We use digital radiography (referred to as x-ray machines) to provide us with the latest in veterinary medicine diagnosis. Providing real-time results, in a manner which is less stressful for your pet.
Patients must stay very still while having an x-ray taken. This means many of our wriggly patients are given a sedation or general anaesthetic.
The benefits of using digital technology are widespread and include:-
- The process of taking x-rays is quicker and less stressful for a pet. One of the reasons for this is we can now take less exposures because specialised computer software will allow us to look at an image on a computer monitor in different views (i.e. magnify on specific body parts instead of taking more exposures using the radiograph machine).
- No processing delays - the results are available very shortly after exposure.
- Pet owners can take home a copy of the radiographic images on disc for future reference.
- Staff are no longer exposed to processing chemicals. The absence of processing chemicals also has a positive impact on the environment.
- Images can easily be saved to a patients history (computer records) and accessed by all Vetwest clinics, as well as in future years.
- Results can be easily emailed to specialists should the need arise.
Below are examples of digital x-rays. On the left you can see a metal plate and screws have been used to repair the fractured femoral (leg) bone that is shown on the right. On the right x-ray you can also see very clearly the major abdominal organs (below the backbone).