Veterinary Digital X-Ray System Features to Look For (That Have Nothing to Do with the X-Rays…)

When choosing a digital x-ray machine for veterinary use, everyone can probably agree that diagnostic, good-quality images are of the utmost importance. That’s the whole point of using radiographs in the first place—to get accurate information about what’s going on with a patient.

However, assuming a machine produces great x-ray images on the sizes of patients you see, there are other factors that can affect practice flow, efficiency, and return on investment.

If you are choosing between two or more otherwise excellent machines, here are some additional factors to consider…

Generator and Table Size

Newer technology, including high-frequency generators, allow some x-ray units to be made smaller and more compact than previous models. 

Many practices have limited space. So, if the table and system are still big enough to accommodate your largest patients, it might be advantageous to purchase an x-ray system with a smaller footprint.

Setup and Installation

Outside of minimum radiation safety standards for the x-ray suite or location, there are options when it comes to installing a new machine.

One consideration is the electric supply. Some newer systems provide the convenience of simply plugging into a standard outlet. Others might have specific electrical requirements, requiring consultation with an electrician or even rewiring the x-ray suite. 

There’s also the matter of setting up the machine and ensuring it’s operating smoothly. Check if your purchase includes installation costs. Inquire about any shipping or transportation timelines and concerns.

User Friendliness

A user-friendly machine can improve efficiency. This means smoother practice flow, fewer frustrations, and headaches, and potentially a higher number of x-ray studies performed per day or per week (and thus a better return on investment).

User-friendliness can mean many different things. But basically, this is anything that makes a radiographic study run more easily and intuitively.

Often, it includes an easy way to input patient and client information. It could also mean intuitive interfaces for setting up a study based on species, views to be performed, and the patient’s measurements.

Presets are popular and can make setting up and performing a study even easier. For example, some systems will automatically adjust settings for the study at hand (for example, cat thorax or large dog abdomen).

Software Compatibility and Reliability

Digital veterinary software is important, since it’s how x-ray images are viewed, stored, and shared. It’s crucial for day-to-day operation (i.e., interpreting radiographs right after they are taken) and can be considered part of the patient’s medical record. Software problems create huge headaches and inconveniences.

The basic requirements are that software operates smoothly, efficiently, and securely. Any software can have glitches from time to time. But there should be confidence that the company prioritizes fixing any issues. Technical support should be available. Protection against hackers or other privacy invasions should be of the utmost importance, too.

Additionally, any software purchased along with your new x-ray system should be compatible with your practice management software. This will improve efficiency and eliminate many frustrations. Also consider how images can be formatted, i.e., DICOM, jpeg, etc.

Support 

Veterinary x-ray equipment represents a significant financial investment. Protection of this investment can take many forms, such as warranties, service plans, and 24/7 technical support.

Ask about these things prior to purchase. In addition to service and repairs being available, remember to ask about the timeline for repairs and whether loaner equipment is available in the meantime to keep you up and running.

Finally, consider whether or not replacement parts are available—and likely to continue being available for the foreseeable future. An x-ray system investment is typically a long-term one, so it’s very frustrating (and expensive) to have no options for repair if a component breaks down.

Extra Bells and Whistles

Here are a few examples of “extras” a veterinary practice might look for on their new x-ray system…

• Tools like measurements (possibly including preset, guided measurements like a vertebral heart score tool) within the software.

• Horizontal beam capabilities, especially for practices that see a lot of exotic species.

• Combination machines, such as one that also includes a modality like a fluoroscopy.

• Everything you need for the new veterinary x-ray system is included in the purchase, such as one or more sensors, hardware, software, a workstation laptop, etc.

• Access to training for the veterinary team, to help with learning the new system and improving efficiency.

Always start by making sure a veterinary DR system meets its primary purpose: taking good, diagnostic-quality images. 

After that, the purchase isn’t always an “apples-to-apples” comparison. Shop around and see if there’s a good system available with features that benefit your practice and make the x-ray process smoother and more efficient.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Veterinary Digital X-ray Cost: How Much Should Veterinarians Charge for X-rays?

What to charge for digital X-rays

Pricing strategies can be challenging. But when appropriately managed, pricing can help the clinic meet its bottom line while also keeping clients happy.

