Digital Radiography
The usefulness of radiology as a diagnostic modality is based upon the ability of x-rays to penetrate matter. When an x-ray beam hits a patient, some of the x-rays are scattered, some are absorbed and some pass through unchanged. The appearance of the radiograph produced is dependent on the number of x-rays that pass through the patient and strike the x-ray plate. The more x-rays that strike the x-ray plate, the blacker the image appears.
We know that different tissues in the body absorb x-rays to differing degrees. Of all the tissues in the body, bone absorbs the most x-rays. This is the reason that bone appears white on a radiograph. Soft tissues absorb some but not all of the x-rays, so soft tissues appear on a radiograph in different shades of grey.
This is why good quality radiographs are so useful for diagnosing bony changes such as fractures and the characteristic changes associated with degenerative joint disease. Poor quality radiographs are of very little use to a clinician. Evaluation of poor quality radiographs is at best inconclusive and at worst misleading. Of even less use, is a radiographic study performed on a region that is not involved in cause of the lameness.
Our veterinarians will take a comprehensive history, conduct a thorough physical examination and often perform nerve blocks before determining which particular imaging examination will be the most useful to perform.
Specific radiographic examinations of a particular area, say for example a fetlock joint, should not be limited to one radiographic view of that area. Instead they should include a series of radiographs to enable the clinician to assemble something resembling a 3D image in their mind.
To achieve the best possible diagnostic result, our clinic has the following aims for every radiographic examination;
- To use radiology in a strategic and targeted manner.
- To obtain radiographic images of the highest quality.
- To provide clients with an experienced equine clinician, familiar with normal radiographic anatomy as well as the specific radiographic patterns of different clinical disorders.
- To either make a recommendation for treatment and management of the condition, or make a recommendation for further diagnostic imaging.
In order for us to achieve these aims we have equipped our clinic with the latest in portable digital radiography. The Eklin digital radiography system affords us the ability to obtain images of the highest diagnostic quality. This superior technology facilitates the detection of subtle lesions that may not be evident with the use of traditional photographic film.
Images are available to view immediately. This allows our veterinarian to assess whether the image is of an acceptable standard and decide whether or not more views need to be taken. This eliminates the need for return visits to repeat radiographs.
All our clients are provided digital copies of their radiographs upon payment of their account if requested.
