3 Reasons Why ICU Cages are Critical to Veterinary Recovery

Unsurprisingly, ICU (intensive care unit) cages have gained popularity in veterinary hospitals and are slowly being considered a standard part of inpatient care.  

The rate of pet ownership continues to experience steady growth, resulting in a rising demand for veterinary care and services.

Veterinary ICUs, specialty & emergency hospitals, and general practices have expanded hospital treatment areas to accommodate ICU cages and support the incoming demand.

Market research indicates that ICU cage popularity will continue to grow due to their crucial role in providing intensive care to ill, injured, or post-operative patients.

With a controlled environment for monitoring and supportive care, ICU cages are the ideal stress-free environment for patients to recover comfortably.

Let’s take a look at three main reasons ICU cages are so critical to veterinary recovery.

#1 Convenient Patient Monitoring and Supportive Care for Inpatients

• There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to monitoring and supportive care, and it’s safe to say you can never have too much.

• Age, weight, disease process, pain profile, and other factors can vary the level of supportive care our patients need.

• To be cautious, monitoring should continue even after the patient is considered " normal.”

  ICU Cages offer:

• Soft, close, clear plastic doors for easy visual observation

• 3-1 lighting systems with adjustable brightness for exams, observation, and therapy

• Silent air systems for quiet oxygen therapy

• Built-in IV support and Nebulizer

#2 Comfortable Anesthetic Recovery

Since post-anesthetic recovery isn’t always straightforward, diligent monitoring can reduce the risk of complications.

Anesthesia (and surgical procedures) can profoundly impact a patient’s thermoregulatory system. Small changes in a patient’s body temperature can encourage recovery or harm cellular and tissue function.

Hypothermia following an anesthetic procedure is one of the most common complications found in canines and felines.

ICU cages use an active warming approach in a temperature-controlled environment, which reduces the risk of hypothermia and helps to increase recovery times.

#3: Providing the Best Standard of Care

Now more than ever, pet parents are willing to seek advanced diagnostic and treatment options for the best possible care.

With a growing awareness of advanced veterinary medicine, please ensure your practice has the best supportive equipment for your incoming patients.  

Your patients and clients deserve the peace of mind of knowing your practice offers housing geared toward safety and comfort.

This will allow your team to provide hassle-free observation and monitoring for each patient. 

Learn More - Veterinary ICU Standard Of Care - https://newvetequipment.com/blog/veterinary-icu-standard-of-care

Learn More - When Does Your Patient Need The Extra Support Of A Veterinary Smart ICU? https://newvetequipment.com/blog/when-does-your-patient-need-the-extra-support-of-a-veterinary-smart-icu

Learn More - What Does An ICU Cage Unit Do For A Critical Pet Patient? https://newvetequipment.com/blog/what-does-an-icu-cage-unit-do-for-a-critical-pet-patient

Veterinary ICU Standard of Care

Understanding Critical Care

What comes to mind when you hear “critical care unit”? Trauma? Life-threatening illness? Life-support?

Just as we have emergency and critical care services for people, the same applies to our pet patients.

…And just as we’d expect exceptional care for our loved ones, we take the same approach for our veterinary patients.

Veterinary ICUs (intensive care units, also known as critical care units) are caring and compassionate environments specifically for patients suffering from injury, illness, or disease.

They offer lifesaving care services to high-risk patients who often experience better outcomes thanks to advanced care equipment and team training.

ICU Standard of Care

We can all agree that patients deserve the highest quality of care, but how can we be sure we’re delivering? By having a caring staff? Prompt medical intervention?

Standard of care means having a set of guidelines that define the appropriate treatment for a particular health problem.

What enhances a hospital's standard of care is having caring and knowledgeable staff who are dedicated to patient care and increasing their odds of recovery.  

It can also mean having a diverse suite of diagnostic and care equipment ready for treatment intervention, and comfortable monitoring.

What if Our Practice Doesn’t Have a Dedicated ICU Department?

Not every practice is equipped to handle critical cases as well as a dedicated veterinary ICU, but every hospital has the opportunity to provide the best standard of care for their patients.

Standard of care starts with 2 steps.

• Step 1: A knowledgeable veterinary medical team

• Step 2: Having the right equipment at our fingertips for proper care

Let’s start with ICU cages for example…

ICU cages have gained popularity in hospitals with services ranging from emergency & critical care to specialty and general medicine.  

Which makes sense when you think about it…

Think about the number of patients you’ve seen recently that would benefit from anesthesia recovery in a quiet and well oxygenated space.

Or, what about the c-section puppies who need a temperature controlled, safe space to nest while their momma recovers.

Whether you have a patient in need of cardiopulmonary disease management, or just want a calm space for an anxious patient to decompress after diagnostics, an ICU cage offers features for a safe, comfortable stay.

Not all ICU cages are created equally, here’s some things to look for…

Space flexibility

Your hospital likely treats patients of varying shapes and sizes. Finding an ICU unit with a removable divider lets you treat two patients side by side, or provide individualized care.

o Finding open real estate for new equipment isn’t easy. Investing in an durable Veterinary ICU unit with an expandable design allows you to add a second story to provide quality care to more patients.

 Streamlined control panel

 Ensure you can easily customize and monitor temperature and oxygen levels for tailored patient care.

Patient treatment & monitoring

• Look for a veterinary ICU unit with a built-in medical nebulizer & IV support.

• Avoid ICU units that don’t offer silent air systems and soft-close plastic doors.

• Some ICU units offer 3-in-1 lighting systems with adjustable brightness and timing functions. White light can be used for clear examinations, warm light for monitoring and observation, and blue light for therapy.

• Disease control can’t be overstressed. Look for units that use animal-friendly PHI (photo-hydro-ionization) technology for real-time disinfection and deodorizing.

Although specific equipment may not fall under a typical definition of a “standard” of care, your hospital’s standard is what you make of it.

Investing in your team and the tools available to them will undoubtedly improve your standards and can increase the hospital's income. 

Learn More - What Does An ICU Cage Unit Do For A Critical Pet Patient? - https://newvetequipment.com/blog/what-does-an-icu-cage-unit-do-for-a-critical-pet-patient

Learn More - When Does Your Patient Need The Extra Support Of A Veterinary Smart ICU? - https://newvetequipment.com/blog/when-does-your-patient-need-the-extra-support-of-a-veterinary-smart-icu

What is an Overexposed X-Ray and What do they Look Like?

With almost all types of veterinary diagnostic imagery, the effort is in the prep work!

That means getting the correct measurements, exposure settings, and positioning off the bat leads to the best results.

In a previous blog, we discussed why we get underexposed X-rays and how to identify them.

However, it’s easy to overcompensate when adjusting exposure settings and get the opposite effect: overexposed X-rays.

With proper knowledge, practice, and technique, getting a well-balanced exposure rate is simple!

What is an Overexposed X-Ray?

Overexposed X-rays are a result of X-ray settings being too high (using an increased kVp and mAs). This causes too much energy build up in the primary beam.

With excessive energy build-up, the patient absorbs little energy, and an overdose of radiation is absorbed into the detector. A detector starts white and darkens as it’s met with radiation.

As a result, the image will be overexposed (or too dark) to be considered diagnostic. The X-rays are essentially “burning” the plate, causing significant internal structures and tissues to appear less visible.