Here are some things to consider when determining veterinary digital radiography costs…

Calculate Your Cost Per Radiograph or Study

This involves the sum total of many different factors, including…

• The cost of your radiography equipment. Include the total monthly payment on the x-ray system if you financed it, as well as any service plan, software, or other ongoing payments. 

If it’s easier, break down the monthly cost into weekly amounts or any increment that tells you how much income the equipment needs to bring in per day or per week.

• Staffing costs. How many team members are needed per radiographic study? And how long are studies expected to take? This should give you a rough idea of the staff costs per study. Allow some margin of error for reshoots, as well as a bit of a learning curve in the beginning. 

It would also be good to budget for team training. Any new piece of veterinary equipment (even a user-friendly one) requires time for people to build familiarity and maximize efficiency. While training requires an up-front time and cost investment, it will likely promote efficiency and maximize equipment usage and ROI in the long term.

• Lost income opportunities. This is where things start to get a bit more complicated. It can help to work with a business professional, especially one familiar with veterinary medicine. 

Opportunities lost basically means that during the time your team is performing radiographs, they are unable to do anything else, such as take in appointments. So, perhaps fewer appointments can be scheduled, which leads to a loss of income in one area (routine appointments) while gaining in another (x-ray studies).

• Overhead costs. Every business needs to pay for its building, utilities, waste management, and other costs of daily operations. More than likely, this is already included as a percentage or markup in many of your products and services. Radiographic studies should also take this into consideration, as it’s a necessary cost of doing business.

For radiographs specifically, this might also factor in patient positioning aids, protective lead aprons and gear for team members, and safety/regulatory compliance such as radiation badges.

How Much Income Will Radiographic Equipment Produce?

Here are a few considerations that may help you come to an expected dollar amount…

• How many radiographs does your practice expect to perform per day/week/month? Also, could this number be increased? For example, maybe more studies will be performed after teaching team members how to convey the value of radiographs to clients, or thanks to a new veterinary DR system that improves efficiency and allows for more studies in less time.

• What do you expect that clients will pay for a radiographic study? This is based on knowing your area (including factors like cost of living) and your clientele. 

Remember, it’s important to factor in a client’s perception of what a service is worth. This is called value-based pricing. For example, some vets note that clients are willing to pay more for emergency services (emergency x-rays) versus routine or preventive care (senior wellness screenings), because the perceived value is higher to them. 

If your practice discovers that costs are high compared to what clients will likely pay, it might be necessary to lower costs as much as possible. For example, maybe buying used veterinary equipment would be the best option, so long as it is in good condition.

• Learn the going rate in your area. Never discuss prices directly with other clinics, as this can be considered price fixing and run against antitrust laws. However, it’s usually okay to have a team member call and “secret shop” certain prices. If you’re not sure what’s permitted or not, check with a legal professional. 

Also, keep in mind whether your practice is focused on high-end service or on offering the best prices relative to other practices in your area. It’s not always an “apples to apples” comparison, even for local competitors.

• Consult helpful resources. Many vets refer to AAHA’s Veterinary Fee Reference as a general guideline for pricing services. Keep in mind recommendations must be adjusted to factors at your clinic or your local area. Also, investigate continuing education resources for practice management, which often include pricing strategies. The Veterinary Information Network (VIN) offers practice management courses, and many conferences might also have this specialty available.

Consider Combining Costs When Relevant

Here are some examples for consideration…

• Lower prices for each set of additional images. A lot of the up-front cost involves setting up the study. But once the patient is measured and ready to go, additional views generally go faster than the first ones. So, a five-view study might include a set price for the first two views, then a lower cost per view for the next three. Or a GI contrast study—which might involve at least 10 shots—could include decreased costs for such a large number of views, or even be priced as a package deal.

• Combine radiographs with other services—such as sedation or surgical procedures—when relevant. A sedated or anesthetized pet is often easier and faster to position for their x-rays.

• Bundle other services when appropriate, such as senior wellness checks that include bloodwork and imaging to screen healthy pets.

