This is Skylar, one of our Vet Techs’ dog, demonstrating our hands-free system. Skylar has no sedation on board and is being held in place by the comforting weight of the sand bags.
When we need to figure out what’s wrong with your pet, we routinely use x-rays to help identify the cause of the problem, rule out possible problems or provide a list of possible causes. We may also use x-rays during a wellness exam to diagnose potential problems before they become serious.
X-rays provide valuable information about a pet’s bones, gastrointestinal tract (stomach, intestines, colon), respiratory tract (lungs), heart, and genitourinary system (bladder, prostate). We use radiology alone or in conjunction with other diagnostic tools. Interpretation of radiographs requires great skill on the part of the veterinarian.
X-Rays can be used to:
- diagnose heart failure
- locate a foreign body
- count the number of puppies or kittens in a pregnant patient
- locate possible masses and cancers within your pet’s body
We offer digital radiology (x-rays that are captured digitally rather than on film). This technology allows us to provide you with a quicker diagnosis for your pet. Plus, it uses less radiation than traditional x-rays. We also have a dental X-Ray machine that allows us to take pictures of your pets teeth and their roots to locate any hidden disease below the gum line.
To avoid a blurry image, pets need to remain completely still while an x-ray is taken. The Vet Techs at the Mildmay Veterinary Clinic have been trained by the ‘Hands-Free Veterinary Radiography Initiative’ with the goal of reducing occupational radiation exposure of veterinary personnel. This allows our Techs to position your pets with a combination of special weights, straps, cat scruffers, and blankets in order to remove themselves from the room to take the radiograph. These techniques have allowed us to take roughly 90% of our X-Rays out of the room. In some cases, our efforts don’t work and we may need to sedate your pet or use short-acting general anesthesia.
If you have any questions about our radiology service or what to expect during your pet’s procedure, please don’t hesitate to ask. For more information on the ‘Hands-Free X-Ray Initiative’ visit http://handsfreexrays.com/.