Diagnostic Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

The University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center is proud to announce it's new Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit (MRI). The new MRI is made by Toshiba and provides a greater level of imaging capability to the hospital and to referring practices. The new unit can be used for large animals such as horses or small animals like cats and dogs. The MRI gnerates multi-planar slice images based on different magnetic properties of tissues. It produces high detail, high contrast anatomic images. The MRI is state of the art imaging for bone and soft tissue, it can see pathologic and physiologic changes. It's contrast and definitiion of soft tissues are unparalleled and it can do 2nd and 3rd degree reconstructions.

Computed Tomography (Catscan or CT)

The CT uses rotating X-ray to penetrate body tissues and generates multiple slice images which can detect more denisty differences than radiography. This modality is excellent for imaging bones for fractures, joint surfaces, bone loss adn deposition along with head structures (e.g.) tetth and sinuses. 2nd and 3rd degree reconstructions are also possible with computed tomography. 

Nuclear Scintigraphy (Bone Scan)

Nuclear Scintigraphy is a gamma camera that detects radioactivity patterns emitted by the animal following injection of radioactive material. The three phases of this scan allow for the assesment of blood supply, soft tissue injury and alterations in bone metobolism. 

Ultrasonography

Ultrasound uses sound waves which are reflected back from different tissue densities to form images.  This tool is very useful for looking at soft tissue injuries (tendons, ligaments, muscle and bone/joint surfaces). Ultrasound is also very important in reproduction imaging and has many different uses for both small and large animals.

Computed and Digital Radiography

Radiography uses X-rays to penetrate body tissues and expose image on digital film.  This modality is not useful for soft tissue diagonstics.  Computed or Digital Radiography detects bone changes whne they are 30% different from normal and has wider latitude than conventional radiography.  This type of diagnostic imaging has limited contrast when compared to CT and MRI.

Diagnostic Imaging Teaching & Research