In this episode of Diagnostic Tails, hosts Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hays break down how advanced imaging fits into everyday veterinary practice — not just specialty or referral medicine.

Using real clinical cases, they explain when radiographs fall short, how to choose between CT, MRI, and nuclear scintigraphy, and why advanced diagnostics often lead to faster answers, clearer treatment plans, and better patient outcomes.

This episode is designed for general practitioners managing challenging lameness, neurologic, and internal medicine cases, and for anyone who wants to better understand how modern veterinary imaging supports accurate diagnosis without unnecessary delays.

You’ll learn:

1. When to escalate from radiographs to CT or MRI
2. How bone scans help localize elusive lameness
3. Why MRI is ideal for neurologic and soft tissue disease
4. When CT is faster, more efficient, and cost-effective
5. Common misconceptions around cost, anesthesia, and accessibility
6. How advanced imaging supports — not replaces — the referring veterinarian
7. Why annual bloodwork and trend tracking improve long-term diagnostics

Whether you’re managing an unresolved limp, intermittent neurologic signs, or vague GI disease, this episode reinforces one core idea: advanced imaging is an extension of your practice — and a powerful diagnostic ally.

Time Stamps:

00:00 – Welcome to Diagnostic Tails

00:45 – The goal of the episode: using advanced imaging in everyday practice

01:15 – When radiographs don’t give answers: the limping Labrador scenario

02:00 – Bone scans as a localization tool before CT or MRI

02:40 – Case study: bilateral forelimb lameness and the “wrong problem” trap

04:15 – How bone scan + CT led to a definitive elbow dysplasia diagnosis

05:00 – Why advanced imaging improves treatment planning

06:00 – Why general practitioners underutilize advanced imaging

06:45 – Animal Imaging as an extension of the referring veterinarian

07:30 – Turnaround times and what reports include

08:15 – Host introductions and clinical backgrounds

09:30 – MRI misconceptions: “above my pay grade” and referral myths

10:45 – How MRI works (in practical, real-world terms)

12:30 – Why MRI studies take time — and why size matters

15:00 – CT vs MRI: choosing the right modality

18:15 – Case example: bicipital bursitis diagnosed via MRI

20:00 – Neurologic cases where MRI truly shines

Animal Imaging Veterinary Radiology Specialists

https://animalimaging.net/

(972) 869-2180

info@animalimaging.net

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Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/company/animalimaging

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