Adjust Prices as Needed

Pricing strategies can be an art as much as they are a defined calculation. So, it’s important to be adaptable over time. Circumstances might change in your community. And routine price increases are expected in most industries due to the real costs of inflation.

Consult a Business or Financial Professional

This can all get quite complicated. And most veterinarians and team members much prefer working with animals to managing a business.

Professionals exist for a reason, so be sure to use them to your advantage as needed. This could include business consultants, financial professionals, or others relevant to your situation who are familiar with veterinary practices. 

Doing some research and using available resources can help a veterinary practice develop the most effective pricing strategy—and balance client expectations with a good ROI on their new veterinary equipment.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

10 Considerations for Choosing a Veterinary Portable Digital X-Ray System

There are many possible reasons why a veterinarian might need a portable x-ray machine. This is especially true for mobile or farm call practices, which must perform diagnostic procedures on-site.

Even a brick-and-mortar practice might occasionally need portable x-ray capabilities, for example, to perform horizontal beam shots.

How much to invest, which features to look for, and other purchasing requirements vary from practice to practice. Here are 10 factors to help a busy practice decide which veterinary portable DR machine or system might best suit their needs…

1. Cashflow/return on investment plan. An equine specialist who takes frequent, detailed images of the limbs and hooves might want a top-of-the-line machine. On the other hand, a small animal house call practice that specializes in hospice and end-of-life care might not perform nearly as many x-rays.

Think about how often your practice performs radiographs, and whether this number is expected to increase due to demand. Do clients in your area expect radiographs, and what is the going rate for x-ray studies?

Once expected income from the equipment is known, that can help determine how much a practice should spend on its new system.

1. Imaging requirements. Which patients will your practice see and take radiographs on? Which types of studies will be performed? 

Look at imaging capabilities and technical specifications to determine which portable x-ray machines can get the job done. Ask to take the machine on a trial run for different size patients (or body versus extremity shots, etc.) to make sure it provides the level of detail required on different types of studies.

1. Durability. Conditions outside the clinic are not nearly as controlled in terms of temperature, movement/transport in a truck or van, accidental drops, and elements like dust, dirt, humidity, or precipitation. This is especially true for farm calls or remote destinations in hot or cold climates. 

If this sounds like your practice, it’s important to make sure your x-ray system stands up to all these conditions, lasts long enough to make your investment worthwhile, and still delivers results without malfunction or loss of diagnostic quality. Protective cases and screens, especially waterproof ones, can also be a necessity.

1. Warranties. Even with a durable machine and good protective measures, accidents happen. Ask about warranties—is one in place, what it covers, how long it last, and how much it costs to extend? 

2. Support and maintenance. Ask about routine maintenance, what’s included, and any additional costs. Even brand-new machines need proper maintenance to keep running at their best.

Also, is there a 24/7 tech support line available?

Finally, many veterinarians inquire if a loaner x-ray system is available should their equipment need to be sent back to the manufacturer for time-consuming repairs. That way, a practice can stay up and running in the meantime.

1. Cords or cordless/wireless. Unlike large machines that must be installed in a standing facility, some veterinary portable DR systems are wireless. 

This could mean “cordless,” in terms of having a rechargeable battery so the generator doesn’t need to be plugged in. This is advantageous at locations where there’s not a convenient electrical hookup inside a barn. On the other hand, some vets note a battery might not last the whole day if they have a lot of appointments or drive long distances.

It could also mean “wireless” in terms of sending images from the sensor to a digital reader/storage software through a wireless internet connection. This can be convenient because there are less wires that could be tripped over or damaged. On the other hand, it could be a disadvantage in places with reception issues.

1. Ease of use. Although there’s a learning curve for any new veterinary equipment, some machines are much easier than others to learn. 

Look for intuitive interfaces that will be easy for the team to start using right away. Presets for different types of species and x-ray studies are also very helpful, potentially reducing errors and saving time.

Additionally, something that is lightweight, compact, ergonomic, and easy to hold and operate will help reduce the risk of drops or other accidents.

1. Digital veterinary software compatibility. It’s common to integrate DR images directly into practice management, image viewing and sharing, or electronic medical record software. To avoid headaches and extra work, make sure the portable veterinary x-ray system you are purchasing is compatible with your practice’s software. 

