Diagnostic imaging gives us a direct view of your pet's internal structures without surgery. At OC Pets we operate a full in-house imaging suite including digital radiography, abdominal and thoracic ultrasound, and echocardiography. All studies are stored in DICOM format and accessible through our owner portal at dicom.ocpets.ai, where you can view and download your pet's imaging files and share them securely with any specialist.
Digital Radiography (X-Ray)
Digital X-ray provides high-resolution images of bones, joints, lungs and thoracic structures in seconds. We use it to evaluate fractures, dislocations, lung patterns, cardiac silhouette size, gastrointestinal obstruction, urinary stones and spinal alignment.
Digital images are sharper than traditional film, allow brightness and contrast adjustment after capture and can be shared electronically with referral specialists immediately. Our X-ray suite is designed to minimise patient stress and reduce the time your pet needs to hold still.
Abdominal and Thoracic Ultrasound
Ultrasound allows real-time assessment of abdominal organs including the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, adrenal glands, gastrointestinal wall layers and lymph nodes. We use it to evaluate masses, detect free fluid, assess organ texture and guide fine needle aspirates of deep lesions.
Unlike X-ray, ultrasound shows soft tissue detail and is performed without ionising radiation, making it safe for repeated use and for pregnant animals. It is not a replacement for radiography but a complementary tool that reveals information X-ray cannot.
Echocardiography (Cardiac Ultrasound)
Echocardiography is essential for evaluating heart disease in dogs and cats. It allows us to measure chamber dimensions, assess valve function, quantify regurgitation, identify myocardial disease and monitor the progression of conditions such as degenerative mitral valve disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Breed-specific conditions such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mitral valve disease and Maine Coon cardiomyopathy should be screened for proactively in affected breeds. We offer echocardiographic studies as part of cardiology consultations.
DICOM Portal
All imaging studies performed at OC Pets are stored in DICOM format and accessible through the owner portal at dicom.ocpets.ai. You can view your pet's X-rays and ultrasound images, download them in standard DICOM format and share a secure link with a specialist or referral centre anywhere in the world.
We believe owners should have direct access to their pet's medical records, including imaging, as a matter of course. The portal is available to all clients and works on any device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is X-ray radiation dangerous for my pet?
The radiation dose from a single diagnostic X-ray is very low. The diagnostic benefit in identifying disease far outweighs the minimal risk. We use appropriate collimation and shielding and do not expose your pet to more views than clinically necessary.
Does my pet need sedation for imaging?
Many X-rays can be obtained with gentle manual restraint. Sedation or anaesthesia is used when patient movement would compromise image quality or when positioning is uncomfortable due to pain. We assess this individually for each case.
What can an ultrasound detect that X-ray cannot?
Ultrasound shows soft tissue structure in real time, including organ texture, masses, cysts, free fluid, intestinal wall layers and early kidney changes. X-ray is better for bone, lung patterns and gross structural relationships. The two modalities complement each other.
Can I view my pet's X-rays?
Yes. All imaging is stored digitally and accessible through dicom.ocpets.ai. We provide login access to all clients. You can view, download and share studies from your phone, tablet or computer.
How quickly are results discussed?
Digital X-rays are reviewed immediately after the study and findings discussed during the same appointment. Ultrasound interpretations are also provided in real time. Where a specialist radiologist review is warranted, we can submit studies digitally for teleradiology interpretation within 24 hours.
Ready to Book?
Our team is available 7 days a week, 10 AM to 10 PM. Book online or call us directly for same-day availability.