Red River Animal Emergency Hospital offers advanced diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound, endoscopy, and CT scans, to accurately diagnose a wide range of conditions. Our state-of-the-art technology ensures faster, safer, and more precise care for your pet.
Overview
Diagnostic Veterinary Imaging in Fargo, ND
Red River Animal Emergency Hospital & Referral Center provides advanced diagnostic veterinary imaging for pets who need fast, accurate answers. When a physical exam does not reveal the full picture, our team uses advanced imaging technology to evaluate internal injuries, illness, pain, trauma, and complex medical concerns.
Emergency imaging services are available 24/7, and non-urgent diagnostic procedures may be coordinated through a referral from your family veterinarian.
ABOUT OUR
ADVANCED CT SCANS
At Red River Animal Emergency Hospital & Referral Center, we are proud to offer the most advanced CT imaging technology in our region. Our hospital is equipped with a high-quality, multi-slice CT scanner—the same type found in leading human hospitals—delivering exceptionally detailed images in under 20 seconds. This rapid scan time significantly reduces the duration of anesthesia or sedation, making the process safer and more comfortable for your pet. CT imaging allows our team to diagnose a wide range of conditions quickly and accurately, supporting the best possible outcomes for your pet’s health.
CT scans in veterinary medicine can be used for:
- Trauma (Complicated Fractures, Spinal Trauma, and Soft Tissue)
- Cancer Staging and Finding Tumors
- Surgical Planning for Tumors, Hepatobiliary Disease, and more
- Diagnosing Blood Clots
- Neurologic Disease (Intervertebral Disc Disease, Tumors, Wobbler’s Syndrome, etc.)
- Congenital orthopedic disease (OCD Lesions, Dysplasia, etc.)
- Diagnosing Liver Shunts and much more…
ADVANCED IMAGING &
MINIMALLY INVASIVE DIAGNOSTICS
At Red River Animal Emergency Hospital & Referral Center (RRAEH), we utilize state-of-the-art ultrasound machines—comparable to those used in human medicine—to perform detailed abdominal exams and echocardiograms. These high-resolution systems allow our skilled team to evaluate internal organs, detect abnormalities, and diagnose common heart diseases in dogs and cats with exceptional clarity and precision.
In addition to ultrasound, we offer advanced video endoscopy services through both our Emergency and Internal Medicine departments. Our high-definition endoscope allows for minimally invasive procedures, such as removing ingested foreign objects from the esophagus or stomach. We also perform rhinoscopy for investigating nasal cavity issues like inhaled foreign material, chronic infections, or tumors—often in combination with CT imaging for the most accurate diagnosis.
These services are available 24/7 for emergency cases. For non-urgent diagnostic procedures, we recommend obtaining a referral from your family veterinarian
What Is Diagnostic Veterinary Imaging?
Diagnostic veterinary imaging uses advanced equipment to create detailed images of your pet’s bones, organs, soft tissues, chest, abdomen, nasal passages, gastrointestinal tract, and other internal structures. These images help veterinarians identify problems that may not be visible during a physical exam.
Imaging is often used alongside bloodwork, physical exams, and other pet diagnostic laboratory tests. Together, these tools help our team understand what is happening inside your pet’s body, recommend appropriate treatment, and monitor urgent or complex medical concerns.
For emergency and referral cases, imaging can be especially important because it helps our team make timely decisions when every detail matters.
When Does My Pet Need Diagnostic Imaging?
Your pet may need advanced imaging when symptoms, exam findings, or lab results suggest that we need more information. In emergency medicine, imaging can help us quickly evaluate injuries, pain, illness, or internal changes that may require immediate treatment.
Your pet may need imaging for concerns such as:
- Trauma or injury
- Limping or a suspected fracture
- Vomiting or possible foreign object ingestion
- Difficulty breathing
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Neurologic symptoms
- Chronic coughing
- Urinary concerns
- Unexplained pain
- Suspected tumors or cancer staging
- Surgical planning
- Heart concerns
- Ongoing illness that requires specialty evaluation
If your pet is suddenly weak, painful, breathing abnormally, vomiting repeatedly, or acting very unlike themselves, our team can help determine whether imaging is needed as part of the diagnostic process.
What Conditions Can Veterinary Imaging Help Diagnose?
Some conditions require one imaging type, while others benefit from multiple tools, such as CT, ultrasound, X-rays, endoscopy, or rhinoscopy.
Imaging may help our team evaluate:
- Complicated fractures
- Spinal trauma
- Soft tissue injuries
- Tumors and cancer staging
- Blood clots
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Wobbler’s syndrome
- Liver shunts
- Congenital orthopedic disease
- Abdominal organ abnormalities
- Heart disease
- Ingested foreign objects
- Nasal disease, chronic infection, inhaled material, or tumors
- Conditions requiring surgical planning
What Types Of Vet Diagnostic Imaging Are Available At RRAEH?
Our hospital offers several imaging and minimally invasive diagnostic tools. Each option helps our team better understand your pet’s condition, symptoms, and level of urgency.
