Diagnostic Imaging

The radiology service at Stansted Veterinary Specialists is at the heart of our clinic's diagnostic capabilities, and is proudly led by a European Specialist in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging. The presence of this highly-trained, board-certified radiologist on-site means that our patients benefit from immediate access to expert interpretation, real-time guidance during diagnostic procedures, and a level of imaging insight that elevates care across all departments.

Rather than relying on external reporting services, our radiologist collaborates directly with our in-house clinicians, providing a dynamic and responsive diagnostic service that is tailored to the needs of each patient. This ensures rapid turnaround times, optimised imaging protocols, and bespoke reporting that actively guides clinical decision-making. The availability of specialist-led radiology in-house is a core strength of our hospital, allowing us to deliver faster, more accurate diagnoses and ultimately better outcomes.

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Our radiology department is equipped with a comprehensive suite of state-of-the-art imaging systems, enabling us to provide a full range of advanced diagnostic services:

• Direct Digital Radiography – high-resolution x-ray imaging for musculoskeletal, thoracic, and abdominal assessment

• Philips EPIQ Elite Ultrasound – premium real-time imaging for abdominal, thoracic, vascular and soft tissue evaluation, including Doppler and contrast-enhanced studies

• Philips 64-Slice Incisive CT – advanced cross-sectional imaging for trauma patients, cancer staging, orthopaedic cases, pre-operative planning with 3D reconstruction, and vascular imaging

• 1.5T Canon MRI – outstanding soft tissue detail that is particularly suited to the investigation of neurological and musculoskeletal investigations.

• Philips Zenition 70 C-arm Fluoroscopy – real-time imaging for interventional procedures, dynamic swallowing studies, and intra-operative orthopaedic guidance.

In addition to diagnostic imaging, our specialist radiologist performs a wide array of non-invasive sampling procedures under ultrasound or CT guidance:

• Fine-needle aspirates and core biopsies

• Guided fluid sampling (thoracocentesis, abdominocentesis, pericardiocentesis, bile aspiration)

• Targeted interventions (foreign body extraction, ultrasound-guided injections, 

These procedures allow us to safely obtain diagnostic samples with minimal patient discomfort, reducing the need for invasive exploratory surgery.

Radiology plays a central role in our multidisciplinary approach to veterinary care, providing diagnostic insight that underpins case management across the hospital. The department works behind the scenes supporting all other services in the clinic, participating in case discussions, clinical rounds, and collaborative treatment planning. This close-knit collaboration ensures that each case is viewed holistically, with the right diagnostics applied at the right time, interpreted by a specialist, and aligned with the patient’s clinical picture. From the moment a patient is referred to the hospital, imaging becomes a vital part of their journey — informing diagnoses, guiding interventions, and tracking outcomes.

At Stansted Veterinary Specialists, radiology is more than a service — it is a cornerstone of our hospital’s integrated, specialist-led care model. The combination of on-site expertise, cutting-edge technology, and true multidisciplinary collaboration ensures that every patient receives the best possible diagnostic and therapeutic care, without delay.