To avoid future expenses as much as possible, ask if software upgrades are included and if tech support or a guarantee is provided in case of any malfunctions. 

Finally, ask about the privacy/security of the software.

1. Where to purchase. Consider speaking to vendors you know and like. It might make sense to bundle purchases (such as an x-ray system and laboratory equipment) together for a discount. Just check the fine print, as some of these deals tie a veterinarian to a contract for minimum ongoing purchase requirements (for example, a minimum number of lab tests per month).

Other sellers, including used equipment sellers, can also offer some great deals. Look for reviews, reputability, and specifications of the equipment. Ask colleagues for their recommendations, too.

1. Financing and money considerations. Is purchasing the equipment outright an option? Or does financing make more sense in terms of cash flow? Remember to check on tax benefits as well. 

Research and discuss everything with decision-makers at the practice.

Consider including team members who would be using the portable veterinary x-ray system—they might have very valuable input for what would improve efficiency.

Consult business, tax, or financial professionals as needed.

Although a large equipment purchase is a significant investment, it can also be a way to bring new income to the practice—not to mention boost patient care and improve workflow and efficiency. 

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

10 Considerations for Choosing a Veterinary DR System

A veterinary DR system (digital direct radiography) is a common wish list item for veterinary practices. But how to know when it’s worth the cost? How much to invest? And what’s the best veterinary digital radiography system?

The answer will vary from practice to practice. In addition to looking at just the purchase price, here are 10 important considerations that can help a veterinary practice choose a new x-ray system that’s perfect for their needs…

Cashflow/return on investment plan

Knowing how much income a veterinary digital x-ray machine will bring in can guide the decision on how much to budget for the purchase. 

Factors to consider include how busy the practice is (and expected to be in upcoming years), how much clients are willing to spend on their pets, and more. A veterinary business or financial consultant can help create a financial plan for new income and expenses and determine how much it makes sense to spend. 

It’s also helpful to research different financing options

1. Where to purchase. Many veterinarians start by speaking to vendors they know well. This might bring extra perks, such as discounts for bundling services (say, purchasing an x-ray machine and lab services from the same provider). Just be sure to check the contract for minimum ongoing purchase requirements (such as the number of tests performed per month or per year) and see if this makes sense for your practice or not. 

You might find deals from other sellers, too. Look for reviews and reputability, along with looking at the x-ray system itself. There are also many used veterinary digital x-ray machines for sale on sites such as eBay or usedvetequipment.com.

Imaging capabilities

Of course, you’ll want to make sure the machine has all the technical specifications your clinic needs, for all the patients you see. A feline-only hospital would have very different needs from a large animal mobile practice. 

For small animal general practices, it’s advisable to test the machine on a cat’s limbs and a large dog’s abdomen and thorax, to make sure images stay high-quality and diagnostic at these different size ranges.

Ease of use

Although there’s a learning curve for any new veterinary equipment, some machines are much easier than others to learn. 

Look for intuitive interfaces that will be easy for the team to start using right away. Presets for different types of species and x-ray studies are also very helpful, reducing errors and saving time.

1. Shipping and installation costs. Ask about potentially “hidden” costs such as shipping and installation, as well as electrical requirements (some require rewiring at the practice).

2. Support and replacement parts availability. Where is the company located? Is there a 24/7 tech support line? Also, find out about the availability of replacement parts, especially for older models. 

3. Ongoing costs. Inquire about a warranty, including how long it lasts, what it covers, and if it can be renewed (and how much that costs). 

Loaner machine

Also, look for information about service and maintenance requirements. See if a loaner machine is available if repairs will take a long time.

1. Digital veterinary software compatibility. It’s common to integrate DR images directly into practice management, image viewing, and sharing, or electronic medical record software. To avoid headaches and extra work, make sure the x-ray system you are purchasing is compatible with your practice’s software. 

To avoid future expenses as much as possible, ask if software upgrades are included and if tech support or a guarantee is provided in case of any malfunctions. 

Finally, ask about the privacy/security of the software

1. Any extra requirements or options. For example, maybe your clinic needs a portable system or horizontal beam capabilities. Or, maybe the practice would benefit from a digital x-ray unit that also has fluoroscopy capabilities. 

