Digital X-Ray facilities were installed at Swanbridge in 2006. Rather than using the old method of developing film we can now capture the image on a digital film, a bit like a digital camera, providing a much better quality in a vastly shorter time. The images can then be viewed on a monitor, and manipulated by the computer software to develop clearer and more accurate images, thus reducing the need for repeated radiographs.

X-rays are used extensively in our hospital as they are an easy way to examine large areas of the animal non-invasively, and can provide a large amount of information, whether it is a suspect fractured bone, or diseased internal organ.

Ultrasound Scanning

Ultrasound has been employed at Swanbridge since opening in 1993, when we were one of the first practices in the UK to use this diagnostic tool. It is a non-invasive method of obtaining extremely useful images of a number of body systems, and when used alongside other procedures can provide us with invaluable diagnostic information. In 2007 we invested in a new state-of-the-art Doppler Ultrasound machine, in addition to our three existing machines. This scanner provides us with the ability to perform full heart scans with colour mapping, and also provides us with a much improved picture quality.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

We are one of the few practices in the North of England to offer a full MRI service from our hospital in Swanland. MRI is at the very cutting edge of Veterinary Medicine and provides us with stunning images of a patient's body. It is therefore especially useful for places in a patient that were previously extremely hard (if not impossible) to image accurately, such as the spinal cord, brain and within joints.

As well as catering for our own clients, we also offer an MRI Referral Service to other Veterinary practices throughout the country. Please do not hesitate to contact the Hospital reception for information and a referral form.

Endoscopy The endoscope is a very useful tool for viewing images of the intestinal and respiratory tract. It uses fibre-optics and a bright light source, so that we can image areas that we would otherwise be unable to view. It also allows us to take small samples from these areas, assisting us in reaching a diagnosis.

Electro-cardiogram (ECG)

The ECG is used to monitor the electrical activity of the heart. It has two main uses in the hospital monitoring the heart during anaesthetic and testing the heart for electrical abnormalities.

Most commonly our ECG is used in the small animal hospital. However our machine uses a remote transmitter, and can easily be used on our equine patients, to perform similar diagnostics and enable us to monitor the heart during exercise.