4176 Meridian Street

Bellingham, WA 98226

(360) 758-2200

24/7 Emergency Care​

Diagnostic Imaging

At our hospital, we provide veterinary radiograph and ultrasound services for dog owners, cat owners, and primary care veterinarians throughout the Seattle to Bellingham area.

Need a referral to Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital?

Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital uses advanced imaging techniques such as digital radiography, ultrasonography, and computerized tomography (CT Scans) to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective therapy for your beloved pet. We take pride in offering these comprehensive imaging services as part of our specialty care, as well as providing convenient outpatient ultrasounds to meet the needs of our patients. Your pet’s well-being is our top priority, and we strive to deliver the highest quality veterinary care.

Ultrasound

Ultrasounds are a safe and non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves, instead of x-rays, to create detailed diagnostic images of your pet’s internal organs. They are incredibly useful in helping us identify any changes or abnormalities within your pet’s body, which aids in diagnosing and treating underlying conditions.

Our veterinary ultrasound services in Bellingham, specializes in providing top-quality ultrasounds for dogs and cats, focusing on examining the abdomen and neck areas. Sedation may be used if needed, and the area of interest may be shaved for clearer images. In certain cases, we can perform a procedure called “fine needle aspirate”, which involves using a thin needle to collect small samples from specific organs or lymph nodes, this helps us gather additional information about your pet’s condition. Our dedicated radiologist then meticulously reviews all ultrasound images and then sends a comprehensive report to your primary veterinarian within a few days.

To ensure the best results, it’s important that your pet doesn’t eat anything the morning of their ultrasound. This helps to provide a clear view of their organs and allows for sedation, if needed. If sedation is necessary, please know that we will closely monitor your pet and ensure they are fully recovered before you take them home. If your pet has specific nutritional needs, i.e. is diabetic, please contact the hospital for personalized advice.

  • Abdominal Ultrasound
    • A non-invasive scan to check your pet’s internal organs, like the liver, kidneys, and intestines, for any abnormalities.

  • Vascular Ultrasound
    • A scan that focuses on the blood vessels to evaluate blood flow and detect potential blockages or abnormalities.

  • Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
    • A scan used to examine your pet’s muscles, tendons, and joints to diagnose injuries or conditions affecting movement.

  • Non-Cardiac Thoracic Studies
    • A chest ultrasound to assess structures like the lungs and chest cavity, excluding the heart, for potential issues such as masses or fluid.

  • Echocardiography
    • A specialized ultrasound that evaluates your pet’s heart, checking for any heart conditions or abnormalities in function.

  • Ocular Ultrasound
    • An ultrasound used to examine your pet’s eyes, helping to diagnose issues within the eye structure.

  • Ultrasound-Guided Needle Aspiration, Centesis and Biopsies
    • A procedure that uses ultrasound guidance to safely collect tissue or fluid samples for testing.

  • Intra-Operative Ultrasound Support (with our surgeons)
    • Ultrasound imaging used during surgery to provide real-time guidance and help surgeons make precise decisions.

Radiology

Digital Radiology, also known as “digital X-ray”, provides valuable diagnostic information via digital images that can be viewed instantly on a computer screen. This enables our veterinary team to evaluate and detect potential health issues with precision. Digital radiology reduces the need for retakes, minimizing your pet’s exposure to radiation and ensuring a more efficient and comfortable experience. With the comprehensive information provided by digital radiology, we can develop targeted treatment plans that are tailored to your pet’s specific needs and enhances their quality of life.

  • Digital radiography
    • An advanced form of X-ray imaging that provides clear, detailed images of your pet’s bones and internal organs quickly and efficiently.

  • Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
    • A special X-ray that uses a dye injected into your pet’s bloodstream to highlight the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, helping to diagnose urinary tract issues.

  • Myelograms
    • A diagnostic test that uses a special dye and X-rays to visualize your pet’s spinal cord, identifying issues like disc disease or spinal injuries.

  • Contrast Cystograms
    • A test where contrast dye is used to highlight the bladder in X-rays, helping to detect problems like bladder stones or tumors.

  • Contrast Urethrograms
    • A test where contrast dye is used to visualize the urethra, assisting in the diagnosis of blockages or abnormalities.

Advanced Imaging

Advanced imaging refers to specialized diagnostic tools that allow veterinarians to see inside your pet’s body with incredible detail and clarity. These technologies go beyond regular X-rays and are crucial for diagnosing complex conditions, planning surgeries, and monitoring treatments. At our specialty veterinary hospital, we offer several types of advanced imaging to provide the best possible care for your pets.

  • 64-Slice CT Scans available on-site.
    • A high-speed, advanced CT scan that provides detailed 3D images of your pet’s body to help diagnose complex conditions.

  • Radiographic Specialty Services
    • Interventional Tracheal Stenting
      • A minimally invasive procedure where a stent is placed in the trachea to help pets with breathing difficulties.

    • Interventional Urethral Stenting
      • A procedure to place a stent in the urethra, helping pets with urinary obstructions or narrowing.
    • Interventional Radiology (IR) and Interventional Endoscopy (IE) with the support of our internist, cardiologist and surgeons.
      • Minimally invasive techniques used to treat or diagnose conditions using real-time imaging without the need for traditional surgery.

Our Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging Team:

Lisa McElveen

LVT

Ultrasonographer

Dr. PJ Hamel

DVM, MPH, Dipl. ACVR

Board-Certified Radiologist

Contact BBVSH Bellingham

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Alternately, call (360) 982-0166, fax 1 (888) 867-6928 or email bellingham@bbvsh.com

If you have an emergency, please call 360-758-2200.