Here at Family Vets Athlone we have our own digital xray and ultrasound machines which we can use to help diagnose many different conditions.

X Ray
Digital x rays allow us to take and view excellent quality x rays in a very short period of time.

X Rays can be used not only to diagnose broken bones but we regularly use it to investigate diseases affecting the chest and abdomen.

X Rays are almost always carried out under sedation or general anaesthetic so as to get the best possible positioning and image quality and also for the pet’s and our staff’s safety.

Ultrasound
Ultrasonography is another non-invasive tool we can use as a diagnostic aid.

While pregnancy diagnosis has traditionally been the main use of ultrasonography in veterinary medicine , we are using it much more now to view soft tissue structures especially within the abdomen. Some of these structures may not be as clearly seen on x rays.

The majority of ultrasound scans can be done while your pet is awake, however there are situations where sedation may be necessary.