Many veterinarians are now using digital X-Rays, a relatively new technology being offered for pets. Should your dog take an unexpected fall or your cat lose her dinner you may find your vet using digital X-ray’s to diagnose the problem a little bit better. In the past, digital X-rays have been used exclusively for people. Certain specialty veterinary facilities and vet universities have also had access but now this new technology is available to mainstream vets as well.
This technology offers pet and their owners many new benefits. The equipment allows vets to capture high-resolution x-rays and look at them on a computer screen in seconds. Therefore pet owners can see their pet’s images on the spot. Adjustments as far as the amount of darkness and light can be altered on the computer screen to help visualize specific areas, which can also be magnified and labeled. The images can be sent electronically to referral facilities for consultations, and copies can be downloaded onto CD’s for owners to keep and take home.
Along with better speed and superior image quality, digital X-ray’s are safer for the veterinary tech staff. Since adjustments to shading can be made directly on the image, fewer x-rays are needed and exposure to harmful X-ray radiation for the veterinary assistants and patients is minimized. Should the pet need additional x-rays, vets know immediately and additional views can be taken while the pet is still on the X-ray table. The images are saved in each patient’s computer file and can be accessed easily at any time; there is no need for large storage areas, and the X-rays can’t get misplaced.
Another advantage is that the images can be compared side by side to track the progress of a bone fracture or certain disease process. The x-ray can also be viewed simultaneously in multiple places. Since there is no longer any need for X-ray film and dark room developing, it is environmentally friendlier than previous methods. So the next time Fido or Fluffy is injured or ill, ask your vet if he or she uses digital X-ray’s. It’s better for your pet, your pet’s people and the environment.