2. Tax benefits. Sometimes, tax benefits alone can help a practice’s bottom line and justify an equipment purchase. Always consult a tax professional on this matter to file correctly, avoid pitfalls, and gain the maximum benefit.

It’s important to discuss everything with decision-makers at the practice and to consult business professionals as needed. It can also be helpful to include team members who would be using the x-ray system: they might have great ideas on what would make the practice flow go better and thus maximize the ROI on the new equipment.

Although a large equipment purchase is a significant investment, it can also be a way to bring new income to the practice—not to mention improve patient care and save staff time. 

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Our Best Selling Veterinary X-Ray Machines

An x-ray machine helps propel your veterinary practice to another level.

With it, you can offer the most accurate screening to your patients, treat many animals, and grow your business as you stand out from your competitors.

However, despite its many benefits, buying an x-ray device is easier said than done. After all, in today’s time, there are many options in the market, and not all of them are built the same in terms of quality, durability, and functionality.

To help you choose the best device for your institution, this article looks at some of the best veterinary x-ray machines available today.

What are the Types of Veterinary X-Ray Machines?

Before discussing the x-ray machines, you’ll need to understand the different types of x-ray systems.

Conventional X-Ray Machines 

Conventional X-Ray Machines use a piece of film or a radiation detector for imaging. They produce physical images in a ‘negative’ format that are difficult to view and aren’t very clear by today’s standards.

Conventional X-rays used to be the industry standard for a decade but are now slowly getting obsolete due to their inconvenience and security concerns. 

Here are the limitations of conventional x-ray machines:

• The images need to be developed in a dark room.

• You’ll need a separate film for each x-ray.

• Traditional X-ray machines also take a lot of time to produce the image. In other words, your patients need to be exposed to the beams for longer, which could cause serious health issues.

Digital X-Ray Machines

Digital x-ray machines are the newest types of x-ray devices that produce images in digital form. They are easy to operate, render highly accurate and clear images, and don’t require darkrooms.

There are two types of digital x-ray machines:

Computed Radiography

In Computed Radiography (CR), images are first created in a photo-stimulated luminescence screen, which is then converted into digital format with the help of a reader. 

Direct Radiography

In a direct radiography system, images are created directly on the computer. They are the most hassle-free devices available but are generally expensive.

Our Best selling Digital X-Ray Machine

The JPI DirectVet 110V DR System.

The DirectVet Is A Complete Package System. Generator, table, plates, software, computer, and a 5-year warranty.

https://newvetequipment.com/dr-with-table-generator

Guidelines for Choosing Good Digital X-Ray Machines

Here are the things we’ve considered while listing the machines below:

• Ease of use when in the office or while traveling

• Quality of images

• High-frequency availability; these machines create high-frequency x-rays with very strong penetrative power that don't require exposure to the patient for a long time.

• Reliability and the customer support of the manufacturer

• Practicality

• Warranty

• Price

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JPI DirectVet 110V DR System

5-Year Warranty

The JPI DirectVet 110V DR System is a high-frequency digital x-ray system that can offer voltage up to 120 kV. It's a complete system that doesn't require add-ons, so you can hit the ground running as soon as you buy it. 

The JPI DirectVet 110V DR is a versatile machine that can screen animals of any size, with its heavy-duty table holding up to 300 lbs. It also comes integrated with full ExamVue Duo Software, with features like presets and veterinary tool-sets for different animals, dicon and jpeg image formats, email capability, and a user-friendly interface.

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The 17” x 17″ ExamVue DR (with tethered plates)

5-Year Warranty

DR Digital X-Ray Includes Plates, ExamVue Software / Computer (laptop or desktop), And ExamVue PACS

This system is for you if you already have a table and generator. Delivery and installation are included.

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DynaVue+ FLUOROSCOPY AND DIGITAL X-RAY

5-Year Warranty

Digital X-Ray or C-arm fluoroscopy? Why not both? DynaVue+ is a powerful device created for minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and has been designed for clinics that don’t have a lot of space.

The comprehensive live x-ray video mode with 30 fps rendering makes DynaVue+ stand apart from its competitors. What's more, you can even change between a digital x-ray and a live x-ray mid-exam. 

