This is the month of halloween, and skeletons, goblins, and guts will make their annual appearance. In medicine, we tend to see bones and organs in a different way that this freaky holiday portrays however. Dog bones costume Since the skeleton and organs are on the inside of the body, we often require some means of diagnostic imaging to see them. Diagnostic imaging can include a variety of tools-the most common being x-rays (radiographs) and ultrasound. Others include things such as CT scans, MRI scans, endoscopy (and it’s many branches), fluoroscopy, or PET scans. Radiographs or x-rays are one of the most commonly used diagnostic imaging tools used. They take a two dimensional picture of an area of the body. They can see bones and metal as bright white, and gas or air as dark black, and fluid, fat, and other soft tissues as other shades of gray. It can reveal the outline of organs as well seeing some of the contents in the stomach or intestines. X-rays can be used to see if there is heart enlargement, fluid buildup, foreign body ingestions, tumors, fractures, bladder stones, or infections present. X-rays are not the best at seeing inside some of the other organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, or pancreas. Radiograph of […]
Learn MoreThe most common injury to a dog’s knee is an ACL tear, which stands for anterior cruciate ligament tear. In dogs, the more correct term is cranial cruciate ligament tear or rupture, CCLR. This is simply because of the fact that dogs walk on all fours instead of upright, but the ligament is the same and serves the same function regardless of what it is called. The ACL attaches at the rear of the femur, and crosses to the front of the knee to attach to the front of the tibia. It’s function is to prevent abnormal forward movement of the tibia relative to the knee joint. When torn, a veterinarian may be able to demonstrate this forward movement, called a drawer sign upon physical examination. A pet that has torn it’s ACL may suddenly become non weight bearing lame on a rear leg, or may only toe touch with that leg. If left alone, the pet seems to improve in a week or two, but this is simply because the body starts to make changes to the knee joint to try to stabilize it. There are usually significant arthritic changes that occur if the torn ligament is not repaired. In addition, dogs that tear one ligament are more likely to tear the other […]
Learn MoreHeritage Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinarian clinic that provides examinations, diagnostic services, dental care, surgical services, medicine, grooming and boarding services in Maple Grove, Minnesota. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of pet care possible and facilitating an environment where client communication and education are at the forefront of our practice.
12624 Base Lake Road
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Sat: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.