscope, a Storz rigid endoscope, and a Storz video otoscope. We perform a variety of endoscopic procedures, including gastrointestinal exams, laparoscopic uterine inseminations, urethral flushing, and nasal cavity examinations.
Endoscopic procedures are far less invasive than routine surgeries; this means your pet experiences less pain and discomfort. Anesthesia is required for endoscopic procedures; however, the amount of anesthesia required is far less than what is needed for regular surgeries. After an endoscopic procedure, your pet may be able to go home the same day.