Your Cat’s Health Up Close

Your cat’s health is always changing. Since they age much more quickly than we do, it’s important to keep an eye on their health so any developing problems can be caught early and treated quickly and effectively. We recommend annual visits for young pets and semi-annual visits for cats over 7 years old to ensure that they’re healthy and aging well.

Help your pet maintain their optimal health and well-being throughout every life-stage. Schedule a wellness visit today.

Pets can’t tell us what’s wrong when they’re not feeling their best. A physical and visual exam can often tell us so much about your pet’s condition.​ If we need a closer look at your pet’s bones, organs, and muscles, our veterinary team will use the complementary diagnostic procedure of radiology or ultrasonography to give a detailed evaluation of your pet's internal issues. As a American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) accredited animal hospital, Chester County Cat Hospital is proud to offer the latest in digital radiology and ultrasound technology. We will be able to get a clearer picture of your pet’s internal systems quickly and safely with digital radiology than we would normally be able to with traditional radiography.

The Difference Between X-Rays & Ultrasounds

Both radiographs (X-rays), and ultrasounds are forms of imaging. The difference between X-rays and ultrasounds is that X-rays are used to image the solid or dense tissues of your pet’s body, like bones and muscles, while ultrasounds are used to image the soft or delicate tissues of your pet’s body, like organs or developing fetuses.

One way in which both X-rays and ultrasounds are similar, however, is that they are both non-invasive, pain-free procedures. Our veterinary team will work to keep your pet feeling calm and safe during the imaging process.

X-Ray Imaging

Digital radiology at Chester County Cat Hospital uses a small dose of electromagnetic radiation to take still images of your pet's internal organs. These images can be viewed on a computer monitor and can be sent for review by a boarded radiologist via telemedicine. The latest digital X-ray technology allows us to quickly and safely capture highly detailed images.

We use x-rays to:

  • Images of bones and muscles

  • Evaluation of traumatic injuries

  • Identification of foreign objects

  • Location of tumors

  • Evaluation of the heart and chest

If we suspect your pet has a problem with the solid or dense parts of their body, an X-ray will be ordered. However, if we think there is an issue with your pet’s organs or other soft tissues, our veterinary team will order an ultrasound.

Ultrasonography

Ultrasounds use high frequency soundwaves, not radiation, to capture moving images of your pet’s internal soft tissues. These moving images are viewed by the veterinarian during the procedure. At Chester County Cat Hospital, we use basic ultrasound to assess emergency situations and if a referral to a board-certified radiologist is needed.

Some diagnostic uses of ultrasounds:

  • Location of kidney and bladder masses and stones

  • Identify and monitor pregnancy

  • Evaluate fluid in the chest and abdomen

  • Obtain guided samples of fluids for further laboratory evaluation

Because ultrasounds cannot penetrate solid or dense tissues, our veterinarians might recommend an X-ray if we suspect an issue with your pet’s bones or muscles.

Chester County Cat Hospital offers high-quality, stress-free, and low-anxiety care exclusively for cats in West Chester, Downtown Exton, Malvern, Glen Mills, Thorndale, Coatesville, and King of Prussia. Our clinic provides wellness care, preventative care, house calls, microchipping, behavior consultation, surgery, dentistry, ultrasound/radiology, diet consultations, and health products in a tranquil, cat-focused environment.

“When a man loves cats, I am his friend and comrade, without further introduction.”

— Mark Twain