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

Retained testicle

Retained testicle occurs when one or both testes fail to descend, increasing risk of neoplasia and potential local complications. Imaging aims to localize the testis and assess for associated masses. Ultrasound can identify testes in accessible inguinal/abdominal locations and characterize surrounding tissue. Radiographs may detect size or abnormal mineralization but are often limited. CT offers […]

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer presents with nonspecific gastrointestinal or abdominal signs due to ovarian mass growth, metastasis, and secondary fluid accumulation. Ultrasound is usually the first study to confirm ovarian enlargement, identify masses, and assess ascites. CT improves staging by evaluating lymph nodes, peritoneal disease, and distant metastases. Radiographs may suggest effusion or metastasis but are less sensitive; MRI is less common for routine staging.

Liver cancer

Liver neoplasia can be primary or metastatic, often producing systemic decline and abdominal signs. Imaging evaluates lesion number, vascular involvement, biliary obstruction, and metastatic spread. Ultrasound is commonly first to detect focal or diffuse hepatic changes and assess portal vasculature and ascites. CT provides staging detail and better surgical planning. Radiographs are less sensitive but […]

Enlarged spleen

Splenomegaly is a clinical finding reflecting multiple underlying causes such as neoplasia, inflammatory disease, and hematologic disorders. Imaging evaluates spleen size, internal pattern, and any nodules or diffuse lesions. Ultrasound is usually first-line because it can detect focal versus diffuse changes and guide sampling. Radiographs suggest enlargement but lack detail. CT helps assess lymph nodes, […]

Enlarged liver

Hepatomegaly is a clinical finding reflecting many underlying causes such as neoplasia, inflammation, congestion, or infiltrative disease. Imaging is used to evaluate liver size and internal architecture. Abdominal ultrasound is most sensitive for detecting focal lesions, biliary abnormalities, and ascites. CT adds better cross-sectional staging and guides intervention planning. Radiographs are less specific, often showing […]

Splenic cancer

Splenic neoplasia often presents with vague signs from anemia, inflammation, or mass effect. Some patients show abdominal discomfort and weight loss. Ultrasound is the initial modality of choice to confirm splenic enlargement and characterize focal versus diffuse lesions. CT improves staging for lymph node and liver involvement. Radiographs can show mass effect or effusion but […]

Kidney cysts

Renal cysts may be congenital or acquired and can impair concentrating ability or contribute to infection or rupture. Imaging aims to characterize cysts, differentiate them from solid masses, and assess kidney function-related changes. Ultrasound is usually first because it differentiates cystic versus solid components and evaluates hydronephrosis. CT best characterizes complex cysts, wall enhancement, and […]

Kidney stones

Kidney stones may obstruct urine flow and irritate renal tissue, leading to hematuria, pain, and sometimes infection. Imaging aims to identify calculus location and degree of obstruction, plus rule out bladder/ureteral involvement. CT is best for detecting radiolucent stones and mapping anatomy for management. Radiographs can detect radiopaque stones but may miss others.Ultrasound can show […]

Kidney cancer

 Kidney cancer causes progressive systemic decline and sometimes hematuria or abdominal discomfort. Imaging aims to confirm renal origin, evaluate local invasion, and stage metastasis. Ultrasound is commonly first because it detects renal masses, vascular changes, and hydronephrosis. CT is best for surgical planning and metastatic assessment. Radiographs may show enlarged kidneys, but sensitivity is low. […]

Bladder stones

Bladder stones lead to mucosal irritation and can cause partial or complete urethral obstruction. Imaging confirms location and number and supports planning for diet dissolution or removal. Plain radiographs are often first because many stones are mineralized and visible. Ultrasound is helpful for confirming stones, especially with radiolucent types, and for evaluating bladder wall thickness.CT […]

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