X-Rays, Ultrasound, & CT for Exotic Pets: Veterinary Imaging in Pasadena, CA

X-rays, also called radiographs, allow us to evaluate bones, teeth, organs, the chest, abdomen, and certain internal structures. They are commonly used when an exotic pet is not eating, acting lethargic, moving less, or showing signs of pain.

For rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, birds, reptiles, and other exotic pets, X-rays may help us assess heart disease, bloat, certain cancers, dental disease, bladder stones, bladder sludge, kidney concerns, injury, arthritis, and digestive problems. In many urgent cases, radiographs give us useful information quickly so we can decide what needs to happen next.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to view soft tissues and organs in real time. This can be helpful when we need more detail about internal structures that may not be fully clear on X-rays.

At Exotic Animal Veterinary Center, in-house ultrasound may help us diagnose concerns such as egg binding in reptiles and birds, liver lobe torsion, and ureteral obstruction. When a case would benefit from additional imaging expertise, a mobile ultrasonographer may also be available to provide further evaluation.

CT imaging provides more detailed, three-dimensional information than standard X-rays. This can be especially helpful for small mammals with complex dental, nasal, or ear problems.

We commonly use CT scans for rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas when evaluating the teeth, jaws, nasal cavity, and ear canals. We also use the CT scanner in birds, reptiles, and mammals to check the lungs for cancer or other lung disease, check for abdominal/coelomic masses, and to get better detail on coelomic organs in birds and reptiles. These images can help us plan treatment more precisely, particularly when a pet may need advanced dental care, abscess treatment, nasal surgery, or ear surgery.