Diagnostic Imaging involves the modalities that allow us to look inside the patient's body. These might include:
- Ultrasound
- Radiology (X-Rays)
- CT scanning
- MRI
- Endoscopy
Each modality allows the consultant to assess specific areas of the body. The reason we use imaging methods is to collect information in a non-invasive fashion. Rapid growth in this area has meant that less surgical procedures are necessary, diagnoses can be made faster and recovery times for patients are quicker.
The General Practitioner might seek assistance from our Diagnostic Imaging team when a specific piece of equipment is required to be used. Some imaging equipment can be very expensive and it is not feasible for all practices to carry that equipment.
Depending on the technique involved, imaging can be as quick as fifteen minutes, or might take a whole day. Patients might need to be anaesthetised in some circumstances (like for endoscopy), or might be able to be imaged when awake (ultrasound, for example). Clients or General Practitioners who contact the clinic can be advised on the likely preparation needed and the time each procedure might take. The imaging process produces a picture (the image) which might be a radiograph (an X-Ray); or a video, or a digital image.
Sometimes your pet might be referred for imaging only (what we call a Technical Procedures Referral); or your pet might be referred for management of a condition which requires imaging as part of the data collection process.
Technical procedures referral means that we take your pet (the patient), collect the image as directed by your local General Practitioner, and then give the image to you local General Practitioner. Usually this does not involve a consultation with our Imaging Team.
True referral means that your local GP veterinarian will communicate with us, provide all the information about your case to date and send us you and your patient for management. This usually does involve a full consultation and careful examination of your patient and all the relevant data before imaging begins.
At the beginning of the referral process, our consultant will examine your patient, discuss all the likely steps involved in imaging, choose the best imaging modality and discuss the time the process will take and the likely costs involved before imaging begins.
Dr Tania Davey Consultant
BVSc BVMs MACVSc
Tania graduated from Murdoch University Veterinary School in 1991. She was awarded consecutive training positions for four years and completed Residencies in Diagnostic Imaging and Small Animal Internal Medicine. She was recruited to the Queensland Veterinary Specialist group at West Chermside in 1996 as a consultant in internal medicine and diagnostic imaging. She has made numerous contributions to the profession continuing education, in written literature, presentations and as an examiner of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists. She recently shared an award for Publication of the year. She is now a part time consultant in the Medicine Section at QVS, taking referrals in Ultrasonography, Radiology and Internal Medicine and has developed a strong interest in the management of critically ill patients. |