The DynaVue+ comes with a 4-way floating tabletop, a computer, and an ExamVue acquisition with many useful features like custom presets, email, multi-view, image export/import, and expansion.

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Veterinary X-Ray Software - This Is What You'll Need

Software is generally overlooked, yet one of the most important components of an x-ray system. After all, even the most advanced hardware won’t be able to perform to its full potential without a good application program running it.

This article discusses everything you need to know about veterinary x-ray software, including what it is and the features you’ll need to look for while buying one.

What is a Veterinary X-Ray Software?

A veterinary x-ray software is a computer program that helps you to capture, manage, store, and share x-ray images. A lot of x-ray software are available on the market, and all of them vary in terms of the user interface, features, functionalities, etc.

Most x-ray hardware come with software made by their manufacturer. But you can still change the software, as long as it's compatible with the device.

Why is a Good Veterinary Software Important?

These days, x-ray systems aren’t limited to taking pictures. They also help the practitioner with the entire workflow, for example, storing and sharing the images and patient information. And veterinary software makes all of these possible.

An x-ray software has many features that make the system more convenient and effective. It makes taking and processing the images fast and easy, so you can create more accurate and detailed images in less time.

Features to Look for in a Veterinary X-Ray Software

Here are essential features that need to be present in veterinary x-ray software:

Cloud Storage

With cloud storage, you can store your patients’ information on server computers outside your medical facility. This gives two primary benefits:

1. The storage space in your computer is saved.

2. The information becomes more secure since server computers have better security protocols than your in-house computer. 

Cloud computing also makes collaboration effortless. With it, you can contact other practitioners, share the x-ray images with them in real-time, and get instant feedback.

Custom Presets

You should look for software with custom presets for different animal categories like dogs, cats, etc. This way, you won’t have to change the kV, mA, and other settings every time a new patient comes in.

On the other hand, you should also be able to create your own presets for regular patients to conduct examinations without remembering the perfect values for everyone.

Image Tuning and Advanced Visualization

One of the many reasons you’d want to move to a digital x-ray system would be to get better in-depth views of the images.

In addition to the standard 2D photos, the software should support 3D imaging and views from different angles. You should also be able to add annotations, graphics, and electronic markers to the desired part of the image.

Furthermore, there should be options to manipulate the brightness, contrast, and other settings of the image to help make your x-ray tests more accurate and easier to analyze. Finally, measuring the distance between two points should be possible.

Image Control Tools

Image control tools give you more flexibility while assessing the images. Some popular image control tools include rotation, horizontal and vertical flip, rectangular or other shaped crops, zoom in/out, etc.

Do remember that the existence of image control tools is not enough. They should also be responsive and precise.

For example, you should be able to crop the image exactly in the place you want. Also, zooming shouldn’t decrease the image quality substantially. 

Reports Generation and Storage

After spending so much on x-ray software, it’s unfair for you to invest in another spreadsheet or DBMS to save your patient’s information.

Many good veterinary x-ray software allows users to save their patient’s history in the format of their choice. Moreover, they allow automatic report generation after the images are taken.

As said before, cloud computing can further help to store, share, and access reports.

Other Things to Check

In addition to the above features, here are other things to consider while buying x-ray software:

Simple UI

The user interface, in simple terms, is the design through which you communicate with the software. It’s what you see on the screen when you open an application program.

The UI of the software should be simple and easy to understand. You should be able to figure out where every option is, and accessing important features shouldn’t take you many clicks. 

On the other hand, the UI should also be attractive and use readable fonts. The colors on the background shouldn’t be too dull, and the icons shouldn’t look outdated or weird. All in all, the workspace shouldn’t feel strange or boring to you while working.

Integration with Your Computer System

You’ll have to see if the software you want to buy can work with the current operating system on your PC, i.e., Windows, Mac OS, or even Linux.

In addition, don’t forget to check the system requirements for the software and ensure you have enough processor, RAM, or memory to run it.

Customer Support

The software manufacturer should be willing to give its buyers free training to use the software. If that’s not possible, there should at least be an easily comprehendible software manual or tutorials on the web.