As you can imagine, this inhibits a clear interpretation by the Veterinarian or Veterinary Specialist and delays a proper diagnosis and treatment.

How Will I Know the X-Ray is Overexposed?

It’s not hard to identify veterinary X-rays that have been overexposed.

Here are a few characteristics that will stand out:

• · Image has a darkened appearance

• · Poor visibility of internal structures

• · Blur or distortion

• · Scatter Radiation (reduces image contrast and clarity as a result of the x-ray changing direction –“scattering” - when it meets the patient)

To be appropriately interpreted by a Veterinarian or Veterinary Specialist, you’ll likely need a retake to visualize lesions, growths, or other abnormalities clearly.

Why is My X-ray overexposed?

Capturing an overexposed image is frustrating. Now that we’re pretty clear on what they look like, let’s talk about what may have caused it:

• · Incorrect kVp or mAs settings (if settings appear correct, consider re-measuring to confirm measurements were accurate)

• · Forgetting to move the x-ray tube head to the correct position (if it’s too close to the cassette, it’s easy to cause overexposure)

• · Possible technical error

If I Need a Retake, How Can I Avoid Another Overexposed X-Ray?

Here are a few easy-to-follow tips to avoid overexposed X-rays with your next image:

1. Correctly measure the anatomical part of the patient you’ll be radiographing using a set of calipers (remember, it’s best to measure in the position they’ll be in for the image)

2. Confirm X-ray settings using your veterinary X-ray technique chart

3. Ensure the x-ray tube head is in the correct position (raised if the plate is on the tabletop or lowered if it’s in the bucky tray)

4. Don’t forget to collimate (helps to reduce scatter radiation for a better image quality)

For best results, use computed radiography software tools to reduce artifacts, distortion, and scatter radiation (not to mention hassle-free transfers of DICOM or JPEG images for diagnostic review).

The Quick Take Away

If we think of X-ray exposure like a toaster, when the toaster produces too much energy, we’re left with toast that’s burnt to a crisp.

Just as we’d need to decrease the time on our toaster for a better breakfast, the x-ray settings will need to be reduced on the machine for a balanced diagnostic image.

We want to aim for images that have:

· Sharpness (in focus, clear, and distinct)

· Visual characteristics of density and contrast (adequate representation of tissue density)

· Clear visualization of internal structures

· No distortion or artifacts (no patient motion, technical errors, unnecessary objects, etc.)

Avoid the hassle of retakes by putting effort into the prep work—accurate measuring, exposure settings, and positioning—and getting back to what truly matters to you and your patients. 

Learn more - What Is An Over-Exposed X-Ray, And How To Avoid Over-Exposed Radiographs

https://newvetequipment.com/blog/x-ray-woes-demystifying-over-exposure-in-your-veterinary-clinic

Why We Get Underexposed X-rays and How to Identify One

Why are Clear Veterinary Diagnostic Images So Important?

Proper diagnostic imagery is the bedrock of developing lifesaving treatment protocols for our patients.

Beyond diagnosis, x-rays enable Veterinary professionals to monitor the effectiveness of ongoing treatment, making adjustments based on the patient’s response (which can affect the patient’s long-term prognosis).

A poor-quality image can snowball into a delayed diagnosis, postpone treatment plans, and defer patient care.  

For this reason, it’s important to identify the characteristics of a diagnostically valuable x-ray.

Various factors contribute to an image’s ability to be considered diagnostically worthy. To get started, look at one of the most common causes of retakes: underexposed X-rays.

What Makes Up a Quality Veterinary Diagnostic Image?

Before we dive into what characteristics to look for in an underexposed image, let’s first talk about qualities that make up an image with a balanced exposure rate.

 An image with adequate quality will display:

• Sharpness (the image is in focus, clear, and distinct)

• Visual characteristics of density and contrast (adequate representation of tissue density)

• Clear visualization of internal structures

• No distortion or artifacts (no patient motion, technical errors, unnecessary objects, etc.)

Proper knowledge and use of a veterinary X-ray technique chart enables consistent exposure rates and image quality.

What is an Underexposed Veterinary X-Ray?

Underexposed X-rays result from X-ray settings being set too low.

When x-ray settings are too low, insufficient energy builds up in the primary beam. With too little energy meeting the X-ray detector (the tool that captures the image, also known as a cassette), the image appears radiopaque (meaning white to light gray).

A few other characteristics you’ll notice in underexposed X-rays are:

• Lack of density and contrast (making the image appear “cloudy)

• Poor visibility of internal structures

• Blur or distortion

• Scatter Radiation (reduces image contrast and clarity as a result of the x-ray changing direction –“scattering” - when it meets the patient)

The result of these characteristics will likely require a retake (increasing radiation exposure to both the patient and those capturing the image).

It’s no secret that X-ray retakes are less than ideal. Not only do they increase exposure risks, but they also decrease productivity and hospital efficiency and delay diagnostic review and treatment planning.

When an X-ray image lacks proper exposure, it is considered underexposed and less diagnostically valuable (or not at all).

How to Avoid an Underexposed Veterinary X-Ray

Here are a few easy-to-follow tips to avoid underexposed X-rays with your next patient:

1.       Correctly measure the anatomical part of the patient you’ll be radiographing using a set of calipers (for best results, measure in the position they’ll be in for the image. For example, lateral recumbency)

2.       Using the measurement, refer to your veterinary x-ray technique chart for correct kVp and mAs settings

3.       Ensure the x-ray tube head is in the correct position (raised if the cassette is on the tabletop or lowered if it’s in the bucky tray)

4.       Use the collimator on the veterinary X-ray generator to reduce unnecessary scatter radiation

Use image-enhancing algorithms and software tools offered by computed radiography to reduce artifacts, distortion, and scatter radiation for best results.

Risks of Poor Quality Veterinary Diagnostic Images

Just as a good diagnostic image can result in a successful treatment plan, a poor-quality X-ray can create barriers and delays in a confident diagnosis.

Inadequate exposure during an X-ray can lead to:

• Misdiagnosis

• Inconclusive diagnosis

• Failure to resolve discrepancies in interpretation

Something as simple as an underexposed image can lead to potentially life-threatening consequences and compromised patient care.

The Quick Take Away

Think of X-ray exposure like a toaster—if the toaster doesn’t produce enough energy, when it’s finished, you’re left with nothing but a warm piece of white bread.

Just as we’d need to increase the time on our toaster, the machine's X-ray settings will need to be increased for a balanced diagnostic image.

Enhancing Safety in Your Veterinary Radiology Room

Dosimeter badges and a proper X-ray or CT room shield plan are the best ways to protect your veterinary team from radiation exposure.

Want to learn more? For more information on radiation safety at your practice, check out the links below:

• Dosimeters and Their Use in a Veterinary Practice

•  Dosimeters: Why They're Important and What to Know About Dosimetry Badge Requirements  

•  Veterinary X-Ray or CT Room Shield Plan

How to use a Veterinary X-Ray Technique chart

Mastering Veterinary X-Ray Techniques

Quality diagnostics are the foundation of a confident patient diagnosis. It’s no surprise that veterinary radiography is one of the most commonly used diagnostic tools when confirming (or ruling out) a patient diagnosis.

