What Types of Technology Do Veterinarians Use?

Veterinary medicine has implemented the use of technology to diagnose and treat certain issues. Animals receive some of the same technology that humans do, including radiographs, ultrasounds and laser therapy. If your animal is ill or needs to receive surgery, take heart in knowing that some of the same types of technologies that are used on people will be used to help your pet.

  1. Radiograph Technology

    • Radiographs are helpful in accessing an animal's bones and identifying any dense matter. For instance, radiographs are helpful in determining if bones are broken or if an animal has arthritis. In addition, radiographs can also detect bladder stones, states the Pet Center website. If you suspect your animal ate something it shouldn't have, such as a fish hook or piece of metal wire, radiographs are also helpful in identifying those types of objects, as well. Radiographs are also useful in detecting how many puppies or kittens a dog or cat is carrying, because they can pick up the spines of the offspring in the mother's stomach.

    Ultrasound Technology

    • Ultrasounds are used to look at the soft matter inside an animal's body, such as the heart and other organs. Ultrasound technology can study the shape of an object, as well as monitor the way it moves and functions. For instance, an ultrasound can watch the way a heart beats and distributes blood. Ultrasound technology is also helpful in diagnosing tumors and measuring their sizes, as well. The HorseQuest website states that ultrasound technology is also used to evaluate the equine eye. In addition, ultrasounds are helpful in monitoring ligaments, tendons and other soft tissue elements.

    Laser Technology

    • The advent of laser technology in veterinary medicine has helped veterinarians perform certain surgeries faster and with less pain and blood loss than traditional procedures. Laser technology replaces the need for a surgical blade and is often used when declawing cats and performing surgeries on the eyes, eyelids and ears. Laser surgery typically causes minimal swelling and bleeding and never touches the animal's tissue, which results in less trauma, states the Dr. Larry Pet Vet website. One of the only downsides to laser technology is that it is expensive and many veterinarians cannot afford to buy the equipment.