Fluoroscopy / DR Digital X-Ray Veterinary All In One System

Fluoroscopy And DR Digital XRay, veterinary, All In One System

DynaVue is a very popular digital image and radiographic workflow platform used in digital radiography. It offers a complete fluoroscopy and X-Ray system, which comprises an x-ray generator, x-ray imaging table, software platform, and a large capacity Exam Pacs server for storing all the images.

DynaVue Overview

The DynaVue fluoroscopic and digital X-Ray system is based on the principles of noninvasive imaging, which utilizes ionizing radiation for medical diagnosis.

With the help of advanced processing algorithms, the system delivers high-quality images at a very low dose. The system can provide real-time cross-sectional images at a resolution of 400 microns and a speed of 30 frames per second.

The fluoroscopic imaging system is mainly used in minimally invasive surgeries and procedures such as interventional radiology, computed tomography angiography, musculoskeletal procedures, endoscopy, vascular procedures, and intraluminal stenting in veterinary medicine.

DynaVue will prove to be an advantage to veterinary practitioners as it reduces patient exposure to radiation while delivering high-quality images that can be used for various diagnostic purposes. The company offers a wide range of services for customers planning to buy DynaVue, including consultation with specialists and technical support from trained and experienced professionals.

Efficiency Requirements of a Fluoroscopy System

A sound fluoroscopy system will be able to take x-rays from multiple angles. This helps ensure doctors get the best possible images of their patients' internal problems.

The ideal system will take x-rays from three different positions: horizontal, vertical, and angled. In many cases, this is colloquially referred to as 3D imaging because of its appearance on the screen. 

A good fluoroscopy system should have several modes built-in that can be used for different types of procedures. For example, an image set that can be used for knee replacement surgery is not appropriate for heart monitoring; therefore, having several different settings is crucial. 

DynaVue is the Future Of Portable Fluoroscopy System

DynaVue all in one fluoroscopy and digital X-Ray system meets the exacting demands of modern veterinary and is built to provide precise, high-quality images that can be easily captured and shared with other clinicians.

The system is reliable enough to withstand the high levels of stress during a typical day in a busy veterinary facility. Yet, it is simple enough to be operated by anyone with minimal training.

The system has many features that will help enhance your practice's capability and save money in the long run. These include:

• Advanced focusing - This allows for better image control.

• Multiple radiography modes - Provides different functionality from one device.

• Real-time image processing (8 FPS for fluoroscopy) - Supports remote monitoring.

• Minimally invasive fluoroscopy - Helps lower radiation risks for the X-Ray test subjects.

• DynaVue combines high-quality X-ray images with superb image quality and a wide range of therapeutic applications to perform real-time minimally invasive procedures under digital control.

It provides superior diagnostic performance to help veterinarians find early-stage diagnostics of diseases and reduce costs associated with long-term treatment.

Efficiency Requirements of a DR Digital XRay System 

There are many types of digital radiography systems, and you can find them in various places. Consider the following when choosing your digital radiography system:

Technology

X-ray systems that use computer technology are almost always going to be the most advantageous. These systems will give you the greatest flexibility, such as adjusting the screen brightness or contrast levels or freezing and zooming into your images.

Installation

Your DR digital x-ray system should be easy to install and be able to be set up by 1 or 2 people. It is best if you can connect it to your computers with an Ethernet connection, but at the very least, they should have a direct USB port connection available.

Basic

Advanced x-ray machines offer all kinds of features that can be confusing and sometimes not even used by dentists. It is best to find an x-ray system with all of the basic features such as Auto Exposure, Automatic Battery Charger, Auto Focus, Automatic Film Advance, Automatic Film 

Identification and Automatic Film Orientation.

Resolution

You want a minimum screen resolution of 1024x768 pixels to allow you to get sharp images on your screen. You will also need a good amount of contrast on your screen to view your images clearly. 

DynaVue provides superior image quality by combining two technologies: True Waveform™ and a photodiode sensor array (PSA). 

The PSA provides high-quality images with low noise levels, even at higher frame rates. The True Waveform™ feature enables superior imaging performance during cardiac gating procedures by synchronizing the image acquisition to the patient's heart rate.