Although the terms “x-ray” and “diagnostic image” are often used interchangeably, to rule an image as “diagnostic”, it should display quality contrast and dynamic range and avoid any artifacts.

To achieve these characteristics, let’s start with the foundation of what produces a quality diagnostic image: a technique chart.

The Purpose of a Technique Chart for Veterinary Radiography

A digital radiography technique chart is a standard guide to producing the optimum exposure for a diagnostic image.

Put another way, it’s a table of predetermined exposure settings that, when used accurately, ensure consistent image quality and patient exposure.

A reliable, user-friendly chart is important for obtaining clear diagnostic imagery with consistent radiographic density and contrast.

Why do Technique Charts for Veterinary Digital Imagery Matter?

Patient care and wellbeing is always top priority and proper treatment starts with a confident diagnosis.

Veterinarians and Veterinary Specialists rely on quality diagnostic images to rule out suspected diagnoses and confirm findings to develop an accurate treatment plan.

With many veterinary practices upgrading to quality veterinary X-ray software, there’s a little more forgiveness in under/overexposed images (with veterinary X-ray technology advancements, we can manipulate image contrast); however, not all exposure imperfections can be corrected.

Having a precise image from the start is crucial to a proper evaluation.

What Factors Make Up a Technique Chart?

Let’s break it down…

Most technique charts are segmented anatomically by thorax (chest), abdomen, spine, and extremities (arms, legs, tail) since each area varies in density. The measurement of the anatomical body part will determine the exposure settings.

What exactly are exposure settings?

Exposure settings include:

· kVp (kilovoltage peak), which controls the penetrating power of the x-ray beam (or how energetic the x-rays are)

· mAs (milliampere-seconds), which controls the number of x-rays.

Typically, the higher the mAs, the better the image quality; however, it’s important to be judicious with these settings because they can also contribute to the patient's radiation dose.

How to Use a Technique Chart for Veterinary Digital X-Rays

It all starts with accurate measurements. Begin by using a set of calipers to measure the anatomical part of the patient you’ll be radiographing.

Tip: for best results, measure the patient in the position they’ll be in during the radiograph (ex: right lateral recumbency) and measure from the point of x-ray entrance to exit.

Once you’ve got your measurement (in cm), consult the technique chart to determine the kVp and mAs to set the X-ray generator.

Depending on your veterinary hospital’s X-ray system setup, you may also need to determine whether the X-ray cassette needs to be placed on the tabletop or in the bucky tray (also known as the “film tray”).

You can place your technique chart aside and manipulate your tube head and lighting in preparation for your image.

Tip: Remember, the tube head may need to be raised if the cassette is on the table top or lowered if it’s in the Bucky tray.

Remember to place a left/right marker to indicate patient positioning (for example, if the patient is in right lateral recumbency, an “R” label should be included on the image).

Once you’ve confirmed your settings are correct, the cassette and tube head are in the correct position, the label is placed, and the patient is in position, you’re ready to capture your diagnostic image!

Making Adjustments to Exposure Factors

Sometimes adjustments are necessary for a clear visual of injuries or problem areas. Here are a few tips to consider before your retake:

• If the initial radiograph is too light, try increasing the kVP by 15% (mAs remain the same)

• If the initial radiograph is too dark, try decreasing the mAs by 15% (mAs remain the same)

Want to learn more?

For more tips on achieving quality diagnostic veterinary images, check out these articles below:

• · Fine-tuning veterinary X-ray settings

• · The impact of over-exposed X-rays in animal radiography

• · What is an under-exposed x-ray, and how do I avoid it in my animal hospital x-ray room?

Warnings!

• Don’t participate in x-ray diagnostic imaging if you’re pregnant to avoid harmful radiation to your little one.

• Avoid using old, run-down, or defective protective gear. If cracks, tears, or fraying appear, replace your veterinary radiology protective supplies.   

Additional Resources:

· Merck Veterinary Manual: Radiography of Animals

Seeing is Believing: Why Contrast Enhances Veterinary Cone Beam CT for Optimal Pet Care

What is cone beam computed tomography?

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is an imaging technique that is widely utilized in human medicine.

Its unique characteristics make it especially suited to the fields of orthopedics, image-guided radiation therapy, interventional radiology, maxillofacial surgery, and dentistry. 

Still, its benefits are only just starting to be realized within the veterinary world. CBCT is capable of producing detailed 3D images that are proving particularly suited to a range of veterinary applications such as maxillofacial surgery (especially trauma), dentistry, imaging of exotic species such as rabbits, and for orthopedics, in particular, imaging of joints and extremities.

CBCT is a specific form of Computed Tomography (CT). As with regular CT imaging, CBCT utilizes a moving beam of X-rays that are detected by a digital X-ray detector.

A series of images are obtained from various angles around the patient which can then be used to generate a 3D image using complex algorithms via specialist computer software.

The main difference between CBCT and regular CT, as its name suggests, is that CBCT utilizes a divergent beam of X-rays which form a cone shape. This allows the X-ray beam to cover a larger area in a single pass.

Regular CT machines in contrast take “slices” through the patient using a flat fan-shaped beam of X-rays that require several passes over the area of interest to acquire sufficient information.

What are its advantages and disadvantages?

The specific characteristics of the CBCT system mean that it has the advantage of being faster than a standard CT scan and exposes the patient to a lower radiation dose due to only a single pass being required to produce an image.

In addition, CBCT machines tend to be smaller and less expensive to purchase, making them more accessible. The images produced by CBCT can also show substantially superior spatial resolution compared with regular CT.

This means that images are clearer and more detailed, allowing better visualization of small structures and abnormalities, particularly within bony tissues.

There are however some disadvantages to the technique. Due to the shape of the beam and the lack of collimation, CBCT scans tend to produce more scatter radiation.

The consequence of this is inferior contrast resolution in soft tissues - meaning that subtle lesions of soft tissues, resulting in only slight differences in contrast, are more likely to be missed.

The scatter also increases the radiation exposure in the surrounding areas and potentially to operating staff. This scatter is amplified when CBCT is used for larger body parts such as the thorax or abdomen. 

For these reasons, CBCT tends to be used for smaller body areas such as the head and bones, particularly the extremities.   It is beneficial for imaging exotics and their dentistry.

Why is it important to use contrast in CBCT?

The use of contrast is common in many imaging modalities to further enhance and widen their application.

CT typically uses non-ionic contrast media (e.g. iohexol), commonly injected intravenously but can also be injected directly into a body cavity under investigation, such as a joint space.

Contrast is used to highlight specific areas of interest, especially those that may be usually hard to see. In CBCT, iodinated contrast media that are injected intravenously will highlight vessels and soft tissue structures supplied by these.

This has the potential to increase the diagnostic utility of CBCT  massively. 

The addition of contrast studies in addition to plain CBCT scans is crucial as it will both provide additional information and overcome some of the limitations of the technique.

In orthopedic examinations, the addition of contrast by direct injection into the joint provides high-resolution images of the articular surfaces aiding the assessment of lesions found in degenerative joint disease for example.

In dentistry and maxillofacial surgery, intravenous contrast techniques that highlight blood vessels allow the surgeon to assess vascular structures better and in particular any abnormalities of the vasculature that could be potentially affected by any planned procedures.