Furthermore, the software provider should be willing to address issues immediately. Ask them if 24/7 customer support is available, and ask the company’s existing clients if they deliver what they promise.

Prices

Some software providers are known to show lower prices for the product but charge extra for the features.

Some can even charge for the regular updates meant to improve the software.

Hence, you’ll have to be completely sure about how much you should pay and if the provider has hidden charges.

Key Takeaway

When choosing a veterinary software, the number of features is the most important thing. But again, you’ll need to check if you need to use the features. In addition, there should be multiple modes for viewing and manipulating the images, and the software should be easy to learn.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Jr1iLSGHHUo&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE

See the video demo on you tube.

What is Veterinary Digital Radiography, and How Does It Compare to Film X-Ray Systems?

Nowadays, veterinarians have a lot of options when it comes to their x-ray system—so how does a veterinary practice choose between film and the various digital x-ray modalities that are available?

It helps to compare price, efficiency, and other factors that will affect the daily use and value of your investment. Here are some considerations…

What Is Digital Radiography Versus Film?

First, it’s helpful to define the different x-ray options that are used in veterinary medicine.

The first choice is to decide between film or digital radiography. Film is exactly what it sounds like: X-ray images are captured on physical films. To produce an image, those films are then developed using processing chemicals in a dark room.

Digital radiography, on the other hand, produces a digital image. However, there is more than one method available for obtaining this image, including CCD, CR, and DR.

CCD (charge-coupled devices) have been compared to digital cameras in the way that they work. However, they have some disadvantages, including edge distortion when collimation is wider. While this older technology is still used in some capacities, most vets would be choosing between CR or DR.

CR (computed radiography) uses phosphor plates to capture an image. That image is obtained when a plate is put through a plate reader.

DR (direct radiography) doesn’t have any type of “middleman” (film developer or plate reader). Instead, digital images are captured on a special type of x-ray sensor that directly or indirectly converts x-rays into an electrical signal. The image is produced almost instantaneously.

Costs of Digital Radiography Versus Film

As with many other technological advances, there tends to be an increase in price for newer generations of technology—at least initially, because newer technology eventually does come down in price and becomes more accessible. Compare it to smartphones and digital cameras—two type of technology that have become much more widely accessible in recent years.

X-ray technology has followed a similar pattern. Digital technology does generally cost more to purchase than a film system. And DR generally costs more than CR.

That being said, prices have come down significantly in the last decade or so, making digital technology much more affordable to many veterinary practices. 

While it’s great that newer technology is becoming more affordable, that doesn’t mean the latest tech is right for every veterinary practice. For practices with a slower pace that don’t perform a lot of x-ray studies, a film or CR system may meet their needs just fine and be a smarter investment than DR.

It’s also important to consider long-term maintenance and repair costs, in addition to the purchase price of the x-ray system. 

For example, is there a warranty, and what does it cover?

If a component of the machine or plate/sensor breaks down, are replacement parts available (that’s not always the case for older equipment)?

Also, for film, the cost of supplies (film purchase and disposal, processing chemicals, and developer maintenance) must also be factored in.

Efficiency of Digital Radiography Versus Film

There’s not doubt that, used to its maximum potential, DR technology is fast and efficient. That’s because, rather than waiting on a developer or plate reader, images are created in just a few seconds.

This efficiency can make x-ray studies go much faster, with fewer retakes. Also, for digital systems in general, it’s usually faster to set up the study, since there are automatic technique settings for different patient sizes and areas of the body being studies.

All of this means a faster, simpler workflow, less time for the patient to be on the x-ray table, and the potential to schedule more x-ray studies. Many practices have reported increasing their x-ray revenue after upgrading to DR. This can certainly increase the financial return on the equipment investment.

But there is one important consideration when it comes to efficiency. The machine is only efficient if team members feel confident using it. So, it’s ideal to invest in something that’s user friendly and that has tech support available. 

It’s smart to invest time to train everybody on the new equipment, since many employees will be used to different systems and need a little help learning all the features and functions of the new equipment.

Quality of Digital Radiography Versus Film

While many vet professionals believe digital radiography is always better quality than film, that’s not necessarily true. 

