Ultrasound is a sophisticated imaging modality employed for the diagnosis and monitoring of numerous medical conditions in animals. It generates real-time, high-resolution images of internal organs and structures, facilitating accurate assessment and strategic treatment planning. This non-invasive technique is indispensable for early disease detection, guiding biopsies or collecting fluid samples.
Dr Woodruff has performed over 5000 abdominal ultrasound procedures and utilises his advanced training and experience in small animal medicine to both interpret the findings and formulate an appropriate diagnostic, treatment or management and monitoring plan.
Abdominal ultrasound is often the initial test of choice to assess dogs and cats with conditions of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, pancreas and adrenal glands. It is also a common first choice test to assess dogs and cats with non-specific illnesses, fever, abdominal pain or suspected neoplasia. Ultrasound can be used to confirm a diagnosis, accurately guide acquisition of biopsy samples or help determine the next diagnostic or therapeutic steps.
Ultrasound can also be used to assess specific locations outside of the abdomen and thorax.
Neck ultrasound: US can be used to assess the thyroid gland and parathyroid gland in the neck, primarily to asses for thyroid neoplasia or in dogs with high blood calcium due to hyperparathyroidism.
Pregnancy ultrasound: US is a sensitive and non-invasive way to diagnose pregnancy, often as early as 2-3 weeks gestational age.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound: The tendons of the shoulder are often assessed with ultrasound to identify injuries, calcification or inflammation (tendonitis / bursitis). US can then be used to guide injection of corticosteroids (this is only offered under guidance from a veterinary surgeon or your pet’s general practitioner).
Dogs and cats commonly present with signs of renal or bladder disease. A focused ultrasound of the urinary tract (kidneys, bladder, prostate, urethra) is a cost-effective way of assessing pets with urinary tract signs when a complete abdominal ultrasound is not required. This procedure can easily be upgraded to include a comprehensive abdominal US if considered appropriate based on findings during the procedure.
US guided aspirates of the kidneys or US guided urine collection (cystocentesis) may also be performed as indicated.
Cardiology in the discipline of diagnosing and treating heart conditions such as congenital defects, valvular disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Echocardiography is essential to diagnose both structural and functional cardiac disease in dogs and cats. Echo is paired with electrocardiography (ECG), and Holter monitoring to accurately assess arrhythmogenic disease and help guide and monitor treatment. A combined approach of careful clinical examination, evaluation of the patient and diagnostic testing enables the accurate identification of heart diseases and the development of effective treatment plans, ensuring optimal health and longevity for your pets.
Dr Woodruff has extensive experience in both the diagnosis and management of cardiac disease in dogs and cats, having performed over 3000 echo examinations and managing clinical cardiac patients in referral and emergency practice for over 12 years.
Echocardiography, also known as cardiac ultrasound or echo, is a non-invasive imaging technique employed to evaluate the heart's structure and function. Utilizing sound waves, it provides detailed images of the heart's chambers, valves, and blood flow. Echocardiography is essential for the assessment of cardiac diseases including conditions such as cardiomyopathies, valvular heart disease, congenital heart defects and cardiac neoplasia.
As for ultrasound, cardiac ultrasound can be used to guide drainage of fluid from the pericardial sac or pleural space.
Electrocardiographs or ECG is utilised to record the electrical activity of the heart over a short period of time. This modality is non-invasive and can accurately diagnose common arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation, AV bock, ventricular premature contractions and ventricular tachycardia. ECG is also essential to guide and monitor the appropriate treatment of arrhythmias. ECG is commonly utilised at the same time as echocardiography.
A Holter Monitor provides a non-invasive way to record the heart and rhythm for up to 72 hours. Usually used for a continuous 24-hour period, Holter Monitors are used to diagnose intermittent arrhythmias, investigate cardiac causes of syncope or assess breeds predisposed to ventricular arrhythmias. Holter monitor recording is also used to monitor the effectiveness of anti-arrhythmic treatment for the various arrhythmias.
Our Holter Monitor recordings are assessed and reported with assistance from a specialist cardiologist when necessary.
Endoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedure in small animal medicine, allowing accurate visualisation and evaluation of the internal surfaces of various organs and tissues. High-definition images are achieved from a combination of flexible or rigid endoscopes. This invaluable procedure facilitates the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal, nasal, respiratory, and urinary tract conditions. Endoscopy is also perfect for non-surgical retrieval of foreign objects or calculi, the collection of biopsy samples, and the execution of specific interventions including stricture dilatation or polyp removal. Endoscopy can improve diagnostic accuracy, facilitate minimally invasive treatment and enhance the level of patient care while minimizing recovery periods, as open surgery can be avoided.
