Pet X-Rays & Ultrasound in Bellingham, WA
Pet X-rays and ultrasound let us see what’s happening inside your pet’s body. At our veterinary hospital in Bellingham, we use veterinary radiology and pet imaging to diagnose problems accurately. Clear images help us plan the right care with confidence.
What Is Pet Imaging?
Pet imaging, also called veterinary radiology, uses safe technology to view inside your pet. It lets us examine bones, organs, and soft tissue without surgery. The two most common tools are X-rays and ultrasound.
Each gives us a different view, and together they help us reach an accurate diagnosis.
Why Diagnostic Imaging Matters
Some health problems are impossible to detect from the outside. Imaging often reveals issues a physical exam alone can miss, like fractures, tumors, or organ changes. Because pets hide discomfort so well, these tools help us find problems early.
The clearer our picture, the better we can tailor your pet’s treatment.
Types of Imaging We Offer
Pet X-Rays
Pet X-rays capture detailed images of bones and many internal structures. They help us spot fractures, arthritis, bladder stones, swallowed objects, and signs of heart or lung disease. X-rays are quick, painless, and often the first step in a diagnosis.
Pet Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images of soft tissue and organs. Ultrasound lets us examine the heart, abdomen, and more, often without anesthesia. It is especially useful for viewing movement, like a beating heart or blood flow.
When Your Pet May Need Imaging
Imaging helps us answer questions a physical exam can’t. We may recommend it when:
- Your pet has an injury or a suspected broken bone
- Symptoms like vomiting, coughing, or weight loss appear
- We need to check the heart, lungs, or abdominal organs
- Your pet is pregnant
- We’re planning for or guiding a surgery
- We’re monitoring a known condition over time
We often pair imaging with pet laboratory testing for a fuller picture of your pet’s health.
What to Expect
Most imaging is quick, gentle, and completely painless. Your pet usually stays awake, though some cases call for light sedation to keep them still. X-rays take only minutes, and ultrasound is just as comfortable.
If imaging points to a problem that needs surgery, we’ll talk through your options, including soft tissue surgery.
Trusted Pet Imaging Since 1986
Families across Bellingham and Whatcom County have trusted us with their pets since 1986. Our veterinarians bring decades of combined experience to reading and interpreting images. We’ll always explain what we see, your options, and the costs before moving forward. That careful, honest approach guides every diagnosis we make.