Effective April 1, 2027, we will no longer provide board-certified radiologist interpretation of radiographs submitted from external clinics and hospitals. This decision was made after careful evaluation of our service capacity and institutional priorities. Recent changes in faculty staffing, combined with the expansion of advanced imaging services, including MRI, have increased the clinical responsibilities of our radiology faculty and necessitated a reallocation of resources.
Diagnostic Imaging
Diagnostic Imaging
Our diagnostic imaging team has access to the most advanced imaging solutions available to give the best diagnosis and treatment options possible for your animal. Our experts are also on hand to assist veterinarians in the interpretation of imaging data.
662-325-1351 (Starkville) Referring Vets (Starkville) 601-939-8999 (Flowood) Referring Vets (Flowood)
Available Imaging Procedures
Radiography
- Thoracic (chest), abdominal, and musculoskeletal radiographs (x-rays) for small and large animals
- Radiographs for submission to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Contrast studies
- Gastrointestinal barium studies to evaluate the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine
- Urinary iodine studies such as excretory urography for kidney and ureter evaluation, cystography for bladder evaluation, and urethrography for evaluation of the urethra
- Myelography for evaluation of the spinal cord
Fluroscopy
- For real-time evaluation of the esophagus, trachea, and more
Ultrasound
- Abdomen
- Thorax, including echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart)
- Musculoskeletal, including tendons and ligaments
- Eyes
- Ultrasound-guided aspirates and biopsies
Computed Tomography (CT)
- For evaluation of diseases of the skull, nose, spine, limbs, ears, thorax, and abdomen
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- For evaluation of the brain, spinal cord, and musculoskeletal system
If I know my pet will have radiographs or ultrasound, do I need to do anything special before we arrive?
We generally prefer that your pet does not eat before coming to radiology. However, please check with your primary care veterinarian to verify this as well as any other special requests prior to the day of your appointment.
Will having radiographs taken or undergoing ultrasound be painful for my pet?
Your pet’s health and comfort are our top priorities. We will do everything we can to minimize discomfort while images are being obtained. Most animals do very well with the minimal amount of restraint required; however, if your pet is in pain, has just been injured, or is too stressed, we will request pain medication and/or a sedative to minimize any pain and discomfort.
I know that radiation is used for radiographs. Is this safe for my pet?
Yes! The amount of radiation your pet will be exposed to is very low, and these images are an important part of his proper diagnosis and treatment.
My pet is having an ultrasound performed. Why does the fur on his abdomen have to be clipped?
The ultrasound beam does not penetrate fur, and we want to get the best images possible so that your pet can get good care. We promise to only clip what is necessary to get optimal images!
Information for Referring Vets
Our radiologists are available for the interpretation of radiographs of your patients. To send images for referral:
- Please label all images with the name of the referring veterinary clinic, patient name, and date of examination.
- Digital images should be sent in their DICOM format. Veterinarians may contact our technical staff for instructions on submission. Call 662-325-1351 for more information.
- Please complete the referral form we send to you with as much patient information as possible and submit it along with the images through email to ahc@cvm.msstate.edu or fax it to (662) 325-4596.
- If sending hard copy radiographs, please mail the films and the completed referral form to the following address:
- Diagnostic Imaging Service
Animal Health Center
P.O. Box 6100
Mississippi State, MS 39762
- Diagnostic Imaging Service