What is a board-certified veterinary radiologist (DACVR)?
A board-certified veterinary radiologist is a veterinarian who has completed an extensive post-doctoral residency program covering all facets of diagnostic imaging and has passed both written and oral certifying examinations administered by the American College of Veterinary Radiology. With successful completion of the qualifying examinations, the candidate becomes a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology (DACVR). Read more

What is the American College of Veterinary Radiology?
The American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) is the certifying organization for diagnostic imaging recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association. ACVR’s mission is “promoting the highest standards in veterinary radiology, radiation oncology and related sciences through education and research.” Read more

What role does a veterinary radiologist play in the care of my pet?
A veterinary radiologist can play an active role in the management of pet health for both healthy animals and those that are sick or injured. The board-certified radiologist has the expertise to ensure appropriate utilization of diagnostic imaging tools and the correct interpretation of imaging procedures. Your pet’s primary care veterinarian may utilize the services of a radiologist to provide radiographic (x-ray) interpretation or to perform advanced imaging studies such as ultrasound examination (sonogram). With the advances of today’s technologies, the imaging modalities continue to expand. In addition to x-ray and ultrasound, computed tomography (CT or CAT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear medicine studies are routinely performed by veterinary radiologists. Read more

Why should I have a board-certified radiologist perform an ultrasound examination on my pet?
If your primary care veterinarian recommends abdominal or non-cardiac thoracic ultrasonography for your pet, a board-certified radiologist is uniquely qualified to perform the highest quality examination and provide the most accurate image interpretation. In veterinary medicine, ultrasound examinations can be performed by a variety of individuals including primary care veterinarians, human ultrasound technicians and others with a wide range of experience. These individuals have varying degrees of skill and experience in both performing a complete and thorough examination and interpreting the study. By utilizing an ACVR Diplomate for an ultrasound procedure, the pet owner can be assured that the doctor performing the study has the extensive training and experience necessary to not only perform a complete imaging examination, but to also correlate the findings to the patient’s clinical history. In addition, veterinary radiologists are highly trained in the use of ultrasound guided needle aspirates and biopsies to provide safe and minimally invasive diagnoses for a wide variety of diseases, potentially eliminating the need for surgery. Read more