What Are X-Rays (Radiographs)

Shaker Veterinary Hospital utilizes a DR digital radiography machine. Digital X-rays provide veterinarians with fast results, as the digital format eliminates processing and development time required with traditional x-rays. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. In a medical setting, x-rays are emitted by a machine as individual "particles" (photons) that pass through the body and then get detected by a sensitive film.

When your veterinarian looks at a radiograph (X-ray), he or she looks for different shades of dark and light. Air allows the most X-rays through the animal, resulting in a dark image. Fat is next, creating an image that appears lighter than air. Lighter still is fluid or soft tissue. Structures that are very dense (such as bone) block most of the photons, and appear white on developed film. Metal and contrast media (intravenous and oral contrast) block almost all the photons and appear bright white.

X-rays are very useful for diagnosing medical problems. If your veterinarian feels a lump or mass in your pet's abdomen, an X-ray can determine where the mass is located. X-rays can very often pinpoint the organ where the problem is occurring. A mass or foreign object in the stomach is often easily seen in an X-ray. If your pet is vomiting and an X-ray reveals irregular gas patterns and bunching of the small intestine, this could mean that your pet has eaten string or Christmas tree tinsel.

How X-Rays Are Performed

X-rays are performed in an area of the hospital specially designated for taking x-rays. Multiple individual views may be required for an accurate radiographic diagnosis.

Much like conventional photography, motion causes blurry images on the radiographic film. In order to obtain quality x-rays, the animal needs to be perfectly still during the brief (approximately 1 second) exposure. Taking X-rays of an animal is different than for humans. You can ask a human to hold still. Pets sometimes are not as cooperative and need sedation. When complete muscle relaxation is required (hip x-rays) or when the pet is uncomfortable (traumatic injury or bone fracture), short-acting general anesthesia may be required.

How Your Pet Will Feel

There is no discomfort from x-ray exposure.

Our modern X-ray equipment provides excellent diagnostic quality radiographic films. In addition, we perform many specialty procedures, including GI series and urinary bladder contrast studies. These special procedures are necessary for identifying difficult or chronic problems.

X-Ray Examples

Bladder Stones in a Dog

Compound Fracture of a Dog's Leg

Pregnant Female Dog Showing Puppy Skeleton

Spiral Fracture of Dog's Tibia