For large facilities, the DynaVue system is easily scalable to meet your requirements by adding modules and accessories.

DynaVue excels in small diameter access applications because of its unique True Waveform™ technology, which provides superior imaging performance for soft tissue applications such as small blood vessels, nerve bundles, and lymph nodes.

DynaVue Features Guarantee High Efficiency

2-in-1 (DR and Fluoroscopy:

DynaVue is a 2-in-1 system that works for soft tissue and fluoro imaging. It is a state-of-the-art imaging solution that enables healthcare professionals to simultaneously see fluoro and soft tissue anatomical structures.

Flexible movement with 4-way floating table: DynaVue DR and Fluoroscopy system is one of the few systems that provides a 4-way floating table. This enables the physician greater freedom of movement, which creates a better visualization of the anatomy.

23" touchscreen display: The large display and high-quality resolution make it easy to conduct your examinations. This device ensures high-quality imaging and an intuitive user experience.

10 kW monoblock type; 15 kW inverter-based system: DynaVue DR and Fluoroscopy systems are developed for advanced diagnostic applications. Up the image quality, up the efficiency, and up the flexibility. Up the power with the Fluoroscopy system and enjoy a full range of possibilities with a single system.

Pulsed fluoroscopy offers reduced dose: The DynaVue DR system uses a backscatter method that reduces patient radiation exposure by up to 50 percent. This system also offers greater visibility throughout the exam. What's most important is that the system can still produce excellent diagnostic images comparable to existing diagnostic imaging procedures.

DynaVue uses ExamVue, a straightforward, easy-to-use, and highly customizable digital radiography software.

ExamVue is the most advanced DICOM 3.0 compliant software for X-ray imaging and reporting. More than 1,000 hospitals worldwide trust it for their daily clinical activities. 

The intuitive interface offers seamless frame rate control, imaging and annotation, post imaging processing, and connection to DICOM 3 to allow your team to focus on their work instead of dealing with technology.

Takeaway: The brand new DynaVue is the perfect solution for busy animal hospitals looking to optimize their diagnostic capital while minimizing radiation exposure with a minimal investment in terms of space and equipment.

Written by: Rachel Best

Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7653184/

https://www.researchgate.net/topic/Minimally-Invasive-Surgery~Diagnostic-Imaging/publications

https://www.dicomstandard.org/

https://www.jpihealthcare.com/examvue-pacs/

https://www.medicalexpo.com/prod/jpi-healthcare-solutions/product-100612-915091.html 

Selling Your First Practice as a Veterinarian

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As a veterinarian, the decision to sell your practice can mean a mix of emotions and a very long to-do list, but it can also result in satisfaction and cash flow with which to start your next venture in life.

Starting your first veterinary practice is no easy feat. You put a lot of time and energy into it, whether you bought into an existing business or built it from the ground up. And you poured yourself into gaining clients and patients.

When it comes time to sell, it makes sense to put in due diligence to ensure you’re getting a fair price after all the work you put into growing the business. Here are a few things to consider…

The Decision to Sell

Maybe you’re ready to retire. Maybe you’re ready for a change in career path, such as going back to school for a specialty, starting a larger hospital, or trying a new career altogether.

Maybe your spouse got a job out of state, or you want to spend more time at home with your children. Or maybe you’d just like a break from all the responsibilities of owning a business.

Whatever the reason, you’ve decided that it’s time to sell your first practice. This isn’t necessarily an easy decision, especially since your first practice represents a lot of hard work and many special memories.

So, it’s only natural to take your time.

Mull it over.

Build lists of pros and cons and goals for the sale.

And discuss it with non-work friends and family that you trust.

Creating a Gameplan

Once you make the decision to sell, the next step is to create a plan.

The first decision is probably when to sell. Of course, this isn’t entirely within your control, as it will depend on when you find a buyer.

But to start, do you want to sell right now?

Or, are you planning ahead for five years from now—and investing to grow the practice’s value in the meantime?

Are you hoping to stay on at the practice a few more years, even if it’s just part-time? Or are you planning to exit after the sale?

If you had your preference, who would you sell to?

Maybe there’s an associate at your practice who’s interested in ownership and could work up to it over the next few years by buying in gradually. And maybe you have a strong preference for a private buyer versus a corporate buyer.