Contrast also improves the ability of CBCT to detect and assess soft tissue lesions, for example, neoplasms presenting at an early stage.

Cone beam CT is a relatively new diagnostic modality in the veterinary world.

However, its unique properties and affordability mean that it is likely to be more widely used in the future.

Contrast techniques can greatly increase the range and accuracy of diagnostic procedures possible with these systems and these techniques will likely continue to develop, offering new and exciting opportunities.

References:

[1] Kumar M, Shanavas M, Sidappa A, Kiran M. Cone beam computed tomography - know its secrets. J Int Oral Health. 2015 Feb;7(2):64-8. PMID: 25859112; PMCID: PMC4377156.

[2] Venkatesh E, Elluru SV. Cone beam computed tomography: basics and applications in dentistry. J Istanb Univ Fac Dent. 2017 Dec 2;51(3 Suppl 1):S102-S121. doi: 10.17096/jiufd.00289. PMID: 29354314; PMCID: PMC5750833.

[3] Kim, M., Kim, B., Choi, H., Choi, Y., Oh, S. H., Kang, J., Lee, S., Kang, J., Kim, G. T., Choi, Y., & Hwang, E. (2015). Intravenous contrast media application using cone-beam computed tomography in a rabbit model. Imaging Science in Dentistry, 45(1), 31. https://doi.org/10.5624/isd.2015.45.1.31

[4] Posadzy, M., Desimpel, J., & Vanhoenacker, F. (2018). Cone beam CT of the musculoskeletal system: clinical applications. Insights Into Imaging, 9(1), 35–45. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13244-017-0582-1 

[5] Riggs, G. G., Cissell, D. D., Arzi, B., Hatcher, D. C., Kass, P. H., Zhen, A., & Verstraete, F. J. (2017). Clinical Application of Cone Beam Computed Tomography of the Rabbit Head: Part 2-Dental Disease. Frontiers in veterinary science, 4, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2017.00005

[6] Bregger, M. D. K., Koch, C., Zimmermann, R., Sangiorgio, D., & Schweizer-Gorgas, D. (2019). Cone-beam computed tomography of the head in standing equids. BMC Veterinary Research, 15(1), 289. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-019-2045-z

[7] Myller, K. A., Turunen, M. J., Honkanen, J. T., Väänänen, S. P., Iivarinen, J. T., Salo, J., Jurvelin, J. S., & Töyräs, J. (2017). In Vivo Contrast-Enhanced Cone Beam CT Provides Quantitative Information on Articular Cartilage and Subchondral Bone. Annals of biomedical engineering, 45(3), 811–818. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-016-1730-3

[8] Hamard M, Sans Merce M, Gorican K, Poletti PA, Neroladaki A, Boudabbous S. The Role of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography CT Extremity Arthrography in the Preoperative Assessment of Osteoarthritis. Tomography. 2023 Nov 29;9(6):2134-2147. doi: 10.3390/tomography9060167. PMID: 38133071; PMCID: PMC10747585.

Unlocking Veterinary Insights: The Importance of Large Animal Endoscopy

Large Animal Endoscopy

Endoscopy has been widely employed in equine veterinary hospitals for many decades, particularly in the assessment of the upper respiratory tract of competition horses.

Its use is not restricted to this area, however. As the available range of endoscopes, tools, and accessories expands, so does the availability and application of endoscopy in large animal general practice.

Alongside its use in horses, the large animal endoscope may be a valuable tool for veterinarians working with production animals (particularly those of high economic value), camelids, farm pets, and zoological species.

Reasons to Perform Large Animal Endoscopy

As with small animals, large animal endoscopy may be undertaken for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Cases benefiting from endoscopy may include those with the following:

Structural abnormalities such as strictures may be identified and possibly treated endoscopically

Conditions associated with exercise intolerance or poor athletic performance

Traumatic injuries, for example, bolusing injuries of the pharynx or esophagus in production animals, rectal tears in the horse post-examination

Ingestion or inhalation of foreign material which may be identified and retrieved endoscopically in most large animal species

Neoplastic disease visualization, biopsy, and, in some cases such as ethmoid hematomas, treatment

Parasitic disease identification and sampling

Infectious diseases such as guttural pouch mycosis or sinusitis in horses 

Inflammatory disease for example Equine Asthma (EA) where bronchoalveolar lavage samples may be valuable

Gastric ulceration especially in horses

 Large animal endoscopy may be used in the following organ systems:

• Upper respiratory tract - including nasal passages, paranasal sinuses, guttural pouches, pharynx and larynx

• Lower respiratory tract - including trachea and bronchi

• Oral/dental assessment in all species

• Upper gastrointestinal tract - including esophagus, stomach, and proximal small intestine

• Lower gastrointestinal tract including the rectum and colon 

• Urinary tract 

• Reproductive tract

Large animal endoscopes

Large animal endoscopy most often employs a flexible endoscope (either a fiberscope or video endoscope) of diameter and length appropriate for the patient and organ system under investigation. Dynamic endoscopy is also now available, using a portable, wireless, flexible endoscope to assess an animal during exercise.

Large animal endoscopes require a light source, an air pump for insufflation, irrigation, and suction, as well as a monitor to receive the image in the case of video endoscopes. Fiberscopes and rigid endoscopes may be connected via a camera system to a display monitor. 

Instrumentation for large animal endoscopy

Instruments used in large animal endoscopy may include the following, some of which are available either as single-use or reusable items:

• Biopsy forceps – with various tips to suit the tissue to be biopsied. In this case, single-use forceps may be advantageous in gaining optimum biopsy quality as the cutting edge will always be sharp.

• Grasping forceps – including rat-toothed, alligator jaws, or multi-pronged forceps

• Retrievers, snares, or baskets – for the retrieval of foreign objects

• Polypectomy snares – with cutting wire for the removal of polyps and other small growths

• Cytology brushes – for collecting cell samples, particularly from the lower airway or gastrointestinal tract

• Catheters with injection needles - for aspiration biopsy or flushing and aspirating fluid e.g. bronchoalveolar lavage

• Guttural pouch probe – to help navigate the endoscope into the guttural pouch

• Equine laryngeal forceps – particularly useful during trans-endoscopic laser surgery

• Coagulation electrode – where hemostasis is required.

Other applications

• Rigid endoscopes (or telescopes) are also widely used in large animal veterinary clinics. Applications may include

• Dental assessment

• Arthroscopy – for diagnosis and treatment (e.g. meniscal injury)

• Thoracoscopy – for diagnosis and treatment (e.g. pleural lavage in pleuropneumonia cases)

• Laparoscopy – for diagnostics (e.g. organ visualization and biopsy), elective surgery (e.g. cryptorchid castration or ovariectomy in horses) or therapeutic surgery (e.g. abomasopexy in cattle, neoplasia in all species, inguinal ring closure in equine hernia patients or nephrogenic space ablation after entrapment colic).

Artificial insemination and embryo transfer work

• Theloresectoscopy – for diagnostics and minimally invasive teat surgery in cattle 

• Rigid endoscopes are passed through a trocar or cannula into the required space. Operating instruments for use during laparoscopy and thoracoscopy may include scissors, grasping forceps, biopsy forceps, injection cannulas, a palpation probe, needle holders, and knot tyers. Specialist instruments are available for embryo transfer in horses and cattle and for toggling procedures in cattle.

