Veterinary Imaging Center of San Diego The Gold Standard in Veterinary Imaging

Ureteral stones

Ureteral stones can obstruct urine outflow, leading to hydronephrosis and discomfort. Imaging aims to localize obstruction, confirm stone presence or surrogate changes, and evaluate kidney function. CT is most sensitive for stone detection and anatomical mapping, especially for radiolucent stones. Ultrasound can detect hydronephrosis and ureteral dilation. Radiographs may detect radiopaque calculi but can miss […]

Adrenal cancer

Adrenal cancer produces mass effects and may cause hormone excess, driving systemic signs. Imaging localizes the adrenal lesion, evaluates invasion into adjacent structures, and assesses metastasis to lymph nodes, liver, or lungs. CT is often best for characterizing adrenal masses and staging. Ultrasound can detect adrenal enlargement and guide sampling in some patients. Radiographs are […]

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease causes chronic inflammation of intestinal layers,leading to malabsorption and GI symptoms. Imaging supports diagnosis by identifying bowel wall thickening, altered layering, and lymph node enlargement. Ultrasound is commonly first because it can characterize layer changes and detect effusion. Radiographs are less specific but can show gas/effusion patterns. CT adds staging and helps […]

Bowel cancer

Bowel cancer refers to malignant intestinal tumors causing chronic GI signs and possible obstruction. Imaging evaluates segmental wall thickening, motility, and regional lymph nodes, plus metastatic disease. Ultrasound is usually first because it identifies thickened bowel layers and lymphadenopathy and can guide biopsy. CT improves staging by detecting peritoneal, mesenteric, and distant lesions. Radiographs are […]

Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer can present with nonspecific gastrointestinal signs like vomiting, anorexia, and weight loss due to wall thickening, ulceration, or obstruction. Imaging aims to detect gastric mass, assess lymph nodes, and evaluate peritoneal spread. Ultrasound is commonly first-line for gastric wall abnormalities and layered thickness. CT provides better staging and vascular/lymph node assessment. Radiographs can […]

Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are cystic enlargements that can cause hormonal signs and mass effects. Many cases present with abdominal discomfort or hormonal changes. Ultrasound is the first-line imaging tool to confirm cystic ovarian enlargement and assess uterine and abdominal status. CT provides better staging if rupture, torsion, or metastasis is suspected. Radiographs can show abdominal effusion […]

Adrenal gland enlargement

Adrenal enlargement reflects endocrinologic hyperfunction, tumor growth, or diffuse gland changes. Imaging localizes adrenal masses, assesses symmetry, and evaluates local invasion. Ultrasound is the most common first test for detecting enlargement and assessing vascular/neighbor structures. CT best characterizes mass extent and metastasis and helps plan surgery. Radiographs are limited for small lesions. MRI adds soft-tissue […]

Gallbladder disease

Gallbladder disease includes cholecystitis, mucocele, bile obstruction, and rupture, leading to gastrointestinal signs and sometimes systemic illness. Imaging focuses on gallbladder wall integrity, bile duct patency, and secondary hepatic or peritoneal changes. Ultrasound is usually first-line to detect gallbladder enlargement, wall thickening, sludge, and effusions. CT improves evaluation of biliary anatomy and complications. Radiographs are […]

Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer causes focal or diffuse pancreatic masses that may invade adjacent organs, obstruct the biliary tract, or metastasize to regional lymph nodes and the liver. CT provides excellent assessment of pancreatic masses, vascular invasion, and metastatic disease. Ultrasound allows real-time evaluation and facilitates FNA. Radiographs are nonspecific. MRI is less commonly used.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis causes inflammation that can lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, and systemic derangements. Imaging helps support diagnosis and rule out other abdominal causes. Ultrasound is often first-line, allowing detection of pancreatic enlargement, peripancreatic fat changes, and effusions, especially in dogs. CT can better evaluate pancreatic necrosis, complications, and diffuse abdominal disease. Radiographs are nonspecific but […]

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