While there may be some need for flexibility depending on the offers received, it’s good to have goals in mind to help steer your decisions.

Also, how much money would you like to make in the sale? This is probably the hardest question. In addition to the need to carefully consider personal, ongoing financial requirements, many practice owners find it difficult to guess what their practice could actually sell for. 

That’s not surprising, considering that the calculations are very complex. The old way of thinking (i.e., one year’s gross income) is often not accurate.

Fortunately, there are many professionals who can help with these specialized aspects of the sale.

Gathering Your Team

As with any other professional venture that requires expertise, it’s good to consult specialists in each area of the sale. This could include…

• A practice/valuation consultant.

• A CPA.

• Attorneys (for business, real estate, etc.).

• A broker (if needed—in general, they are of the most value when finding a buyer is challenging).

• Any other experts that could be helpful.

These professionals can help with a myriad of issues—everything from minimizing taxes paid on the sale, to advising on provisions such as a non-compete clause for current employees (something that can affect the perceived value of the practice). 

Be sure to ask about their charges, but don’t be scared to pay a reasonable rate.

As tempting as it is to save money and try to do everything yourself, these experts can really save a lot of headaches and prevent costly mistakes.

Many vets prefer professionals who charge a flat fee rather than a percentage of the sale, but this depends on your inclination and the specifics of your sale.

Taking Care of Your Staff and Clients

Many experts advise not talking to your staff about the sale until the paperwork is finalized. The worry is that, although a sale may take years, team members may grow worried and begin to look for another job.

However, when the time comes, it’s a good idea to spend time discussing what they can expect. Inform them of your confidence in the new owner, and answer questions if you can (although don’t guarantee anything such as job security unless you know for sure).

So far as your patients and clients, you have probably grown close to many of them.

A letter or email sent to current clients, informing them of the change and your confidence that they will love the new doctor/management, can do a lot to help them during the transition, as well as set up the new practice owner for success. Some clients may also wish to say goodbye before you leave.

What’s Next?

It can be normal to have a period of feeling lost or even grieving, after the sale of a practice.

After all, it’s a big change.

You’re probably excited for whatever comes next. Or, if you haven’t found your next venture yet, spend some time exploring your curiosities and interests.

Do things that light you up, and eventually, you’ll figure out what’s next for you.

While selling a practice is no easy feat—just like starting a practice wasn’t easy—it can also be a rewarding experience.

Hopefully, the sale will help fund whatever is next for you in life, whether that’s a new professional venture or a more relaxed pace in life.

Either way, you can always look back with satisfaction on what you created, and all the pets you helped along the way.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Adjusting to Life as a New Veterinary Graduate

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The time after graduation can be an exciting period of learning, making new connections with colleagues and clients, and figuring out what you’d like your career to look like. However, even though veterinary school provides a wonderful education, sometimes the transition to the “real world” of clinical practice can feel challenging. 

Here are some things to consider to make this transition smooth and enjoyable…

Going from School to Clinical Practice

In many ways, school and clinical practice are similar. After all, school focused on the knowledge and skills someone would need to be a practicing veterinarian.

However, new grads and experienced vets alike have pointed out some key differences.

For example, even with a thorough education, many vets don’t see every possible type of medical case in school—so they might see their first GDV or unblock a urinary obstruction in a cat by themselves for the first time in clinical practice. 

While new vets have the tools and knowledge to handle all of these situations, some may find that it feels a little intimidating to be in charge of these cases for the first time.

Learning how to talk to clients can also take experience and practice—especially when it comes to discussing costs.

Unlike at a university teaching hospital, where many pet owners could afford treatment with a specialist, clients in many locations of the country simply can’t afford to do as much as they would like to do for their pets. 

Therefore, vets must often gain the skill of discussing why everything in “Plan A” is recommended, what are the risks of not doing all recommended diagnostics and treatments, and then discussing alternative treatment plans (when possible and reasonable for the pet’s comfort and safety).

All of this may seem kind of overwhelming in a vet’s first job.

Fortunately, there are resources to help.

Learning and Finding the Resources You Need

Mentorship is valuable for anyone entering a new profession—and veterinarians are no exception. 