• Instruments for use during arthroscopy may include probes to assess articular cartilage and subchondral bone; curettes for debridement; osteotomes and elevators for separating bone fragments; rongeurs; grasping forceps; arthroscopy punch for resection of cartilage, synovium or soft tissue masses; chisels; scissors; and drainage cannulas.

Conclusion

Large animal veterinary practitioners are presented with some specific challenges when diagnosing and treating our patients.

They are often, by definition, large in size which can limit the use of some diagnostic techniques such as abdominal radiography.

Frequently our patients would be at high risk under general anesthesia both in terms of risk to the patient and potential risk to the handler(s) too. In our livestock patients, in particular, financial limitations may preclude the use of advanced imaging modalities.

Large animal endoscopy represents an accessible, practical, and economically viable solution in many of these cases, both in terms of diagnostics and therapeutics. 

Additional resources 

The Veterinary Endoscopy Society - https://veterinaryendoscopysociety.org/ 

Equine endoscopy - https://adobevetcenter.com/equine-endoscopy/

Equine gastroscopy https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/equine-gastroscopy-a-complete-perspective 

Gastrointestinal biopsy in the horse https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10406387221085584

Transendoscopic URT laser surgery in the horse https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749073917302870

Livestock endoscopy - https://adobevetcenter.com/livestock-endoscopy/

Endoscopy in cattle https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22134601/#:~:text=Parts%20of%20the%20upper%20respiratory,prognosis%20of%20different%20pathological%20conditions. 

Theloscopy in cattle https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0749072004000854?via%3Dihub

Dosimeter Badges: Key FAQs Answered

What are veterinary dosimeter badges?

Veterinary dosimeter badges are small devices worn by veterinary professionals to monitor their exposure to radiation in workplaces where diagnostic imaging procedures are performed on animals.

•  Why are veterinary dosimeter badges necessary?

Veterinary dosimeter badges are crucial for ensuring the safety of personnel who work with radiation-emitting equipment, helping to monitor exposure levels, and preventing potential health risks.

• How much does a dosimeter badge cost? 

The cost is $88.00 per person per year. The price includes quarterly replaced dosimeter badges and quarterly lab reports.

• Do I need to return the badge whenever I get a new quarterly badge? 

Yes, you must return all the dosimeter badges every quarter following our return process. 

• What happens if I don’t return a badge or if I don’t return it on time? 

Returns must be on time to maintain the monitoring process which may lead to increased costs and regulatory issues. To avoid this, there is a $50 per badge, per quarter late fee. This ensures compliance, data accuracy, and the effective management of dosimetry programs, prioritizing worker safety.

• How do veterinary dosimeter badges work?

These badges contain sensitive materials that change when exposed to radiation, allowing for measuring radiation exposure over time.

•  Who needs to wear veterinary dosimeter badges?

Anyone working with radiation-emitting equipment in veterinary settings, including veterinarians, technicians, and radiology staff, should wear dosimeter badges.

• How often should veterinary dosimeter badges be worn?

Dosimeter badges should be worn whenever there is a possibility of radiation exposure, following workplace protocols and regulations.

• How are veterinary dosimeter badges read and analyzed?

Badges are collected quarterly and sent to our specialists for analysis, with reports provided to the veterinary facility.

•  Are veterinary dosimeter badges reusable?

No, dosimeter badges are single-use devices and should be replaced after analysis.  

• Are veterinary dosimeter badges transferable?

No, each dosimeter badge is person-specific and nontransferable. 

• Are there regulations or guidelines for veterinary dosimeter badges?

Yes, our services are governed by The National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) which provides guidelines and regulations for the use of dosimeter badges to ensure safety.

• How can I obtain veterinary dosimeter badges for my practice?

You can obtain dosimeter badges from https://form.jotform.com/221224959076157

• Who should I contact for more information about veterinary dosimeter badges?

For further assistance or questions about veterinary dosimeter badges, please get in touch with our customer service team support@newvetequipment.com or call at 530-722-4977

X-Ray Woes? Demystifying Over-Exposure in Your Veterinary Clinic

Sharpen Your Skills: Mastering X-Ray Technique to Avoid Overexposure

X-rays are workhorses in the veterinary world, helping diagnose countless conditions in our furry (and feathered, and scaled) friends. But for those perfect diagnostic images, proper exposure is crucial. Over-exposed X-rays, while easy to spot, can lead to a whole host of problems. Don't worry, though, this blog is here to help!

Why Does Exposure Matter?

A good X-ray is like a perfectly balanced recipe: all the elements need to be just right. Over-exposure, like adding too much salt, makes the image too dark and difficult to interpret. This can lead to missed diagnoses and even unnecessary repeat X-rays, exposing your patients and staff to additional radiation.

Culprits of the Over-Exposed Image

Several factors can contribute to over-exposed X-rays in your clinic:

• Distance: A slight change in the distance between the X-ray source and the animal can significantly impact exposure. Ensure proper positioning and consult your exposure chart for the correct distance based on the animal's size and the area being imaged.

• Technical Tweaks: Incorrect kV and mA settings can also play a role. Higher kV settings lead to more powerful X-rays that can penetrate deeper, potentially overexposing the film. Adjusting these settings based on the animal and the desired image is crucial.

• Missing Grids: Grids help filter out scattered radiation, improving image quality and reducing exposure. Ensure you're using the appropriate grid and factoring it into your exposure calculations.

Tips for X-Ray Success

Here's how you can ensure your X-rays are picture-perfect:

• Exposure Charts: These handy tools provide recommended kV and mA settings for various animal sizes and body areas. Consult them religiously!

• Exposure Indicators: Most digital systems come equipped with these, helping you identify overexposed images. Learn how to interpret the readings and adjust settings accordingly.

• Regular Maintenance: Keep your X-ray machines well-maintained for optimal performance and accurate exposure.

Remember:

Over-exposure isn't just about image quality; it's about patient and staff safety. By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can ensure your X-rays are both diagnostic and safe.

Bonus Tip: Consider exploring X-ray machines with features like automatic exposure adjustments based on animal size, like the DynaVue Duo. This can minimize errors, optimize imaging, and ultimately, enhance the care you provide to your animal patients.

Keeping Your Staff and Clients Safe: A Guide to Veterinary X-Ray and CT Room Shielding

Shielding Solutions: Safeguarding Staff and Clients in Veterinary Radiology

Ensuring the safety of your staff and clients is paramount in any veterinary practice, and this extends to the crucial area of X-ray and CT imaging. These powerful tools provide invaluable diagnostic information, but they also emit ionizing radiation, which can be harmful if not properly contained.

This blog post will delve into the essential aspects of veterinary X-ray and CT room shielding, addressing common questions like:

• How thick should the drywall be?

• Do I need lead in the walls?

• What level of protection is necessary for different areas of the room?

By understanding these key points, you can ensure your X-ray and CT room complies with safety regulations and provides optimal protection for everyone involved.

The Role of a Physicist Shielding Report

Before diving into specific materials and thicknesses, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of a physicist's report, also known as a shielding report. This document, created by a qualified medical physicist, is essential for determining the exact amount of radiation shielding required for your specific X-ray or CT equipment and facility layout.

