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Imaging Suite · Philadelphia

Three Imaging Modalities. One Building. Same Day.

Digital radiography, helical CT, and real-time ultrasound — all under one roof in Northern Liberties. Images reviewed in-house or by boarded radiologist.

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Our Three Modalities

Right Tool. Right Answer. Same Visit

Digital Radiography

Our SmartDR digital radiography system produces high-resolution images instantly — no film processing, no waiting. Digital X-ray is the first imaging tool we reach for when assessing bones, joints, the chest, and the abdomen.

 
  • Full-body skeletal surveys
 
  • Thoracic and abdominal screening
 
  • Orthopedic assessment pre- and post-surgery
 
  • Dental radiography with dedicated intraoral plates
 
  • Exotic species, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles

 

Most patients are awake for standard radiographs. Positioning aids and low-stress handling reduce the need for sedation whenever possible.

The CereTom helical CT provides cross-sectional imaging that reveals anatomy invisible on flat radiographs. Having CT on-site means answers the same visit — not a referral weeks from now.

 
  • Oncology staging and surgical planning
 
  • Neurological and spinal assessment
 
  • Nasal, sinus, and skull evaluation
 
  • Dental pathology in exotics (rabbits, guinea pigs)
 
  • Foreign body localization and avian coelomic imaging

 

CT requires sedation or light anesthesia. Every study is eligible for specialist radiologist review — a formal report is returned within 24–48 hours. Full CT Scan details here.

Ultrasound shows soft-tissue structures and fluid in real time — ideal for abdominal organs, cardiac evaluation, and guided procedures. Our portable unit is available for urgent cases and in-patient monitoring.

 
  • Abdominal organ evaluation (liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, GI)
 
  • Cardiac screening and effusion detection (FAST)
 
  • Pregnancy confirmation and fetal assessment
 
  • Guided fine needle aspirates and biopsies
 
  • Thoracic effusion confirmation

 

Most ultrasound exams require only light sedation or none at all. Boarded radiologist review is available on any study.

When Imaging Is Used

Common Reasons We Reach for the Suite

X-Ray

Limping or Suspected Fracture
Digital radiographs confirm fractures, luxations, and degenerative joint changes — the starting point for orthopedic cases.

Ultrasound

Abdominal Mass or Vomiting
Real-time imaging of the liver, spleen, and GI tract guides diagnosis and sampling without exploratory surgery.

CT Scan

Pre-Surgical Planning
3D mapping of tumors, joints, or nasal structures before surgery reduces intraoperative surprises and improves outcomes.

Why CT Matters

Cross-Sectional Clarity. Faster Answers

At 2nd Street Animal Hospital, we utilize a variety of diagnostic imaging modalities to help investigate your pet’s health concerns. Diagnostic imaging plays an important role in evaluating illness or injury, supporting treatment decisions, and planning care for dogs, cats, and other pets.
We access a variety of imaging modalities to help investigate your pet’s health concerns. We offer digital radiography with boarded radiologist review, helical computed tomography (CT) with review, and ultrasound.

Dental Disease in Rabbits and Guinea Pigs

Oncology Staging and Tumor Mapping

Orthopedic Surgical Planning

Neurological Assessment

Nasal and Sinus Disease

Foreign Body Detection

Avian Coelomic Disease

CT Scan

Digital Radiography

Digital radiographs are used to diagnose both soft tissue and bone disorders or injuries. They are also commonly used to assist in planning surgeries, including orthopedic and urogenital procedures.

Images are reviewed in-house by our hospital team, with the option for boarded radiologist review for an additional fee. Results are typically available the same day or next day.

Call (215) 516-7000

Computed Tomography (CT)

Computed tomography (CT) utilizes x-rays to generate highly detailed images of specific structures or areas of the body. We are one of few veterinary hospitals in the greater Philadelphia area that offer CT imaging for dogs, cats, and exotic pets.

All CT procedures are performed by trained staff who manage sedation or anesthesia during image acquisition. CT scans are then reviewed by a specialist radiologist.

Dental Disease in Rabbits and Guinea Pigs

Oncology Staging and Tumor Mapping

Orthopedic Surgical Planning

Neurological Assessment

Nasal and Sinus Disease

Foreign Body Detection

Avian Coelomic Disease

Ultrasound Imaging

Ultrasound is an imaging modality used to identify fluid within body cavities or organs and to evaluate internal tissue structure. Ultrasound may also be used in real time to assist in collecting samples from masses or organs for cytology, a technique commonly referred to as ultrasound-guided sampling.

Dental Disease in Rabbits and Guinea Pigs

Oncology Staging and Tumor Mapping

Orthopedic Surgical Planning

Neurological Assessment

Nasal and Sinus Disease

Foreign Body Detection

Avian Coelomic Disease

The Process

What to Expect From Referral to Results

Initial Examination:

The veterinarian assesses your pet’s condition and confirms if a CT scan is needed.

Pre-Anesthesia Preparation:

Your pet may be required to fast for a few hours before the procedure for safety.

Sedation / Anesthesia:

Mild anesthesia is given so your pet stays still and comfortable during the scan.

Positioning for Scan:

The pet is carefully placed on the CT scan table in the correct position.

CT Imaging:

The machine takes detailed cross-sectional images of the internal organs and structures.

Image Analysis:

The veterinarian reviews high-resolution images to detect any abnormalities.

Diagnosis & Report:

A detailed report is prepared, and treatment options are discussed with you.

Frequently Asked

CT Questions We Hear Most

Does my pet need to be sedated for a CT?
Yes. CT requires the patient to stay still for accurate imaging. We use the lightest level of sedation appropriate for your pet’s species and size. Our anesthesia team monitors the entire procedure.
The scan itself usually takes 5–15 minutes. Plan for 2–4 hours total when including pre-anesthesia workup, induction, the study, and recovery.
A board-certified veterinary radiologist reviews every study. Formal reports are typically returned within 24–48 hours, after which your veterinarian will contact you to review findings.
Yes. Our CereTom is particularly suited to small exotic patients. Rabbits, birds, and reptiles are scanned routinely — often for conditions that are invisible on standard radiographs.