A mentor could be another person (or multiple people) who works at your practice. This often includes other vets who are open to mentoring (or at least having a collaborative workplace), since they have been through this transition themselves after their own graduation.

But other support staff, especially experienced technicians or nurses, can also give valuable input and advice.

Mentorship can also mean keeping in touch with classmates, teachers, and former colleagues, or joining an online community such as VIN.

Conferences—both large gatherings and smaller or local events—and continuing education courses are also valuable, and many are available online nowadays.

Figuring Out Who You Want to Be as a Veterinarian

While mentorship is very valuable, there will come a time when you develop your own style of practicing medicine. You and your colleagues may have differing opinions on some things—and so long as you are providing great care to your patients, that’s okay, because even specialists don’t agree on everything. 

Your own practice style could include your professional interests. For example, you could become the “go-to” doctor at your practice for dentistry, nutrition, or exotics, or you may decide you want to go back for a residency in your preferred specialization. 

Your practice style will also include deciding what you are (or aren’t) comfortable doing as a vet, such as declaw surgeries.

Finding Work-Life Balance

Since burnout and stress are common in the profession, it’s best to set up healthy habits—such as meditation, getting enough sleep, socializing, pursuing hobbies, etc.—from the beginning. If these habits seem daunting, start small at first. For example, spend 10-15 minutes on a hobby or meditate for 5 minutes if that’s all you can spare.

If stress arises at the new job, asking for help (from a friend or professional therapist) can make a world of difference.

There are even some veterinary-specific organizations that are there to help, such as

• Vets4Vets

• NOMV (Not One More Vet). 

A Few More Tips

Remember to prepare for student loan payments, if that applies to you.

They typically kick in six months after graduation.

Use a budgeting system, or speak to a financial professional, to ensure your hard-earned salary is used wisely to provide the lifestyle and secure future that you want. 

And remember, they call it the “practice” of medicine for a reason.

There is always some degree of learning that happens on the job, and even experienced practitioners can see new things that surprise them.

So, it’s important to give yourself grace if you feel like you don’t know everything.

Just remember your list of resources and mentors when you need a second opinion on a case. 

Know that it will probably take you longer than a more seasoned colleague to research a new case, create a treatment plan, and write up the medical record.

But, you’ll get faster with time and practice, and you’ll eventually find a routine that works for you.

Though the first job after graduation from vet school can feel intimidating, it can also be exciting and fun.

Preparation, along with an openness to learning new things along the way, can really set up a new grad for success in veterinary medicine.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Creating a Support System for Veterinarian Families

Balancing Parenthood & Veterinary Careers: Key Strategies

It can be challenging to balance the roles of “veterinarian” and “parent”—but fortunately, many veterinary professionals find ways to make it work. It helps to have strategies for planning ahead and finding a support system.

Childcare Solutions for Veterinary Professionals

Balancing parenthood and a career in veterinary medicine can definitely present challenges. One of the biggest aspects to consider is time and flexibility. Clinical practice can carry long hours. Often, these hours aren’t flexible, especially when the appointment schedule is packed or when patients need urgent or emergency care. 

All of this can make it difficult to leave to pick a child up from school, stay home to care for a sick child, or make it to a child’s soccer game—to name a few examples. 

A busy and tired vet professional might also feel discouraged if they seem to be missing out on quality time with their child.

Additionally, there are cost considerations, since raising a child can be expensive! This becomes even more of a factor should a child have special needs.

While there are other considerations when it comes to being a veterinary professional and having children, these are some of the biggest and most frequently cited concerns. Add to this the fact that the veterinary profession is predominantly female in recent years—and (for better or for worse), in our society, many childcare and home care duties often still fall to females, even if they are employed—and it’s easy to see that veterinarians can benefit from strategies for balancing career and family.

Veterinary Work-Life Balance: Childcare Tips & Ideas

There’s an old saying that “It takes a village to raise a child.” However, in modern society, it seems we’re often expected to “do it all.” We’re busier than ever. Since the pandemic started, many of us have had to handle life’s responsibilities while feeling isolated, too.