Dr Woodruff has been performing endoscopy in Adelaide in both referral and emergency practice for over 12 years. He utilises a suite of flexible and rigid endoscopes to perform both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. He has successfully and efficiently retrieved vast numbers of foreign bodies from the stomach, oesophagus and nasal cavities of both dogs and cats, while small calculi can be successfully retrieved from the bladder of female dogs (and occasionally male dogs).
Gastroscopy and gastroduodenoscopy are vital diagnostic procedures that allow for the direct visual examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract in dogs and cats. This minimally invasive procedure aids in identifying and treating conditions such as gastric ulcers, inflammation, neoplasia, and foreign bodies. During an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, a flexible endoscope is carefully manoeuvred through the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum, providing high-resolution images and enabling precise biopsy collection. This technique is essential for accurate diagnosis and formulation of targeted therapeutic strategies, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
Colonoscopy is a useful diagnostic procedure to examine the lower gastrointestinal tract including the rectum, colon, caecum (appendix) and ileum. This minimally invasive procedure allows for direct visualization of the colon and rectum, aiding in the diagnosis and management of conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, neoplasia and polyps. By employing a flexible endoscope, veterinarians can obtain high-quality images and perform targeted biopsies. The endoscope can also be used to guide placement of a balloon dilation device for treatment of strictures or a snare to remove polyps. Colonoscopy facilitates an accurate diagnosis which is important for treatment planning and improving patient outcomes.
Bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that is utilised for examination of the airways (trachea and bronchi) in dogs and cats. This minimally invasive procedure involves the use of a flexible bronchoscope, allowing direct visualize of the airways to identify abnormalities and collect biopsies or fluid samples for cytology and culture. Bronchoscopy is often utilised in conjunction with thoracic imaging (radiographs or CT) to investigate chronic coughing and signs of respiratory disease. Bronchoscopy is essential for diagnosing conditions such as chronic bronchitis and degenerative airway disease (bronchomalacia and tracheal collapse) in dogs and useful in the diagnosis of cats with asthma and bronchitis. By providing high-resolution images and enabling precise sampling, bronchoscopy facilitates an accurate diagnosis which can be used to guide treatment and provide a realistic prognosis.
Rhinoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure employed to examine the nasal passages and sinuses in dogs and cats. Most often used to investigate pets with acute or chronic sneezing or persistent nasal discharge, a flexible or rigid endoscope can be used to directly visualize the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. Rhinoscopy facilitates the identification and treatment of conditions such as chronic rhinitis, nasal neoplasms, fungal infections, and foreign bodies. The high-quality images enable targeted biopsies to be obtained. A precise diagnosis helps guide treatment and provide prognostic information for the various nasal disease seen in dogs and cats. Rhinoscopy is also used to guide retrieval of foreign bodies and can be used to non-surgically clean and debride fungal infections in the nasal cavity and often within the sinuses.
Cystoscopy and vaginoscopy are advanced diagnostic procedures used to examine the lower urinary tract and vaginal vault in dogs and occasionally cats. These minimally invasive techniques allow veterinarians to visualize the bladder, urethra, and vaginal canal directly using a flexible or rigid endoscope. Cystoscopy is invaluable for diagnosing and managing conditions such as bladder stones, tumors, and chronic infections, while vaginoscopy can help identify congenital abnormalities, neoplasia, or inflammatory conditions. By providing high-resolution images and enabling precise biopsies or therapeutic interventions, these procedures facilitate accurate diagnosis and improve treatment outcomes.
Dr Woodruff completed residency training in small animal medicine in 2017, passing both practical and oral exams at a specialist level. He proudly to offers a selective referral service to assess dogs and cats with various complex medical conditions. Utilizing sophisticated imaging techniques such as ultrasound and endoscopy and with access to MRI, Dr Woodruff works collaboratively with clients and referring clinicians to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning for a wide range of ailments.
Dr Woodruff has over 12 years of experience in referral medicine, consulting with thousands of clients and performing thousands of diagnostic procedures. He is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for pets through rapid and effective diagnostic procedures, minimally invasive techniques and expert care.
MRI is a non-invasive imaging modality that provides detailed visualization of soft tissues, essential for diagnosing a wide range of conditions in dogs and cats. MRI produces very high-resolution images, allowing for precise evaluation of internal structures. Dr Woodruff has access to a 3 Tesla MRI machine, primarily utilised to assess the brain or spinal cord in patients with neurological disease. This technique is invaluable in identifying brain tumors, spinal cord abnormalities, and can be invaluable at for assessing other structural, infectious or inflammation brain disease. Dr. Woodruff collaborates with radiologists as required to interpret MRI scans, ensuring comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment plans.
Transport to and from the MRI procedure can be organised either through your regular clinic or via our procedure room in Fullarton.
A member of staff will be in contact within 24 hours to arrange an appointment.
If this an emergency appointment, please call 0497 263 505.
