Digital Radiography

What is it?

It is a form of x-ray imaging, where digital X-ray sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film. Advantages include time efficiency through bypassing chemical processing and the ability to digitally transfer and enhance images. Also less radiation can be used to produce an image of similar contrast to conventional radiography.

Digital Radiography is essentially filmless X-ray image capture. In place of X-ray film, a digital image capture device is used to record the X-ray image and make it available as a digital file that can be presented for interpretation and saved as part of the patient's medical record. The advantages of Digital Radiography over film include immediate image preview and availability, a wider dynamic range which makes it more forgiving for over- and under-exposure as well as the ability to apply special image processing techniques that enhance overall display of the image. The largest motivator to adopt Digital Radiography is its potential to reduce costs associated with processing, managing and storing films.

How do we use it?

Digital Radiography is an excellent diagnostic tool. It allows us to view inside the body to detect medial conditions, abnormal fluids, broken bones, and foreign body obstructions. Usually this procedure can be performed without sedation. However, if a patient is experiencing pain or is fractious, we can safely administer a pain medication or sedative and take the radiographs.

In addition to being an invaluable diagnostic tool, Digital Radiography allows our doctors to quickly share these films with referring veterinarians all over the country. This assists us in keeping your regular veterinarian informed and actively involved in your pets care.