- Multi-Slice CT Scans For Advanced Pet Imaging: CT scans create highly detailed cross-sectional images of the body, allowing our team to evaluate complex injuries and internal conditions with greater detail. RRAEH’s multi-slice CT scanner captures images in under 20 seconds, which may help reduce the time a pet needs to spend under sedation or anesthesia.
- Digital X-Rays For Dogs And Cats: Digital X-rays, also called radiographs, help our team evaluate bones, joints, the chest, the abdomen, and certain internal structures. They are often used in emergency settings because they can provide fast diagnostic information for concerns like fractures, internal injuries, foreign material, or chest and abdominal changes.
- Veterinary Ultrasound And Echocardiograms: Ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images of soft tissues, internal organs, and certain heart structures. This imaging method may help evaluate abdominal concerns, fluid buildup, masses, tumors, heart disease, and conditions that may not be fully visible on X-rays.
- Endoscopy And Rhinoscopy For Minimally Invasive Diagnostics: Endoscopy allows our team to examine parts of the gastrointestinal tract with a high-definition camera and may help remove certain foreign objects without more invasive surgery. Rhinoscopy allows our team to evaluate the nasal passages for concerns such as chronic discharge, suspected inhaled material, infection, or tumors.
What Should I Expect During My Pet’s Diagnostic Imaging Appointment?
We know that bringing a sick or injured pet to the hospital can feel stressful. Our team works to communicate clearly, explain next steps, and help you understand why imaging may be recommended.
Your pet’s visit may include:
- Check-in and symptom review
- Triage for emergency cases
- Physical exam and initial assessment
- Discussion of recommended diagnostics
- An upfront estimate before imaging or treatment
- Imaging procedure
- Specialist or teleradiologist review when needed
- Updates from our team
- Records and recommendations shared with your family veterinarian when appropriate
Does My Pet Need Sedation For Diagnostic Imaging?
Sedation or anesthesia depends on the type of imaging, your pet’s condition, comfort level, and how still your pet needs to remain for accurate images. Some X-rays may be completed without sedation. CT scans, endoscopy, rhinoscopy, and certain ultrasound procedures may require sedation or anesthesia.
Sedation can help:
- Keep your pet still
- Reduce fear or discomfort
- Improve image quality
- Support a safer and more efficient procedure
Our CT scanner captures images very quickly, which can help reduce the amount of time a pet may need sedation or anesthesia. Before moving forward, our team explains what is recommended and why.
Are Veterinary X-Rays Safe For Dogs And Cats?
Veterinary X-rays are commonly used and considered safe when recommended by a veterinarian. They are used when the information gained from imaging is expected to help guide diagnosis or treatment.
Digital radiography allows our team to gather images efficiently. We also follow appropriate safety protocols and only recommend X-rays when they serve a clear medical purpose. If another imaging option would provide better information for your pet’s condition, our team will explain that recommendation.
How Soon Will I Get My Pet’s Imaging Results?
The timing of results depends on the type of imaging, the urgency of your pet’s condition, and whether specialist or teleradiologist interpretation is needed. In emergency cases, images are reviewed as quickly as possible so the care team can make informed treatment decisions.
Some findings may be discussed soon after imaging is completed. More complex cases may require review by a specialist or board-certified teleradiologist. Our team communicates updates to pet families and coordinates with referring veterinarians when appropriate.
How Much Does Diagnostic Veterinary Imaging Cost?
The cost of imaging depends on several factors, including the type of imaging needed, your pet’s condition, whether sedation or anesthesia is required, whether additional testing is recommended, and whether your pet is being seen through emergency or referral care.
Red River Animal Emergency Hospital & Referral Center provides upfront estimates before diagnostics and treatment. Prices remain consistent regardless of the time of day. Payment options are available, and our team will review recommended next steps before care begins.
Why Choose Red River Animal Emergency Hospital & Referral Center For Your Pet’s Diagnosis?
When your pet needs answers, you want a team that can respond quickly, explain clearly, and provide advanced vet care when the situation is complex. Red River Animal Emergency Hospital & Referral Center combines emergency access, specialty support, and advanced diagnostics in one hospital.
Families and referring veterinarians choose our team because we offer:
- 24/7 emergency vet hospital access
- Emergency and specialty referral care under one roof
- Multi-slice CT technology
- Ultrasound, digital radiography, endoscopy, and rhinoscopy
- Board-certified Emergency and Critical Care specialists
- Internal Medicine and Surgery support
- Board-certified teleradiologist review when needed
- Advanced ICU and monitoring capabilities
- Collaboration with family veterinarians
- Complete records and recommendations sent back to the primary care veterinarian
- Clear communication and upfront estimates
Call Red River Animal Emergency Hospital & Referral Center For Advanced Pet Imaging
If your pet is experiencing an emergency, contact Red River Animal Emergency Hospital & Referral Center in Fargo, ND for 24/7 care. For non-urgent advanced imaging, ask your family veterinarian about a referral to our hospital. Our team uses advanced technology, specialty collaboration, and clear communication to help your pet get the answers and care they need.
