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.
XR
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.
Fluoroscopy
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.
Fluoroscopy
CT
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.
CT of a portosystemic shunt
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.
CT of a portosystemic shunt
MRI
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.
MRI showing a spinal cord tumour
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.
MRI showing a spinal cord tumour
Ultrasound
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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Imaging
Why does my pet need an anaesthetic to have an MRI scan?
The MRI scanner generates a lot of noise when it is running – up to 130 decibels, louder than most rock concerts! The scan can also take over an hour to complete. If the patient moves during the scan, then the quality of the images can be seriously compromised, and they will need to be repeated. In order to keep a patient still in such a noisy environment for such a prolonged period of time we anaesthetise all cases undergoing MRI imaging. CT scans are quieter and faster, so can often be performed under sedation; however sometimes it may be safer to anaesthetise a pet for CT than sedate it and so we decide this on a case-by-case basis.
Can my pet be referred for imaging alone, without seeing one of the other hospital services?
Unfortunately, we are currently not offering imaging on an out-patient basis, though we do provide a film-reading service for referring vets to assist with radiograph referrals.
Can I have copies of my pets’ images?
We are happy to provide images acquired in the hospital on request, either for your own interest or to pass on to other veterinary professionals. Radiographs can be provided in standard digital formats such as jpeg, however we are only able to provide CT and MRI images in DICOM format. This is the standard for medical grade imaging and requires DICOM viewing software to open.
Pet owners need to be referred by their primary care vet
We are a multidisciplinary hospital
Find about more about just some of the other services we work with.
