Diagnostic Imaging

Veterinary Radiologist is a veterinarian who has completed advanced training in radiology (including an internship and residency) following their veterinary degree.

What conditions do Veterinary radiologists do?

Veterinary radiologists are trained in interpreting diagnostic imaging studies, including radiographs (x-rays), ultrasound, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Radiologists are often consulted prior to acquisition of a study, to help guide decisions around which type of imaging modality is most likely to answer the clinically relevant questions for a specific medical case.

Veterinary radiologists are trained to perform ultrasound examinations. Acquisition of other types of imaging studies is often performed by trained technicians, though radiologists may be involved in this process as required also.

After a diagnostic imaging study has been acquired, the study is systemically evaluated by a veterinary radiologist who writes a detailed report outlining the findings and conclusions of the study. The report is provided to the attending clinician who uses this information to help develop a plan for the patient. Recommendations for the attending clinician to consider may also be made by a radiologist when appropriate.

Veterinary radiologists often perform imaging guided interventional procedures, such as ultrasound guided tissue sampling, including needle aspirates, fluid sampling or biopsies.

Radiologists may work in a hospital environment and/or may review imaging studies remotely for veterinarians around New Zealand (or abroad), as with teleradiology.

Radiologists work closely with other veterinary specialists and also can work directly with general practitioners, usually through teleradiology, mobile ultrasound or out-patient ultrasound.

Radiologists in New Zealand