The report considers various factors, including:

• Type of X-ray or CT scanner: Different machines produce varying levels of radiation, and the shielding needs to be tailored accordingly.

• Workload of the equipment: The frequency of X-ray or CT scans directly impacts the required shielding.

• Room layout and occupancy: The location of the X-ray room relative to other occupied areas plays a crucial role in determining the shielding needed for walls, floors, and ceilings.

Understanding Shielding Requirements in Different Areas:

While a physicist's report provides the definitive answer, here's a general overview of the various areas within an X-ray or CT room and their typical shielding needs:

Walls:

• Drywall thickness alone may not be sufficient for X-ray or CT rooms.

• Lead lining is often incorporated within the walls to absorb radiation effectively.

• The specific thickness of lead and total shielding equivalent (measured in millimeters of lead or lead equivalent) will be determined in the physicist's report.

Floors and Ceilings:

• Shielding requirements for floors and ceilings depend on the location of the X-ray source and the presence of occupied spaces above or below the room.

• The report will specify the needed thickness of concrete or other appropriate materials for these areas.

Control Booth:

• The control booth, where the operator stands during X-ray or CT procedures, requires sufficient shielding to minimize radiation exposure.

• This typically involves a combination of lead-lined walls, leaded glass windows, and proper door shielding.

Next Steps:

Remember, this blog post serves as a general informational guide, and the physicist's report is essential for ensuring your facility's X-ray or CT room adheres to regulations and prioritizes safety.

For a Physicist Shielding Report tailored to your specific veterinary practice, feel free to reach out to us!

We can help you create a safe and compliant environment for your staff, clients, and furry patients.

Fluoroscopy - the difference between II images and FPD Images

Understanding the Contrast Between II and FPD Images

 In a recent article, we were able to show the benefits of fluoroscopy in the veterinary field. Now, we can highlight in a bit more detail, the differences between the two methods of obtaining fluoroscopy images and explain when each one may be appropriate. 

Just like standard radiography where there are two methods for image capture - computed radiography (CR) or direct digital radiography (DDR) - in the field of fluoroscopy, there are also two methods - via an Image Intensifier (II) or a Flat Panel Detector (FPD).

For ease of understanding and by relating to familiar X-ray technologies, similarities can also be drawn between the standard X-ray capture options and the fluoroscopy image capture options with both the CR and II methods relying on an intermediate system between the point of image capture, and the viewing of the image, but the DDR and FPD methods connecting directly to a viewing computer. 

How the image is obtained

Image intensified images: 

The X-ray image intensifier is a unit that utilizes a series of photochemical reactions to achieve a viewable image.

At the front of the unit, exposed to the X-ray beam, sits an input phosphor (a solid material that emits light when exposed to radiation – the same technique as in an old-style intensifying screen in a film-based or CR X-ray setup). Immediately adjacent to this layer is a photocathode.

When the radiation beam strikes the input phosphor, causing visible light to be released, this visible light in turn strikes the photocathode. The photocathode releases electrons in direct proportion to the visible light, which is directed through the tube by electron lenses onto an output phosphor.

The output phosphor emits light the same way as the input phosphor does, so the image is obtained. This image is only around 1” in diameter, so to be diagnostic it needs to be magnified by attaching a video camera and then digitized in a computer. 

Flat Panel Detector images: 

In the FPD system, the X-ray image intensifier unit and video camera are replaced by a single digital assembly where the X-ray photons are converted directly to electrical charge and displayed on a monitor. 

Benefits of each system

Image intensified images: 

Being an older system, II fluoroscopy is a cheaper option than the more modern FPD systems, making it more accessible to the majority of veterinary clinics. There may also be a degree of familiarity in their use and maintenance is likely to be more easily obtained and more affordable than for FPD systems. 

Flat panel detector images: 

The images obtained in this way are much more detailed, of higher quality, and of a higher resolution than those captured by an image intensifier, therefore making them much more likely to result in an accurate diagnosis.

As well as a higher resolution image, the C-arms used in FPD units range from 12” x 12” to 17” x 17” which is a much larger field of view than those used with II units.

This means a wider area of the patient can be examined in a single capture. The whole process is also much faster than with an image intensifier, so the patient is exposed to a shorter duration of radiation. 

Downsides of each system

Image intensified images: 

Just as the image quality is the main benefit of the FPD system, the lack of image quality is the main downside to the II system - the images obtained tend to be of low resolution which can make diagnoses challenging.

The C-arms used also cover a much smaller field of view – typically around 9” x 9” or 12” x 12” meaning the anatomical area examined is also much smaller.

The slower processing of the image means a longer duration of exposure to radiation for the patient. As with many older technological systems, the II units are typically larger and take up more space within a practice than the more modern FPD units. 

Flat panel detector images: 

The main drawback to an FPD system is the cost – being a newer and much more advanced technique, the set-up costs are understandably much higher than for an image intensifier system.

This advanced equipment is also more delicate, and great care and training are needed to be able to use it safely. Some maintenance costs will also reflect this higher value. 

When choosing which system is right for a hospital, all the above factors need to be taken into consideration. There will not be one-size-fits-all. In the future, just like what happened when digital radiography took over from film radiography, we may all move more towards flat panel detectors but for the moment, clinics have the two possible options.

Whichever system is chosen, having fluoroscopy within a practice will greatly enhance the services they can offer and aid in increasing the diagnostic toolkit available to the doctors. 

References

1. https://newvetequipment.com/blog/veterinary-fluoroscopy

2. Gingold, E. (n.d.). Modern Fluoroscopy Imaging Systems. Image Wisely. https://www.imagewisely.org/Imaging-Modalities/Fluoroscopy/Modern-Imaging-Systems Figure 1, figure 2.

3. https://youtu.be/rex_N_H4zxU 

What does an ICU cage unit do for a critical pet patient?

A Safe Haven for Healing: Understanding the Benefits of Veterinary ICU Cages

Care of the critically ill patient can be challenging enough as it is; makeshift oxygen tents, fluctuating room temperatures, and awkward nebulization systems can make it seem like a real uphill struggle.

Vet surgeons and vet techs who have access to the latest innovations in intensive care equipment can focus their time and energy on patients and treatment plans, instead of wasting it battling environmental undesirables.  

So, what are our requirements?

Oxygen Supply

One of the primary features of all our intensive care unit (ICU) cages is the supplementation of oxygen (O2).

Traditional flow-by methods are unreliable, in no small part due lack of patient compliance. With flow-by, not only is it difficult to quantify the amount of O2 being delivered to a patient, but it is also nearly impossible to track and measure the patient’s response to the gradual removal of said supplementation.

The user-friendly control panel on our ICU cages facilitates the delivery of precise proportions of O2 into a patient’s micro-environment.

These levels can be readily adjusted in a manner to suit the patient’s needs, who can be easily viewed and monitored via the clear-view cage doors. O2 concentrators can be utilized with our ICU cages for the highly economical creation of medical-grade O2.

Vet professionals can relax in the knowledge that certain safety functions are in place to protect patients. Not only will an alarm sound should O2 concentration fall below 20%, or carbon dioxide exceed 2000ppm, but they can rest assured that intelligent technology will automatically engage the external circulation of air in these circumstances, and therefore maintain patient safety.

