Imaging

An important part of diagnosing specific disease conditions or injuries involves imaging of the patients by radiography, ultrasound or endoscopy.

In July 2008, Gehrman Animal Hospital acquired a digital radiology system improving the quality of the care we offer, while reducing our impact on the environment.

The image quality generated by the new system is a vast improvement over traditional films. Images of greater detail are ready for review in a fraction of the time it took to develop film, facilitating a quicker and more accurate diagnosis.



Images are instantly available for reading. After being taken, the images can be pulled up in an exam room for the doctor to read and share with the patient's owner. These electronic images are archived indefinitely at an off-site facility. Additionally, a digital image can be instantly transmitted to specialists and radiologists, for rendering an opinion, or saved as a copy suitable for viewing by the client on a home computer.

Because the images are captured electronically, this new system reduces x-ray exposure to the patients while eliminating the need for use of film and chemical developing agents. Film technology was a significant expense and generated hazardous waste in the form of silver that is a threat to the environment.

As part of the Gehrman Animal Hospital's commitment to excellence, all staff doctors meet monthly with a consulting board certified radiologist for a radiology review session, where images from the previous month are presented to the group. This session serves as ongoing continuing education for our doctors and helps assure the accuracy of the image readings.

Since 2007, Gehrman Animal Hospital has had a diagnostic ultrasound system in house for imaging the abdomens. This equipment takes images and places them into the digital x-ray storage system. These images can be immediately transmitted to a consulting radiologist for interpretation with results coming back to us within hours or days.

Ultrasounds of the heart, also known as echocardiograms (echo), are also performed in our office. This procedure is performed only by a visiting radiologists or by referral to the University of Minnesota veterinary cardiologists. An echo is normally done only on animals exhibiting symptoms of heart disease and is helpful in choosing heart medication and following the course of disease as the animal ages.

Endoscopy of the upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the respiratory tract is another form of imaging that is offered at Gehrman Animal Hospital. These procedures require general anesthesia and most often biopsies are taken. Indications for GI scoping include aiding in the diagnosis of chronic or acute vomiting, chronic diarrhea, and the removal of foreign bodies. Respiratory tract scoping is performed with a pediatric bronchoscope and is indicated for diagnosing nasal, tracheal, and bronchial disease in cats and dogs. Occasionally, foreign bodies are removed from the trachea or bronchi.

Lab Services

The lab at Gehrman Animal Hospital plays a major role in the quality of routine and preventive care, pre-surgical screening, and for swift and accurate diagnosis of sick animals. As part of the voluntary AAHA certification, our in house lab conforms to stringent procedures and quality control sampling. Only certified veterinary technicians are allowed to evaluate blood smears and urine sediments.

These techs also supervise non-certified personnel on use of automated lab machines. Some lab procedures must be sent to a specialty lab. Some tests will be done in house when results are needed immediately. Some tests can be run more economically if sent to an outside facility. Several courier services pick up samples Monday through Saturday and most results come back to us by early morning of the next day.

ECG and Blood Pressure

Electrocardiograms are done on dogs and cats at Gehrman Animal Hospital and in some cases these results are sent to a consulting cardiologist. Heart disease is often seen in the elderly patient and the ECG is helpful in monitoring the progress of the disease. Blood pressure measurements help in the management of heart disease and kidney disease.