Diagnostics
We offer a range of advanced diagnostics at our Rutland House Veterinary Hospital in St Helens.
Many of our other local branches are also able to offer some diagnostic tests.
CT scans
Our CT scanner is an advanced piece of equipment that allows us to capture detailed, high-resolution 3D images.
We can use it to assess all parts of the body, and to detect potential health conditions such as cancer, bone defects, fractures, ear disease and spinal cases.
It can also be used to reconstruct a 3D image of the area of interest, which helps our team plan for any surgeries or procedures.
Digital x-ray
Our high resolution digital x-ray machine allows us to produce high quality images of the inside of the body.
Compared to film x-ray, digital x-ray is much quicker, meaning your pet won’t need to be under general anaesthetic for as long.
The exposure (blackness) of the image can also be altered on a computer, meaning that less x-rays need to be taken, reducing the exposure to radiation.
The digital x-rays can then be saved to disks or emailed to other team members for a second opinion.
For more information, please contact our team.
Ultrasound
Non-invasive, painless ultrasound scanning can be used to generate images of internal organs such as the abdomen or heart using a probe.
We can use ultrasound to assess the shape, size and structure of each organ.
Ultrasound images can be frozen, and measurements can be made and printed out.
We also have the ability to sample some of the organs via ultrasound guidance, and arrange for the sample to be tested for any abnormalities.
An ultrasound of the heart is called an echocardiogram, and can be used to assess blood flow, chamber size and function of the heart valves.
Scopes
We have different scopes for different sizes of pets and areas of interest.
Scopes are used to assess either the upper airways (nose, larynx, trachea or the lower airways) or bronchi in the lungs (bronchoscopy).
This equipment can be used to look for any inflammation, foreign bodies, or infection and take samples if needed.
Scopes can be used to assess the stomach/small intestine for the same reasons (endoscopy), or can be used to assess the rectum/colon (colonoscopy).
Scopes produce real-time images of the inside of these organs.
Some of our scopes have channels inside them to allow you to pass biopsy forceps or forceps used to grasp foreign bodies and pull them back out.
For more information, please contact our team.