Is there a way to get back to that “village” mentality? Many experts argue that developing close relationships with extended family and friends is healthy for a child, even at a very young age. And a child’s parents may benefit from having a healthy network of mutual support. 

Here are a few ideas for where and how help can be implemented…

• Spouse or partner. If a parent is in a relationship, it’s important to discuss the sharing of responsibilities. This is not just for childcare, but also for household duties like cooking, cleaning, doing the budget, and more. Having a partner take on some of these tasks can give the vet professional more time to spend with their children.

• Hiring help. If it’s at all reasonable for the budget, it may make sense to hire someone to help—like a nanny, babysitter, or someone to pick up or drive the kids when needed. 

Additionally, it may help to hire someone to clean the home, to send out laundry, or to use a meal delivery service. Nowadays, many services can be scheduled via apps. These service providers free up valuable time and energy for the vet professional. In addition to making it a bit easier to parent, this freeing up of time may also help with physical and emotional health.

• Extended family. Maybe the children’s grandparents or aunt/uncle live nearby and would love to spend some time with the kids. While being respectful of their time and obligations, it may be worth it to check with these family members about taking the kids after school until you get home from work. 

• Friends. Maybe you have close friends or neighbors who wouldn’t mind helping from time to time—especially if they have children of their own and you could return the favor at another time.

Of course, not all of these options will be available to everyone. But, brainstorming all possible options, and planning ahead, gives the best chance of having support when it’s really needed.

Making Arrangements at Work

If you’re struggling with finding childcare, consider the best way to talk to your employer about how this could affect your work. They may surprise you by being open to making allowances—such as allowing you to pick up your children from school and then return to work.

If you must leave work early for an emergency or for an event such as a child’s dance recital, your coworkers may be able to fill in and help, too.

However, in all of these scenarios, it’s important to be courteous to the needs of colleagues, too. Everyone has their own obligations in life. Many people may have things that take up time and emotional energy—such as a chronic illness, a parent with dementia, a battle with depression, etc.—that they don’t talk about at work. 

So, don’t assume it will always be easy for child-free coworkers to cover the time you miss, or to see your patients if you must leave suddenly. Instead, try to arrange a swap. Or, offer to make up the time in the case of an emergency. Also, children should be well-behaved if they are brought to the workplace. That way, everyone feels mutually respected, and the workplace can be supportive of everyone’s needs over the long term.

Pre-Parenthood and Maternity Leave

If you’re in a position where you’re planning to have a family in the next couple of years, it may be beneficial to plan ahead and take a serious look at your current (or prospective) job and how that fits into your plan.

For example, are there others working there who have children—and how are they managing it? How flexible and conducive to parenting needs is the workplace?

Also, what are the benefits like? Is there paid maternity (or even paternity) leave? In cases of small practices that might not be able to afford extended maternity leave, does it seem like they are still trying their best to accommodate employees who have recently become parents?

Would a career shift (to industry, academia, or relief veterinary services, for example) be a better fit for you at this time?

Another consideration would be for vet professionals who are considering fertility treatments or need other medical care to become a parent. Could the workplace accommodate the many appointments that would be needed during this time?

Being a Pet Parent

Many veterinarians and team members view their pets as children—regardless of whether or not they also have two-legged kids. 

So, it may also be worth it to look into factors such as whether or not you can bring your dog to work so they’re not home alone all day, and what sort of discount is available to employee pets.

Conclusion

Families come in all shapes and sizes. Every family will have unique needs, and balancing work and family may be difficult at times. 

However, by finding the best possible work arrangement for their situation and creating a “village” of support, many vet professionals make parenthood work for them!

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Choosing an In-House Hematology Analyzer

Complete blood cell counts and qualitative analysis of blood cells are some of the most common diagnostic tests used by veterinarians.

Just a few of the many uses for hematology include diagnosing and monitoring anemia and looking for signs of inflammation, infection, cancers such as leukemia, and many other ailments.

Since blood tests are so crucial to the diagnostic plan for many ill patients and are often included in baseline testing for well patients, choosing the right machine for your practice’s needs is an important decision.

Why Choose an In-House Hematology Analyzer?

When it comes to blood cell analysis, veterinarians have the option of doing tests in-house or sending samples out to a lab. Each method offers its own advantages, and some vets even use a combination of both. 

