Mineralscan

Mineralscan is a diagnostic imaging technique used in veterinary medicine, primarily for small animals. It employs ultrasound technology to visualize internal organs and structures, allowing for the detection and assessment of various conditions, particularly those involving mineralized tissues. The term "mineralscan" is often used colloquially to describe ultrasound examinations that specifically focus on identifying and characterizing mineralization within organs like the kidneys, liver, or bladder, as well as in soft tissues and bone.

Unlike radiography (X-rays), which can be limited in its ability to differentiate soft tissues, ultrasound provides real-time, cross-sectional images. This allows veterinarians to distinguish between different types of tissue and to assess the size, shape, and texture of abnormalities. Mineralscan can be particularly useful in diagnosing conditions such as kidney stones (nephroliths), bladder stones (uroliths), calcifications within tumors, or evidence of past trauma that has led to mineralization.

The procedure is non-invasive and generally well-tolerated by animals. The veterinarian applies a coupling gel to the area of interest on the animal's body to facilitate the transmission of ultrasound waves. A transducer is then moved over the skin, emitting sound waves that bounce off internal structures. These echoes are received by the transducer and processed by the ultrasound machine to create images displayed on a monitor. Mineralscan can help guide further diagnostic steps or treatment planning by providing detailed information about the location and extent of mineralization.