How to Identify and Correct Underexposed Veterinary X-Rays
In veterinary diagnostics, every image tells a story—but only if that image is clear, properly exposed, and reveals the details you need to see.
Underexposed radiographs are a common and frustrating issue, especially in busy clinics or those with less experienced staff. They don’t just create workflow delays—they can obscure critical findings and compromise patient care.
The good news? Identifying and correcting underexposed veterinary X-rays is entirely within your team’s reach!
Whether you're using a full-body digital x-ray system or a dental x-ray system, here’s what you need to know to spot underexposure and fix it fast.
What Does an Underexposed X-Ray Look Like?
Underexposed radiographs typically appear too light or “washed out.”
Anatomical structures, especially soft tissue or overlapping organs, may lack contrast and definition. This can make assessing for subtle fractures, pulmonary patterns, or abdominal masses difficult.
Let’s look at an example…
Jasper, a middle-aged Labrador, comes in for coughing and mild lethargy. The initial thoracic X-ray appears extremely pale—lung fields look nearly indistinguishable from the soft tissue.
On retake, using corrected exposure settings, the radiograph reveals a suspicious nodule.
That second image could distinguish between catching early pathology and sending the patient home undiagnosed.
What Causes Underexposure in Veterinary Radiographs?
Several factors can contribute to underexposure:
Incorrect technique settings (kVp and mAs) are often the most common culprits. Too low = too little penetration.
Improper patient positioning or size estimation: Thicker body parts may require adjustments to the technique.
Equipment calibration issues: Older or poorly maintained units may not output consistent exposure levels.
Sensor or plate problems: In digital systems, underexposure may also stem from a malfunctioning DR sensor or image plate.
Best Practices to Correct and Prevent Underexposed X-Rays
You can adjust technique settings thoughtfully.
If you’re routinely seeing underexposed images, review your technique chart. Increasing mAs improves image density, while adjusting kVp affects penetration and contrast.
Use a controlled approach—changing one variable at a time—to determine what works best for your unit and patient size.
Use a standardized positioning protocol
Precise radiographic technique starts with consistent positioning. Ensure your team utilizes positioning aids, is familiar with your machine’s baseline settings, and selects the appropriate view for the clinical question. Consider creating quick-reference guides near your X-ray suite.
Train your team to recognize exposure errors.
Empower your technicians to identify underexposure on the spot and retake images if necessary. Time spent training now saves retakes, delays, and diagnostic errors later.
Upgrade to high-quality digital systems.
Modern digital radiography systems often include automatic exposure detection and produce images in seconds, providing more consistency and reducing the likelihood of human error.
If you're using an older system or film-based radiography, consider upgrading to improve efficiency and accuracy.
Why It Matters
Correct exposure is more than a technical detail—it impacts patient care. A radiograph that misses a mass, hides a fracture, or blurs a lung pattern can delay treatment and put your patient at risk.
By optimizing your imaging protocols and investing in equipment that supports high-quality diagnostics, you help ensure that each patient receives the care they deserve. Each Veterinarian has the information they need to make confident decisions.
Would you be interested in upgrading your Imaging Suite?
Explore our catalog to find the right fit for your hospital. Whether you're opening a new practice or modernizing your existing setup, explore our selection of imaging equipment and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Buy Veterinary Digital X-ray Equipment with Confidence
How to Buy Veterinary Digital X-ray Equipment without Experiencing Buyer's Remorse
Have you ever bought something and regretted the purchase?
I think I have at one time or another. However, it’s one thing to regret ordering a cheeseburger and fries, but quite another when I regret buying a $50,000 car or truck.
When I make a big purchase, I want to feel good about my decision. I want to make sure that I made the right choice.
I want you to feel great about buying from me! I understand it is no small thing for a Veterinarian to spend $20,000 or $30,000 on digital x-ray equipment, and I want you to feel great about buying from us.
So, here is my “purchase without buyer's remorse” plan:
The 30-day satisfaction guarantee, or your money-back offer. When you make a digital x-ray system purchase, I will give you 30 days so that you feel comfortable and confident that you made the right choice.
And if you are not satisfied, return your digital x-ray equipment for a full refund.
Yes, that is correct! A FULL refund!!
I know that after the vet digital x-ray equipment is installed in your clinic, and once you learn how to use the software, you will be very happy with the results you get.
I can offer this guarantee because I am very confident with the quality of the digital x-ray equipment we sell, and I want you to be completely satisfied.
Here is the fine print:
Equipment must be returned in original packaging.
Equipment cannot be returned if damaged by the user during your 30 days.
The buyer pays the cost of shipping/packing/insurance of all returned equipment.
You must give us a reasonable chance to correct any dissatisfaction.
The main reason I am offering this “30-day satisfaction guarantee or your money back” is to give you peace of mind.
I understand I’m not as big as Idexx, Cuattro, or Sound-Eklin. Perhaps that makes you think twice about trying us out.
But I am confident that our equipment is as good, if not better, and now we have a “30-day satisfaction guarantee or your money back” - which the big boys do not offer!
The bottom line is simple:
I am offering quality digital x-ray equipment for the veterinary industry at an amazing price, with a great warranty, and now a 30-day guarantee.
I want to do the right thing, treat you with respect, and help you be successful in your veterinary practice.
Call or text me - Brad Haven, Jr. - 530-355-5886
Upgrade to Digital X-Ray with Your Existing Table/Generator
Saying Goodbye to Chemicals and Dark Rooms: The Digital X-Ray Advantage
Advantages of upgrading to digital X-ray:
Faster viewing of X-rays compared to film x-ray.
Elimination of the need for a dark room, saving 20-30 minutes of processing time.
Improved environmental conditions and staff health:
No more purchasing and handling of chemicals.
Elimination of film, storage, toxic chemical fumes, and odors.
Convenient sharing of X-rays:
Sending x-rays to a radiologist via email or PACS.
Easy sharing of X-rays with customers through email.
Enhanced customer service and interaction:
Digital technology allows for easier and more efficient viewing of each X-ray.
More time can be spent with customers, providing better service.
We had one location that had a table/generator which was over 15 years old, and we were able to upgrade to digital, still using his old table and generator.
Money saved!
The Doctor upgraded to a DR system, and we saved him money by using his old table and generator.
We can do the same for you and it doesn't matter if you want a CR or DR digital x-ray system.
TESTIMONY
Here is what the Doctor had to say in an unsolicited email a few days after the installation...
“Image quality is superb! Far better than Sound x-ray we use to have at Bakersfield hospital. We took abdominal X-rays on a 70-pound dog and the x-rays came out great. Thank you! Let me know if anybody wants to visit and see the images...I will be more than happy to show them the images” — Dr. Singh - Family Pet Hospital - Vacaville, CA
Use your current table and generator and go digital - for a CR or a DR system.