For example, when a sample is sent to an outside lab, there is usually the advantage of a specialist doing the qualitative/differential analysis. With in-house analyzers, it’s a good idea to include blood smears for increased accuracy and to look at cell morphology.

A veterinarian or their nurses can gain this skill through practice. However, a specialist may be able to detect subtle changes to blood cells that a general practitioner might not notice since the specialist looks at blood cells all day long. And, they can often confidently differentiate between artifacts and pathology when looking at cells on a blood smear.

On the other hand, the in-house analysis offers a lot of conveniences.

Sometimes, a veterinarian needs an answer quickly in order to start treating an ill patient right away. And worried pet owners might want answers as soon as possible.

Plus, depending on the specific contract the veterinarian has entered into, an in-house machine might allow the practice to keep a higher percentage of the profits with each lab test performed.

What Should a Veterinarian Consider When Choosing an In-House Hematology Analyzer?

Here are a few important considerations before making a purchase…

• Brand preference. Maybe a veterinarian or their team has had a good experience with a particular brand. Or, if the company has any additional equipment or tests (such as snap tests) the practice is also interested in, maybe it would be possible to negotiate a better deal for everything together.

• Contracts. Sometimes, particularly when equipment is heavily discounted, there may be “strings” attached, such as a requirement to perform a certain number of tests per month (and a penalty for not doing so). It’s always important to check the contract closely when making a purchase. 

• Costs. Obviously, the cost of the analyzer itself should be considered. But remember to also factor in the costs of supplies (rotors, reagents, etc.) and the cost of each test relative to the cost to the client.

• Machine specifics. How fast are the results? How much blood is needed to run each test? Which species can be tested? And how are results added to a patient’s medical record?

• Ease of operation. Is the machine simple and intuitive to use? Is training provided by the company that sells the machine?

• Warranty and maintenance. Ask if there is a warranty included, what it covers, how long it’s good for, and if there’s an option to renew it once it runs out. Also, find out about routine maintenance costs, if there’s a helpline available if you have questions, and how fast an issue with the machine can be repaired/resolved.

• “Real world” performance. Ask around and see if any colleagues in your area use the equipment, and see what their experience has been. Or, see if the company will let you use the equipment on a short trial period before buying.

IDEXX, Abaxis, and Heska

These three companies are popular choices for veterinary practices. Here are the stated advantages of highlighted analyzers from each company…

IDEXX ProCyte Dx Hematology Analyzer

IDEXX claims to have the industry’s most comprehensive CBCs (27 whole blood parameters plus fluid analysis options, with 17 species capabilities), with reference lab-quality results. They advertise dot plots with each in-house CBC report and extra help such as differential diagnoses and access to board-certified consultants at no charge. Results take two minutes.

Noted special capabilities include detecting band neutrophils and nucleated red blood cells, and including a reticulocyte count.

Abaxis VetScan HM5 Hematology Analyzer

This Abaxis machine reports 22 parameters in less than four minutes, including histograms. The company advertises compatibility with select practice management systems, ease of use, and minimal, quick maintenance with automated cleaning reminders.

Another benefit may be the small sample size requirement of just two drops of whole blood. It has capabilities for 15 species, as well as fluid analysis options. One noted special capability is a direct eosinophil count.

Heska HemaTrue Hematology Analyzer

Heska notes this machine can deliver accurate, reproducible results in 55 seconds, using just 20uL (about one drop) of blood. Results include 17 parameters and histograms. The color touchscreen interface is noted to be simple to navigate, with several species options.

The HemaTrue has daily automatic cleaning and quality control. The company states veterinarians have options such as a free analyzer use, low test prices compared to competitors and a free warranty. One additional advantage is a built-in blood tube mixer.

Keep in mind that there are different analyzer models available from each company that have varying specifications and that details may change over time. So always confirm the specifics before making a purchase.

There’s no one right machine that’s a fit for every veterinary practice. Instead, look at your practice’s individual needs and budget to find the hematology analyzer that’s the best fit for your team and for meeting the needs of your patients and clients.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

5 Tips to Improve Efficiency With Radiographs

Efficiency can increase a veterinary practice’s income by allowing more patients to be seen or more procedures such as radiographs to be performed.

