Imaging

Radiographs

Commonly known as x-rays, assist our veterinarians with diagnosing abnormalities in the skeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and urinary systems. We have the ability to take full body digital x-rays, and digital dental x-rays. Digital radiographs are better quality than standard film radiographs and are able to be sent via email to a specialist if needed.

Echocardiogram

Have you ever been told that your pet has a heart murmur, heartbeat rhythm change, or heart shape size change? Is your pet a breed predisposed genetically to heart disease? Is your pet experiencing heart disease symptoms such as (but not limited to) shortness of breath, coughing, exercise intolerance, or collapse? We are pleased to offer echocardiograms through our partners at SVS Imaging. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart and is one of the first diagnostics a cardiologist is going to need when assessing your pet. It provides essential information about how the heart, heart valves, chambers, and surrounding structures are functioning. The images are reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist and full report with recommendations is provided. This allows our doctors to collaborate with a specialist in a timely, high-quality, accessible manner and get your pet treatment sooner. Did you know that there are a limited number of veterinary cardiologists within a few hour's drive? Appointment wait times can unfortunately be several weeks to months for a new referral. Having an echocardiogram (+/- review of chest x-ray and an EKG) performed at Columbia Animal Clinic will jump-start treatment for your pet, even if referral to an in-person cardiologist is still needed at a later date.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound exams are performed for many reasons. In human medicine, most of us think about ultrasound exams during pregnancy. However, in veterinary medicine, ultrasound is a safe way to look inside the body, making it a useful tool for many other situations. Your veterinarian may have requested an ultrasound exam of your pet for one of the following reasons: