At Stonebridge Veterinary Wellness, we offer advanced diagnostic imaging and early disease detection for pets in Roseville, Lincoln, CA, and the surrounding areas — keeping your companion healthy, safe, and thriving close to home.
When something seems off with your pet, the answers are often found beneath the surface. A limp, a change in appetite, an abdomen that seems uncomfortable to the touch; these are signs that something may be going on internally, and getting a clear picture of what that is can make all the difference in how quickly and effectively your pet receives care. Advanced diagnostic imaging allows our veterinary team to look inside your pet’s body without invasive procedures, helping us identify and understand conditions that a physical exam alone cannot fully reveal.
At Stonebridge Veterinary Wellness, our veterinary team brings our extensive experience to every diagnostic evaluation, combining compassionate care with the kind of thorough, accurate imaging that supports better outcomes. As a family-owned practice proudly serving Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Granite Bay, Citrus Heights, and surrounding areas, we offer a range of on-site veterinary services alongside access to board-certified specialists, so your pet receives the right level of evaluation at every step.
Diagnostic imaging allows our doctors to visualize internal structures that are otherwise impossible to assess externally. From identifying a mass in the abdomen to evaluating joint alignment or detecting fluid around the heart, these tools play a critical role in reaching an accurate diagnosis quickly.
The American College of Veterinary Radiology recognizes that different imaging modalities serve different diagnostic purposes, and choosing the right tool for the right situation requires both knowledge and experience. Our team understands how to interpret imaging findings in context, combining what we see on film or screen with a complete clinical picture of your pet.
Radiographs are one of the most commonly used diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine and remain a foundational part of our imaging capabilities. They are particularly effective for evaluating bones, joints, the chest, and the overall size and position of internal organs. We use digital radiography to produce clear, detailed images that can be reviewed immediately and shared with specialists when needed.
Whether we are assessing a suspected fracture, looking for signs of joint pain and lameness, or screening for changes in the lungs, radiographs are often the first step in building a clear diagnostic picture.
Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize soft tissue structures in real time, making it an invaluable complement to radiography. Our screening ultrasounds focus on the abdomen and abdominal organ systems, allowing us to evaluate the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, and other structures for abnormalities, including masses, fluid accumulation, and organ changes. Because ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation, it is a safe option for pets of all ages, including pregnant pets and those requiring repeated monitoring.
| Radiographs (X-Ray) | Ultrasound | |
|---|---|---|
| How It Works | Digital radiography captures detailed still images of bones, joints, and organ size/position, reviewed immediately on-site. | High-frequency sound waves create real-time images of soft tissue structures. |
| Best For | Suspected fractures, joint pain and lameness, and screening changes in the lungs. | Evaluating the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, and other abdominal organs for masses, fluid, or organ changes. |
| Radiation | Uses low-dose radiation. | Does not use ionizing radiation — safe for pregnant pets and repeated monitoring. |
When a pet is at elevated risk of cardiac conditions, a standard abdominal ultrasound is insufficient. Cardiac ultrasound evaluations, also called echocardiograms, are specifically scheduled on-site with a board-certified cardiologist. This means that if your pet has a heart murmur, a history of cardiac concerns, or belongs to a breed with known cardiac vulnerabilities, we can coordinate a thorough evaluation without requiring you to travel to an outside facility.
When our screening ultrasound identifies something that requires a closer or more detailed study, we utilize board-certified radiologists to perform a more sensitive ultrasound, also done on-site. This collaborative approach means your pet benefits from in-house specialist expertise without the added stress of multiple appointments at unfamiliar locations. Our team works closely with these specialists to interpret findings and build a treatment plan that reflects the full picture of your pet’s health.
The value of diagnostic imaging is only as strong as the quality of the images captured and the expertise of those interpreting them. This is why we invest in advanced equipment and maintain close relationships with board-certified specialists across multiple disciplines. When our on-site imaging points toward something that warrants further investigation, we have the resources and the referral network to pursue answers efficiently.
For conditions involving the hips and elbows, we also perform specialized screenings that go beyond what standard radiographs provide. Our team includes Dr. Erin Paster, a board-certified surgeon and PennHIP-certified veterinarian who has performed countless PennHIP evaluations. We use PennHIP screening to evaluate hip dysplasia risk in puppies as young as 16 weeks of age and apply early techniques and recommendations to delay or possibly prevent future hip problems before they develop.
The following are some of the most common reasons a pet may be referred for diagnostic imaging:
Our imaging services support a wide range of diagnostic needs, and our team will always walk you through what we are looking for and what our findings mean.
At Stonebridge Veterinary Wellness, we believe that accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective care. Our team, led by veterinarians with extensive experience, takes a thorough, thoughtful approach to every imaging evaluation, using the right tools and specialists to provide you and your pet with the answers you need. We are proud to be a family-owned practice that prioritizes transparency, compassion, and clinical excellence at every appointment.
Whether your pet needs routine radiographs or a more detailed specialist-led ultrasound evaluation, we are here to help. When you are ready to take the next step in your pet’s care, we invite you to contact our team to get started.
Pet families in Roseville often ask the following questions about diagnostic imaging for their dogs and cats.
Many pets tolerate radiographs and ultrasound without sedation, especially with gentle handling and positioning. Some pets benefit from light sedation for comfort or to obtain clearer images, particularly for painful areas. Our team determines the best approach for your pet individually.
Radiographs and screening ultrasounds are typically reviewed on-site, often the same day as your visit. When a more detailed evaluation from a board-certified radiologist or cardiologist is needed, results may take slightly longer as we coordinate with these specialists.
Radiographs use low-dose radiation to show bones, joints, and organ size and position. Ultrasound uses sound waves to visualize soft tissue in real time, making it useful for evaluating organs like the liver, kidneys, and heart without radiation exposure.
Cost depends on the type of imaging needed, whether specialist interpretation is required, and how many views or areas are evaluated. Our team provides an estimate based on your pet’s specific concern before proceeding with any imaging study.
We may recommend a referral for advanced imaging like CT or MRI when a condition requires more detail than radiographs or ultrasound can provide, such as certain neurological, cardiac, or complex orthopedic concerns. We coordinate closely with the referral facility on your pet’s behalf.
Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safe option for pregnant pets and those needing repeated monitoring. Radiographs use minimal radiation and are generally considered safe for senior pets when clinically appropriate and performed by our experienced team.
Pain Management Specialist
Integrative Medicine Practitioner
Board-Certified Surgeon
Located at 254 Gibson Drive in Roseville, our family-owned veterinary clinic provides compassionate, five-star care to pets throughout Roseville and the surrounding areas. Led by board-certified surgeon Dr. Erin Paster with over 20 years of experience, our team treats every pet with the same love and respect we would our own.
The information provided on this website has been reviewed by our veterinarians but is for educational purposes only. It should not replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your pet is experiencing a medical concern, please contact our clinic at (916) 773-8578 or seek immediate veterinary care.
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