Additionally, it may lead to an increased average charge per patient—which can improve a practice’s bottom line while delivering excellent patient care.

When it comes to radiographs, here are five ways to increase efficiency…

Start With the Best Equipment for Your Practice’s Needs

Having good, well-functioning equipment can really make life easier for a veterinarian and their team. After all, slower machines and image processors can increase the time per shot. And equipment that’s not operating at its best may lead to frustrating retakes—or even to rescheduling a procedure.

To maximize the usefulness of radiography equipment at a veterinary practice, start by taking an inventory of which equipment is there, including: generator, table, plate or cassette, film processor or digital image software, etc.

Next, evaluate each piece of equipment with the following questions:

• How is the equipment functioning right now?

• If not working well, can repairs or maintenance solve the issue—and what is the cost?

• Is there any routine maintenance due to be performed?

• Does anything need to be replaced—and is it the whole system, or just one specific component?

• Would an upgrade improve efficiency? For example, upgrading from film to digital x-rays can save a lot of time that would otherwise be spent processing films.
  

  Develop Standard Protocols and Techniques

If certain procedures are performed infrequently or don’t have a standard set of protocols to follow, this may lead to confusion, inconsistency, or errors—all of which can waste time and cause frustration.

To make things more efficient, it helps to have standard protocols for team members to follow, which have been properly explained to them. Protocols may include:

• Specific instructions for patient positioning for different radiographic views, such as thorax, hip, spine, etc.

• Guidelines for effective patient restraint while minimizing the staff’s exposure to radiation. For example, be sure the team knows how to properly use positioning aids such as sandbags and tape. 

• If patients are sedated, be sure to have a minimum standard for patient monitoring, with prepared monitoring sheets a team member can easily pick up and use for their monitoring notes.

• Have a standard technique chart, or make sure the team knows how to properly set up an x-ray study using a digital program that automatically sets technique. This includes explaining how to measure a patient in the position in which they will be radiographed.

  Have the Right Resources Available for Radiographic Interpretation

This may include textbooks and other references for what is normal on each radiographic view and what is not. 

Access to a second opinion can also be very valuable. Try to create a collaborative environment where veterinary colleagues within the practice can help each other discuss and interpret radiographs. Consider subscribing to an online forum such as the Veterinary Information Network (VIN), where a vet can post their radiographs for a second opinion. Or, consider using a teleradiology consultation service with veterinary radiologists.

Practice Makes Perfect

Efficiency in taking and interpreting radiographs will improve over time, with practice. So even if fitting more radiographs into a busy schedule feels time-consuming at the beginning, it will get to be second nature over time. 

The same is true with x-ray image interpretation—many vets become faster and more proficient with practice. Also, be sure to study the radiographs of normal patients, to gain a thorough understanding of all the different ways normal anatomy can look in different sizes and breeds of veterinary patients.

Plan for Conversations With Clients

If pet owners are unsure about proceeding with radiographs—especially when sedation is required—the conversation can take up a lot of time for veterinarians and their team members. By planning what to say and gaining comfort with these conversations, time can be saved while providing patients with the care they need. Also, clients may feel more comfortable if everything is explained in just the right way.

Efficient x-ray conversation techniques may include general principles for good communication (active listening, empathy, non-verbal communication, etc.), as well as proactively discussing the answers to commonly asked questions and concerns. For example, explain how sedation not only makes the radiographs more detailed and accurate—it also makes the procedure less scary and more comfortable for a dog or cat.

Putting all these principles together, a veterinary team may find the whole x-ray process becomes more efficient. This is good for team morale, as it helps to keep the day running as smoothly as possible. It can also increase a practice’s bottom line over time while providing excellent care for patients. For all these reasons, it’s usually well worth it for a veterinary practice to invest in radiographic efficiency!

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

The Ultimate Guide to Veterinary Dental Cleaning Stations

A comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment (COHAT), also known as a veterinary dental procedure, is an important consideration for any pet’s long-term health.

Keeping the mouth healthy helps protect a dog or cat’s teeth and contributes to a pet’s overall wellbeing. And, it can be a source of revenue for the veterinary practice.

