Radiography, or taking X-rays, is one of the most frequent and beneficial medical diagnostic procedures. The German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen invented the technique in 1895, giving rise to the term “X-rays.” He called his paper “On a New Kind of Rays” and used the term X-rays instead of the more precise term unknown rays because he wasn’t sure what was producing the on his plates.
Radiography is the practice of creating a visual on a surface, like a photographic plate, using electromagnetic radiation.
The electromagnetic energy that produces X-rays and visible light rays is carried in waves by photons. Compared to visible light, X-rays are more energetic and have a shorter wavelength. An X-ray beam’s energy is absorbed by a variety of hard objects and mineralized body tissues like bones and teeth. Air does not absorb any X-rays, while soft tissues like the liver and kidneys do. Lead will completely absorb all X-rays.
A narrow beam of X-ray photons is produced by an X-ray machine and can be directed at a specific object. The object is placed beneath a special receptor, like an X-ray cassette, to “catch” any X-rays that pass through it. While areas that let the X-ray photons pass through will turn black, areas that were absorbed will be white or unaltered.
The bones in your dog’s leg will absorb almost all of the X-rays, while the muscles and ligaments will absorb varying amounts. The final image will consist of grayscale representations of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, black air surrounding the leg, and white bones. Areas that are filled with liquid or air won’t absorb many X-ray photons, if any at all, and will therefore appear black or dark gray on the image.
Digital and computer radiography work in a similar fashion. The images produced by these technologies can be easily enhanced or altered, and the X-ray film is developed without the use of any environmental contaminants.
You are not permitted to accompany your dog during the procedure because X-rays have a potential for harm. Your pet’s body parts that are not being radiographed will be covered with protective covers by the radiology staff, who wear special lead gowns and shields.
What can vets diagnose with x-rays?
In order to diagnose conditions like bone fractures, foreign objects your pet may have swallowed, bladder stones, and other conditions, veterinarians frequently use x-rays to examine your pet’s bones, internal organs, and tissues.
Your veterinarian can use X-rays to capture two-dimensional images, identify some tumors, and detect pregnancy. An x-ray makes it simple to see the outline of a heart, as well as large blood vessels and lung fluid. The abdomen’s various organs can be examined, and any air that has become trapped in the intestines can be found.
X-rays are frequently used by veterinarians to examine the spine and the bones in the limbs. However, due to the density of soft tissues in ligaments or tendons, joints may be harder to observe. Your veterinarian will likely be looking for cavities, unusual bone orientation or positioning, abnormal swelling in a joint, or other abnormalities if x-rays of these areas are taken.
An examination could result in a diagnosis of something like cancer or heart disease.
X-ray technology is valuable in many circumstances. However, it is unable to provide us with a clear view of the tissues, ligaments, and organs. If your pet has either very little body fat or is extremely obese, it might also be more challenging to distinguish between organs.
The bones in the cranium absorb all x-rays, making it impossible to see the brain tissue inside the skull when it is properly examined with an x-ray.
In order to identify structural abnormalities deep inside the body, such as abscesses, some tumors, hematomas, occult fractures, and vascular changes, we may need additional diagnostic imaging tools, such as computed tomography (CT scans).
For the diagnosis of ailments like kidney stones, pancreatitis, abdominal pain, or enlarged abdominal organs, ultrasound is more suitable. When we need to remove a cell sample from organs so that it can be tested in a lab, we can also use this tool to perform needle biopsies.
Will my dog be sedated during the x-ray?
To capture a clear x-ray, positioning is critical. Animals occasionally require sedation to keep them still and obedient. Sedation won’t be required if your dog is calm, not in a lot of pain, and able to lay comfortably while the veterinarian takes the.
In contrast, if your dog exhibits nervousness, trembling, or signs of pain, the doctor may advise sedation. If an x-ray of the dog’s spine, skull, or teeth is needed or if the dog’s muscles need to be relaxed to get the clearest image possible, sedation may also be necessary.
Although x-ray use is generally thought to be safe for dogs, since radiation is involved, x-rays are typically used infrequently and primarily as a diagnostic tool. In some instances, veterinarians will use x-ray technology to learn whether a dog is pregnant. However, in that situation, other imaging modalities like ultrasound might be used.
Speak to your veterinarian if you have any concerns regarding the use of x-ray technology and your dog’s health. Your veterinarian will be able to explain the risks versus the benefits in the specific situation of your dog so that you can choose whether you want your dog to undergo an x-ray.
X-rays are incredibly helpful in identifying a variety of issues, including tumors, broken bones, foreign objects, intestinal blockages, and foreign objects. Your neighborhood veterinarian will always be able to walk you through the procedure, which is typically simple. After the x-rays are taken, they are typically processed in less than 30 minutes (or even quicker if they are digital). The cost of x-rays varies depending on a number of factors, but the two biggest ones are how many are necessary and whether anesthesia is required.
While x-rays are commonly used to diagnose fractures and broken bones after an injury, they can also be used to diagnose a wide range of other conditions. They are able to depict organs, tissue, bladder stones, and tumors in great detail. They can even reveal pregnancies!.
In general, a single x-ray costs between $50-$125. Additional x-rays usually cost between $25-$75. The initial visit to your vet may cost between $50-$100.
Despite their effectiveness, some objects are difficult for x-rays to clearly show. For instance, plastic can be challenging to see, and some small tumors can resemble surrounding tissue and be harder to spot. For this reason, the VCA Animal Hospital occasionally advises using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasounds, or computed tomography (CT).
In some cases, your dog will need to be sedated because it’s crucial that they remain still during the x-ray. When everything is ready, the x-ray will be activated, taking pictures of the area in various shades of grey, but dense tissue will appear white.
FAQ
Do dogs get sedated for x-rays?
Sometimes sedation is necessary to obtain a clear x-ray. Sedation won’t be required if your dog is calm, not in too much pain, and able to lay comfortably while the x-ray is being taken. On the other hand, sedation will be advised if your dog is jittery, apprehensive, or in pain.
How is an x-ray performed on a dog?
The X-Ray Procedure The affected area will be covered with x-ray equipment, which is typically mounted on a mechanical arm. In some cases, your dog will need to be sedated because it’s crucial that they remain still during the x-ray.
How long does it take to do an xray on a dog?
It usually takes about 10 minutes to take x-rays. Your vet can view the digital x-ray images right away.
How do they give dogs chest x-rays?
A special ruler is used to measure the pet’s chest, and the X-ray machine’s exposure time is set. The animal is then gently turned over to get a “lateral” view. The radiograph machine’s tube emits invisible X-rays, which travel through the animal and land on the X-ray film directly below the animal.