Studies most often submitted
- Thoracic radiographs for cough, collapse, heart murmurs and metastatic screening.
- Abdominal radiographs and Ultrasound for vomiting, obstructive patterns, urinary disease and abdominal masses.
- Orthopedic radiographs for lameness, joint disease, fracture assessment and bone lesions.
- CT for complex fractures, nasal and skull disease, thoracic staging and surgical planning.
- MR for brain, spinal cord and soft tissue questions where contrast resolution matters.
Preparing the study
- Submit original DICOM files rather than exported images or monitor photographs.
- Include orthogonal views of the region of interest and label left and right.
- Give signalment, duration of signs, relevant bloodwork and the specific question you want answered.
- Note any sedation, positioning limits or patient instability that affected the study.
Standard, STAT or Wet Read
STAT x-ray and fluoroscopy studies are returned in 1 hour. STAT CT, Ultrasound and MR studies are returned within 4 hours. Standard studies are returned within 24 hours. Wet Read is the fastest option, read while you wait.
The priority is chosen case by case at submission. Reports place the prioritized diagnoses and recommendations first, followed by the comprehensive findings, and every case carries Real-Time Chat so a question reaches the reading radiologist in seconds. More detail is in the guide to choosing a priority.
Frequently asked questions
Which canine studies benefit most from a board-certified read?
Any study where the clinical picture and your own read do not line up, where a subtle pulmonary or abdominal pattern changes the plan, or where staging needs consistent reporting over time. Orthopedic lesions and nasal disease also reward a specialist eye.
Can I get a canine study read overnight?
Yes. Coverage runs 24 hours a day, every day of the year. It is the same on Sunday at 3 AM as it is on Wednesday at 3 PM.
What if I need an answer before the owner leaves the room?
Submit the study as a Wet Read. It is the fastest option, read while you wait, with the radiologist addressing the targeted questions you submit. The comprehensive final report follows from the same radiologist before the end of the shift.
Can I ask the radiologist a question about a canine report?
Yes. Real-Time Chat sits on every case, so a question reaches the reading radiologist in seconds without a phone call, voicemail or email thread.