Diagnostic Imaging (Ultrasound, Xray, CT)

Imaging

It is very unlikely that you will meet one of the members of the Imaging team when you visit the hospital, yet the service sees most of the pets that come through our doors and are vital to the functioning of the hospital.

The team are responsible for performing and interpreting all the imaging done at Langford Vets including radiographs, ultrasound scans, Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanning. They then work very closely with the other services to determine the next steps in patient investigation and treatment.

The imaging department consists of four European specialists supported by three residents and importantly our highly skilled team of three NHS-trained radiographers and an imaging nurse who acquire our images.

Radiography remains a core component of imaging and we have the flexibility of both our main static digital XR suite, and a mobile digital system to provide across the board support to our services. In addition, we have two fluoroscopy units which contribute to our theatre case load, including interventional radiology, and allow us to perform dynamic studies such as barium swallow series or urinary work-ups in real time.

Our CT scanner allows us to image a wide range of patients quickly and accurately with a particular emphasis on thoracic, abdominal and musculoskeletal imaging. 2024 sees the installation of a brand new state-of -the-art CT, putting us at the forefront of small animal imaging capability.

All our MRI scans are performed using our fully digital onsite 1.5T high-field MRI unit. Our experienced radiographers run the machine, giving us the best image quality possible. MRI is predominantly performed on patients referred to the neurology service, but our team also have experience in soft tissue and orthopaedic MR imaging.

The imaging team perform all the abdominal ultrasound in the hospital, and also use our medical grade ultrasound machine to assist in assessment of orthopaedic, thoracic and soft tissue disease. We use ultrasound to guide us in performing fine needle aspirates and core needle biopsies as required to help our clinicians reach a final diagnosis.

The Clinical Pathology departments are accredited by the European Congress of Veterinary Pathology & Clinical Pathology (ECVCP). Our qualified clinical pathologists work with specialists at our Small Animal Referral Hospital and Large Animal Practice providing practical, up to date advice to veterinary surgeons.