Nebulization

For patients requiring nebulization, our ICU cages offer an extremely exciting feature. Environmental medical nebulization is an inbuilt function, removing the need for awkward, handheld systems that are poorly tolerated by pets, with the potential to induce stress.

What is more, the efficacy of nebulization is dramatically improved and can be achieved without disturbing the patient.   

Warming

Hypothermic patients benefit from our ICU cages through the gentle, reliable, and consistent application of warm air into their environment.

Burns from heat mats and microwaveable wheat bags need to be a risk no more. Instead, it is possible to accurately monitor and adjust environmental temperature at the touch of a button, for safe and effective warming. 

Quiet, calm, and spacious accommodation

Other benefits of ICU cages include the calm, and quiet environment that they create.

There are no clattering metal cage doors. Instead, soft-closing plastic doors make for a peaceful experience for critically unwell patients who may be stressed about their condition.

The impact of anxiety on compromised patients is no secret amongst vet professionals: we all know that it can interrupt and prolong treatments and therefore recovery. For this reason, our ICU cages feature silent air conditioning systems and a 3-in-1 light system.

White light is invaluable for times of patient assessment, whilst gentle, warm light is invaluable for general monitoring, and blue light is available for therapeutic purposes.

Our cages can accommodate larger patients than some since there is a removable divider. When the divider is in place, the control panel is capable of setting individual environmental conditions for each cage, resulting in tailored care for each patient.

Infection control

When a critical patient poses the additional challenges of being either infectious, or immunosuppressed, it can be tricky to know where to house them for their safety, or that of other patients.

Our ICU cages come into their own in these circumstances, with to state-of-the-art photo-hydro-ionization technology which continuously disinfects and deodorizes the cage. An internal air circulation system further bolsters the creation of a safe and sterile environment, reducing cross-contamination between patients. 

ICU cages can have been described as life-supporting pieces of equipment, and it is easy to see why. As veterinary professionals, we not only aim to not harm, but we also strive for the best standard of care when it comes to our patients;

ICU housing facilitates exactly this for many critically unwell pets including neonates, infectious patients, critical care patients, those with cardiopulmonary diseases, those with post-operative complications, as well as geriatrics.

Struggle with makeshift oxygen & unreliable nebulization? Our ICU cages offer:

• Precise oxygen delivery with alarms & safety features.

• Built-in nebulization for improved efficacy & reduced stress.

• Safe & controlled warming to avoid burns.

• Quiet environment with silent AC & calming light options.

• Infection control with photo-hydro-ionization & air circulation.

Ideal for neonates, infectious, critical care, & more!

https://newvetequipment.com/intensive-care-unit

Safety considerations when using a portable handheld X-ray generator

Ensuring Safety with Portable Handheld X-ray Generators in Veterinary Practice

When using any x-ray equipment, the most important consideration for the user should always be safety.

Having safety protocols and measures in place is equally important when using both portable handheld X-ray generators and stationary machines. This article will review these safety considerations in veterinary practice.

Why choose handheld X-ray machines?

There are many benefits to using portable handheld x-ray generators and the demand is growing within the industry.

The fact that they are portable is brilliant for taking the X-ray machine anywhere, both in and out of the practice, and it provides lots of scope for field X-rays. As they are not fixed in a designated X-ray room, there are no installation costs or building adaptations required, therefore it is a bit more economical.

They are versatile and can take images of difficult locations and angles such as dentition and distal limbs etc. Sometimes this can prove extremely challenging and sometimes even impossible with fixed machines.

In the small animal veterinary field, there is a growing use and demand for handheld radiography equipment in dentistry cases and oral radiography is evolving. In an ideal scenario, every patient undergoing a dental procedure should have dental X-rays taken before the surgery.

This will allow for a more thorough assessment of specific dental diseases such as feline oral resorptive lesions (FORL).

However, it is important to be aware of the additional safety requirements.

Testing and training

Firstly, any X-ray equipment before use by veterinary professionals must be reviewed and tested to meet legal requirements.

Handheld radiography equipment is a real advance in both small and large animal practice, as it allows a much greater scope of diagnostic imaging.

With that, however, there is also more scope for inadvertent or excessive irradiation of staff and potentially patients.

As a result, proper and professional training should be undertaken by anyone who operates or is present for handheld X-rays. Once official protocols are set in place, these regulations must be strictly adhered to maximize user and patient safety. 

Personal safety and protection

Handheld X-ray devices are designed to have a hands-off approach to the patient by not requiring any form of manual restraint.

This allows radiographic images to be taken from a safer distance, without the veterinarian’s hands being directly exposed. Users should still always wear lead protective gloves that fully enclose the hands to reduce skin radiation exposure from scattered beams, as well as lead aprons and, where possible, thyroid neck shields.

There can be serious human health complications that can occur from overexposure to radiation. The carcinogenic effects of radiation exposure (especially high-dose radiation or repeated exposures) remain a huge topic of interest (scientific, medical, and legal) in both the human and veterinary fields which is why the relevant safety rules must always be adhered to.

In 2016, a survey was carried out among veterinary professionals, and it was discovered that 90% of participants were seeking alternative ways to manual restraint during X-rays, encouraging the need and demand for handheld devices. 

Alternative methods to manual restraint are positioning aids and sedation to allow a ‘hands-free’ approach. In general, there is no excuse for unshielded manual restraint of a patient, and relatively few patients are unsuitable for any form of chemical restraint. 

Integral protection

The safety of any handheld X-ray device lies in the operator’s hands. Handheld and portable X-ray devices are designed differently from other machines by encompassing some features to reduce radiation exposure.

Handheld machines have a lead shield incorporated into the device and often a lead shield close to the x-ray tube head to minimize radiation exposure through backscatter towards the operator.

Patient safety

As well as user safety considerations, we must always review patient safety and try to reduce their radiation exposure as much as possible. We must always abide by the specific safety distance between the handheld device and the patient. 

Dosage monitoring

Like all x-ray devices when they are in use, users should always wear personal dosimeter badges to monitor the user’s exposure to radiation. Every user should have their dosimeter badge and these badges should not be shared between colleagues.

This safety consideration is a strict regulation and dosimeter badges should be regularly checked to monitor radiation exposure levels.

Aging equipment 

Like any technical machinery, handheld X-ray machines and generators can have a reduced function and not work as well over time, especially after a lot of use.

Compliance audits and equipment servicing must therefore never be overlooked or forgotten about. As a general rule, all machines should be inspected by a qualified maintenance engineer or technician at least annually, and if in heavy use, this may need to be every 6 months, depending on the model.

To conclude, handheld X-rays are an exciting development within the veterinary profession.

They have many advantages for both the user and the patient, but these handheld machines do not come without their risks and safety should always remain the priority in every single individual case.

References

Ali, Y, F. Cucinotta, F, A. Ning-Ang, L. Zhou, G. 2020. Cancer risk of low dose ionizing radiation. Frontiers of physics. 8.

https://newvetequipment.com/#eapps-search-7455972f-926a-408a-9a16-b9db8da324fb-hand%20held%20x-ray

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

https://handsfreexrays.com/about

https://www.celticsmr.co.uk/media/1490/nomad-pro-vet-brochure.pdf

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

Cone Beam CT and Orthopedic Surgery for Veterinary Hospitals

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has revolutionized diagnostic imaging in the veterinary orthopedic field.

