Veterinary Emergency & Urgent Care
I Have An Emergency
In-House Pet Diagnostics and Imaging in the Twin Cities
When it comes to your pet’s health, clarity and precision make all the difference. At Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota (AERC), our in-house diagnostic and imaging services provide the detailed insights our veterinarians need to detect, evaluate, and monitor a wide range of conditions. Having advanced diagnostics under one roof ensures pets enjoy a seamless experience with fewer trips, faster results, and the highest level of care—perfect for both specialist care and emergency medical needs.
Digital X-Ray
Digital radiography delivers crisp, detailed images of bones, organs, and soft tissues. It’s ideal for detecting fractures, evaluating the chest and abdomen, and monitoring the progression of disease. Quick and accurate, our X-ray services are available at both our St. Paul and Oakdale locations, helping pets get the answers they need with minimal stress.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images of the heart, abdominal organs, and other soft tissues. This gentle, non-invasive imaging technique is perfect for evaluating internal organs and guiding biopsies with precision. Available at both St. Paul and Oakdale, our ultrasound services offer peace of mind for pet owners while supporting accurate diagnosis.
What is a Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) Scan?
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is an advanced, non-invasive imaging technology used by board-certified veterinary dentists to get a detailed, 3D view of your pet’s head, including the teeth, jaw, skull, sinuses, and inner ears.
Why Is CBCT Better Than Traditional X-rays?
- Superior image detail: CBCT creates highly detailed 3D images making it easier to diagnose issues that standard dental x-rays might miss.
- Improved Diagnosis: It helps identify problems like tooth fractures, infections, missing teeth, jaw fractures, tumors, and more.
- Special care for special patients: CBCT is especially useful in short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Persian cats, whose crowded teeth are hard to evaluate with regular dental x-rays.
- Less Radiation: CBCT uses equal or less radiation than traditional dental x-rays despite advanced imaging capabilities
- Fast & Safe: Each scan takes less than a minute thus minimizing stress and anesthesia time.
When Is CBCT Used
Veterinary dental specialists use CBCT to:
- Diagnose oral diseases early and with the highest degree of accuracy
- Evaluate traumatic injuries (like jaw fractures)
- Assess bone tumors of the jaws
- Plan treatments with 3D models and reconstructions
Why It Matters for Your Pet
CBCT helps our board certified veterinary dentists identify problems earlier and more accurately, treat them more effectively, and help your pet maintains a healthy, pain-free mouth.
CT Scan
Our state-of-the-art CT scanner produces high-resolution images quickly, reducing anesthesia time and providing a detailed look inside the body. The spacious design accommodates giant breeds, including Great Danes and St. Bernards, making this service accessible to pets of all sizes. Available at our Oakdale location, CT imaging is a cornerstone of advanced veterinary care.
High Field MRI
High-field MRI provides exceptional clarity of soft tissues, the brain, and spinal cord. This technology allows veterinarians to make precise diagnoses of neurological, musculoskeletal, and spinal conditions, ensuring pets receive the most effective treatment plans. Available at Oakdale, our MRI service represents the pinnacle of in-house imaging excellence.
How to Make An Appointment
If your pet needs Advanced Imaging, it's best to get a referral from your family veterinarian.
- Veterinary Referrals
Veterinarians, please send referrals using the online form, email, or by calling our Oakdale location. - Emergency Diagnostics
For pets experiencing an urgent health issue, immediate imaging is available—no appointment is needed. Call (651) 501-3766.