Quality depends on the system itself, as well as on the ability of team members to use the equipment proficiently to obtain high-quality, diagnostic images. Performed with skill, film studies can be perfectly diagnostic and of high quality.

That being said, digital does allow some room for error. A lot of practitioners like it for that reason. The software automates much of the image processing, and the digital image can be manually manipulated if something needs to be seen in more detail.

Which Is Best—Digital Radiography or Film?

Digital x-ray technology, particularly DR, certainly offers many advantages. And it may make sense to invest in the latest technology that a veterinary business can reasonably afford, so that replacement parts and tech support are available for as many years as possible.

However, each veterinary practice must evaluate their unique needs and see what works best for them.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Planning and Measuring for Full-Body X-Rays

Full-body radiographs are a valuable diagnostic tool for well and sick veterinary patients alike. 

Wellness screening, such as with a senior wellness package, may include full thoracic and abdominal radiographs in addition to bloodwork, as a screening tool to catch disease processes early.

And the use of full-body screening is widely recognized for ill patients—for example, as part of the diagnostic workup for patients with non-specific symptoms, when doing a “met check” to look for metastasis, or when evaluating the patient after a traumatic injury.

But how many views are required, and how are patient measurements performed when screening large portions of the body? These topics will be discussed below…

How Many Views Are Required?

Most experts recommend at least five views: right and left lateral thorax, VD thorax, lateral (usually right lateral) abdomen, and VD abdomen. For both the abdomen and the thorax, a DV view may replace a VD view in some cases, such as if a patient isn’t stable enough to lie in dorsal recumbency.

In general, this is considered the MINIMUM number of views by many veterinary radiologists. With that in mind, sometimes full-body studies require more than five views. 

Here are some examples of additional views that may be needed…

• Some experts recommend including BOTH a VD and DV view of the thorax, for a total of four thoracic views, especially when looking for metastasis or small/localized lesions.

• More and more commonly, veterinarians are increasing their standard abdominal study to three views (adding a left lateral view as the third view), at least for GI studies. A left lateral is especially valuable for evaluating the pylorus.

• For large dogs whose entire thorax or abdomen can’t be captured on the plate or sensor, they would require two of each of these views--a cranial and caudal portion for each view, so that each body cavity can be fully evaluated without any portion being cut off due to the patient’s large size.

• Depending on what a practitioner is looking for, additional views (spine, limbs, skull, contrast studies, etc.) may be needed. This is especially true for blunt trauma, when the patient may have multiple injuries.

Is it possible to do a full-body study with less than five views? 

Sometimes, this does happen. Everyone is probably familiar with the “cat-gram” (a lateral and VD view of a cat’s entire body, for a total of two views) that is commonly used in daily practice. 

A vet will need to use their best clinical judgment for the needs of each individual patient, understanding that if less than the recommended five views are taken, details could be missed.

How to Measure a Patient for Full-Body X-Rays

Once the vet has decided which views are to be included in the study, this allows the vet team to measure the patient for each of these views.

The key is to measure the patient in the SAME POSITION they’ll be in during the study. This is important because the patient’s width may change with their position, thanks to the effects of gravity and the table and any props being used.

So, for lateral views, the patient should be lying on their side, for VD views they should be lying on their back… and so on.

Once the patient is in the appropriate position, a good rule of thumb is to measure them at the widest point for the area within the field of view. This is frequently toward the diaphragm/liver for both thoracic and abdominal studies.

This ensures the beam will be powerful enough to penetrate the part of the body being studied and produce a quality image.

However, there may be times when it makes sense to measure the patient using a different strategy, such as…

• When focusing on a specific organ. For example, to see the most detail on the bladder, it would be helpful to measure that region of the abdomen. For full-body studies, this may be included in addition to the general screening shots.

• If the patient’s body shape is such that measurements are significantly different at the widest and narrowest parts of the body within the field of view. In this case, two shots (at two different settings) may be necessary to see all fields at the right exposure and level of detail needed for diagnostic quality.

Full-body radiographs can be a great diagnostic tool that helps patients receive the care they need. 

By using best practices and strategies, a veterinarian can ensure that these studies deliver the best possible diagnostic value.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM