Nuclear Medicine

Radionuclide imaging, or nuclear imaging, is a technique that allows veterinarians to obtain images of various body systems. To obtain these images, tiny amounts of radioactive materials (called "tracers") are introduced into the patient’s body, usually by intravenous injection. The "tracers" emit a certain type of energy, called gamma rays, which are detected by a device called a gamma camera. Arizona Veterinary Specialists is equipped with a state-of-the-art GE-AC/T Scintron large field of view digital gamma camera that can aid in the diagnosis of a wide variety of conditions including liver problems, thyroid problems, and bone diseases or injuries.

To schedule a nuclear medicine procedure, please make an appointment with one of the specialists in internal medicine, surgery, oncology, or radiology, depending on the needs of the patient. Our phone number is (480) 635-1110. Please bring copies of pertinent medical records and a completed AVS Referral Form to the appointment. Depending on the procedure performed, some patients may be required to remain in the hospital for a few days after the procedure to ensure that all of the radioactive tracers are excreted prior to being discharged from the hospital. Please ask our staff for specific hospitalization details.

Veterinarians wishing to refer a patient for a nuclear medicine procedure may choose to follow-up with patient care after the procedure or have the appropriate specialty practice at AVS perform additional medical and/or surgical treatment as indicated.