Here are some of the common components of a dental cleaning station, and the roles they play during a COHAT.

The Equipment Needed for Scaling and Polishing

Even for pets who need significant extractions, the dental procedure typically also involves scaling and polishing the remaining teeth, to clean them, keep them in good health for as long as possible, and avoid further tooth loss. 

So, it’s safe to say that scaling and polishing are an important part of any dental procedure.

Dental scaling and polishing are often delegated to skilled veterinary technicians and nurses. So, when it comes time to invest in a new dental cleaning station, it’s a good idea for veterinarians and practice managers to review the equipment available and see what is required to meet their practice’s needs.

These common tools on a dental cleaning unit play a role in scaling and polishing:

• Ultrasonic scaler. Hand scalers are still used, too, especially for tight spots that need extra attention. And curettes are needed for subgingival cleaning. However, it’s hard to beat an ultrasonic scaler for speed and efficiency when removing large amounts of dental calculus above the gumline. Many include a built-in LED light for easy visualization of the area being cleaned.

• Polisher/Low-speed handpiece. This tool is crucial for smoothing over any small defects or microabrasions in the tooth enamel caused during scaling. In other words, polishing should ALWAYS follow scaling. Recent AAHA dental guidelines recommend using disposable prophy angles and individually packaged, fine-grit prophy paste with a polisher.

• Air/Water syringe. This tool is useful for flushing away bits of tartar and other debris as you’re working, for drying a tooth prior to applying a sealant, or for irrigation and inspection of any visible subgingival areas after cleaning.

• Suction tool. Weak suction can be a convenient way to remove excess water and saliva during a procedure.

Equipment for Drilling and Extractions

Many extractions require drilling into alveolar bone to expose the tooth root or divide the tooth into segments. This allows for safe and efficient extractions, with less risk of leaving root tips or fragments behind.

For this reason, a high-speed drill is an essential component of any veterinary dental cleaning station. The drill should have several burs to choose from, too, since veterinarians see patients of all different sizes and since different bur shapes (rounded or tapered, for example) serve different purposes.

In addition to the drill, hand tools—such as elevators, luxators, extraction forceps, and suture kits—will be used. 

Other Factors to Consider In a Dental Cleaning Station

In addition to the tools available on the dental station, here are some considerations that may affect a veterinarian or practice owner’s decision to make a purchase…

• The size of the unit. Practices with small spaces may prefer a compact cleaning station, while others might not have a size restriction.

• Easy storage and access to tools. No matter the size of the station, it should be easy to store and access the tools right when you need to. No veterinary team member wants to fumble while reaching for a tool or accidentally drop something because it’s difficult to put back.

• Water reservoirs. No one wants to run out of water (which is used for many of the tools, including drilling and ultrasonic scaling) during the middle of a procedure, then put things on hold as the reservoir is refilled. For that reason, it may be beneficial to look for a station with a larger distilled water reservoir capacity.

• Service, maintenance, and warranty. It’s important to protect any equipment investment and to make sure it’s easy to keep the machine running so a veterinary practice can avoid canceling procedures due to equipment issues.

Also, remember to invest in high-quality complementary equipment. In addition to the dental cleaning station and other dental tools, a complete dental procedure also involves dental x-rays, appropriate anesthetic protocols and equipment, personal protection equipment, and anything else needed to perform a COHAT safely and effectively.

Veterinary dentistry can be a rewarding way to provide excellent patient care and generate income for a veterinary practice—a win-win scenario. To make sure these procedures run as smoothly as possible, it’s important to choose the equipment that’s the best fit for your practice’s needs.

Additional resources:

2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats: https://www.aaha.org/globalassets/02-guidelines/dental/aaha_dental_guidelines.pdf 

Editor’s Note:

Currently, we offer a complete veterinary dental cleaning station at an affordable price including shipping, delivery, and a 3-year warranty. 

The space-saving machine is designed for high-volume use. 

It features key tools that are crucial to any veterinary dental procedure—plus, a few exciting special features like advanced cooling for the high-speed drill, a scaler with an endodontics feature, an LED light on the polisher, and more!

Learn more, and contact us with any questions, here: https://newvetequipment.com/cleaning-station 

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM