Thoracic radiography is a time-honored diagnostic
tool, predating the echocardiogram. Radiographs provide an overall impression of cardiac size and shape, and
most importantly, allow for evaluation of the lungs.
The echocardiogram has widely replaced radiographs for evaluation of cardiac size
and shape. However, radiographs are still the primary
way to evaluate the lungs, as the air within the
lungs will interfere with the ultrasound, but not hamper radiography. Chest radiographs are often
taken to determine if an animal is in congestive
heart failure (i.e. if there is fluid accumulating in or around the lungs
secondary to poor cardiac function). Digital Radiography is offered in our
Leesburg, Vienna, Springfield, and Richmond locations.
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is similar to radiography, except that instead of
producing still frame images on a special type of film, the images are
show in real-time on a computer screen. Fluoroscopy is most useful
for cardiac catheterization studies, pacemaker implantation and other
interventional procedures.
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