Diagnostic Imaging For Dogs & Cats
A Cincinnati Family Veterinary Services Perspective
At Cincinnati Family Veterinary Services, our mission is simple: provide compassionate, high-quality care for pets at every stage of life. With two full-service hospitals serving Cincinnati and Loveland, we are proud to offer comprehensive preventive, diagnostic, and surgical services for dogs and cats of all breeds and conditions.
One of the most important ways we deliver on that promise is through modern radiologic procedures—combining traditional imaging with advanced point-of-care ultrasound techniques such as
- Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST)
- Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)
These tools allow us to diagnose faster, treat sooner, and provide high-quality care for your pets.
Using Radiology in Everyday Veterinary Care
Radiology is a cornerstone of general veterinary practices. From evaluating a coughing dog to diagnosing a limping cat, imaging helps us “see beyond the exam.”
At our hospitals, radiologic toolssuch as ultrasound and sonography support:
- Early disease detection
- Accurate diagnosis of injury and illness
- Monitoring chronic conditions
- Guidance for procedures and treatments
Traditional digital X-rays remain essential, especially for:
- Bone injuries and arthritis
- Lung and heart disease
- Abdominal abnormalities
But today’s veterinary medicine goes further, which allows our team to bring imaging directly to the patient in real time.
FAST Scans: Rapid Answers When Seconds Matter
In urgent or emergency situations, time is everything. That’s where FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) scans come in.
These quick, non-invasive ultrasound exams allow our team to rapidly assess whether abnormal fluid is present in the body.
Two Key FAST Applications:
- AFAST (Abdominal FAST)
- Detects free fluid in the abdomen
- Helps identify internal bleeding, ruptured organs, or bladder issues
- TFAST (Thoracic FAST)
- Evaluates the chest for fluid or air
- Helps diagnose conditions like pleural effusion or pericardial effusion
FAST scans are:
- Fast (often completed in minutes)
- Repeatable
- Minimally stressful for pets
This makes them invaluable for stabilizing critical patients, aligning with our Fear Free, low-stress care commitment.
POCUS: Everyday Ultrasound at the Point of Care
While FAST is designed for emergencies, POCUS (Point-of-Care Ultrasound) expands ultrasound into everyday practice. POCUS allows our veterinarians to answer focused clinical questions during your pet’s visit—without delay or referral.
Common Use of Ultrasound at Cincinnati Family Vet:
- Bladder checks for urinary issues or obstruction
- Heart screening for fluid around the heart
- Abdominal scans for masses
- Fluid assessment to evaluate hydration or internal effusion
- Guided procedures such as cystocentesis or fluid sampling
This approach means: ? Faster answers ? More informed decisions ? Better outcomes for your pet
Why This Matters for Your Cat or Dog
At Cincinnati Family Veterinary Services, we believe diagnostics should be:
- Efficient – reducing wait times and uncertainty
- Accurate – guiding the right treatment plan
- Compassionate – minimizing stress for pets and owners
By integrating FAST and POCUS into general practice, we’re able to:
- Detect life-threatening conditions earlier
- Avoid unnecessary delays in treatment
- Provide care that is both advanced and accessible
And because our hospitals are AAHA-accredited, we follow rigorous standards to ensure excellence in patient care and medical quality.
A Modern Approach, Rooted in Community
As a locally rooted, independently owned practice with deep ties to the Cincinnati community, we are committed not only to advanced medicine—but to building relationships.
At East Hills Veterinary Clinic and Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, our team knows that diagnostic imaging isn’t just about the technology. It's about giving you, our clients, answers, peace of mind, and a clear path forward for your pet’s health.
Diagnostic Imaging
Radiologic procedures like X-rays, FAST scans, and POCUS have transformed veterinary medicine—bringing powerful diagnostics directly into the exam room.
At Cincinnati Family Veterinary Services, we’re proud to combine these tools with compassionate, Fear Free care—because your pet deserves nothing less.