It has enabled delicate structures to be imaged in intricate detail, ensuring no pathologies are missed, diseases can be detected early, and surgery can be planned with the greatest precision.

In veterinary clinics, CBCT is now being used to scan cats and dogs, providing 3D images superior to other imaging modalities.

The benefits of using CBCT for Veterinary

Orthopedic surgeons rely on various imaging techniques for all aspects of their work including diagnostics, surgical planning, intra-surgical imaging, and monitoring post-surgical healing.

The unique properties CBCT has to offer make it the ideal imaging modality for orthopedic work as it greatly reduces a patient’s radiation exposure compared to conventional CT, while still producing high-quality images.

Compared to conventional CT, which uses a continuous beam of radiation, CBCT uses a conical-shaped beam and flat plate receiver, which both rotate 180 to 360° around the patient, while only taking intermittent images at specific intervals. Algorithms are used to convert these 2D images into a reconstructed 3D view that provides orthopedic surgeons with high-resolution images.

The benefits of CBCT:

• High-resolution 3D images are produced – The intricate level of detail each scan provides is ideal for assessing the architecture of bones and complex joints.

• Patients are only exposed to a low dose of radiation – The use of a focused field of view and intermittent radiation exposure during one scan enables each patient’s radiation dose to be significantly reduced compared to conventional CT.

• No issues with superimposition – The 3D images eliminate superimposition, enabling structures to be viewed using CBCT that would otherwise be unable to be assessed with digital radiography.

• Scans can be performed rapidly – A full scan takes less than a minute to complete, so it is ideal for both veterinary work and for use during orthopedic surgeries.

• The equipment is cost-effective – Compared to the cost of setting up a conventional CT scanner, CBCT is cheaper, enabling veterinary clinics access to CT when conventional CT scanners are out of budget.
  
  

CBCT in Orthopedic Veterinary Clinics

CBCT was first used in dentistry where it superseded digital radiographs by providing more accurate information on lesion location while being cost-effective and performing scans rapidly.

More recently, orthopedic surgeons have started using the benefits of CBCT, especially for imaging areas that were previously difficult to assess using digital radiography due to the location of superimposed bones or complex joints.

Why CBCT is superior to digital radiography 

Digital radiography is the first-line imaging choice for diagnosing orthopedic conditions in our pets.

However, digital radiography has the disadvantage of only being able to provide limited anatomical detail, restricting its use for diagnosing orthopedic conditions and surgical planning.

Veterinary clinics with access to CBCT can rely on this technique to provide superior detailed scans for all stages of orthopedic work. When used for diagnosing orthopedic conditions, it can assess fractures that would have otherwise been missed and can detect signs of degenerative conditions and bone tumors earlier.

The use of imaging for orthopedic surgery 

Orthopedic surgeons are greatly reliant on access to reliable imaging modalities for pre-surgical planning and intra-surgical use.

CBCT is the ideal choice for surgical planning as each scan provides detailed information on lesion location and enables surgical accuracy to be improved while limiting the need for revision surgeries.

Benefits of CBCT for orthopedic surgery:

• Ideal for pre-surgical planning – The high-resolution 3D images provide surgeons with maximum information on the location of the lesion, enabling improved surgical accuracy during intricate surgeries while also decreasing anesthetic and surgical time.

• Rapid scan times of less than one minute – Each scan may take between 5 to 40 seconds, helping to reduce the surgical and anesthetic time for the patients who require intra-operative scans.

• Mobile equipment – Having access to portable CBCT equipment enables scans to be performed during surgery with limited disruption to the patient or the aseptic field.

• Lower radiation doses – Compared to conventional CT, CBCT exposes patients to significantly lower radiation doses while not compromising image quality. This enables repeated scans to be performed when necessary.

• Ideal for monitoring healing post-surgery – CBCT allows healing to be more accurately assessed, especially when monitoring fracture repair and callus formation. In comparison, digital radiographs can over- or underestimate healing, making it difficult to assess post-operative recovery.

CBCT is currently gaining rapid popularity in veterinary hospitals due to its ability to produce accurate 3D images in a rapid, cost-effective way that is unique to other imaging modalities.

ts ability to overcome superimposition and its suitability for surgical planning and intra-surgical use make it essential for all veterinary orthopedic work. 

References 

Posadzy M, Desimpel J, Vanhoenacker F. Cone Beam CT of the musculoskeletal system: clinical applications. Insights into imaging. 2018 Feb;9(1):35-45. 

Ricci M, Boldini M, Bonfante E, Sambugaro E, Vecchini E, Schenal G, Magnan B, Montemezzi S. Cone-beam computed tomography compared to X-ray in the diagnosis of extremities bone fractures: a study of 198 cases. European Journal of Radiology open. 2019 Jan 1;6:119-21.

Meneses F, Maiolini A, Forterre F, Oevermann A, Schweizer-Gorgas D. Feasibility of a Frameless Brain Biopsy System for Companion Animals Using Cone-Beam CT-Based Automated Registration. Frontiers in veterinary science. 2022 Feb 9;8:779845.

Lee J, Stayman JW, Otake Y, Schafer S, Zbijewski W, Khanna AJ, Prince JL, Siewerdsen JH. Volume-of-change cone-beam CT for image-guided surgery. Physics in Medicine & Biology. 2012 Jul 17;57(15):4969.

Venkatesh E, Elluru SV. Cone beam computed tomography: basics and applications in dentistry. Journal of Istanbul University Faculty of Dentistry. 2017 Dec 2;51(3 Suppl 1):102-21.

Fotouhi J, Fuerst B, Unberath M, Reichenstein S, Lee SC, Johnson AA, Osgood GM, Armand M, Navab N. Automatic intraoperative stitching of nonoverlapping cone‐beam CT acquisitions. Medical physics. 2018 Jun;45(6):2463-75.

When Does Your Patient Need the Extra Support of a Veterinary Smart ICU?

As a veterinary professional, your priority is always the well-being of your animal patients. For some, surgery, even when necessary, can be a risky and stressful experience.

That's where veterinary Smart ICUs come in, offering an advanced level of care and monitoring to maximize their chances of a smooth recovery. 

But when exactly should you consider utilizing this specialized unit? Here are some key scenarios:

1. Postoperative Care:

Following surgery, even routine procedures, some animals require close monitoring and specialized care. The Smart ICU provides a controlled environment with constant observation, allowing you to:

• Identify and address potential complications early: From pain management to bleeding risks, the ICU's advanced equipment and dedicated staff can intervene swiftly, minimizing setbacks.

• Deliver consistent, precise medication: IV drips, pain relievers and other critical medications can be administered accurately and continuously in the ICU, ensuring optimal effectiveness.

• Promote a comfortable recovery: Temperature control, oxygen therapy, and specialized bedding can create a soothing environment for healing.

2. Critical Care and Emergency Situations:

Animals experiencing severe illnesses, trauma, or life-threatening conditions need immediate and expert intervention. The Smart ICU is equipped to handle:

• Cardiopulmonary issues: Advanced monitoring of heart rate, respiration, and oxygen levels allows for swift action in critical situations.

• Infectious diseases: Isolation rooms within the ICU prevent the spread of contagious illnesses while providing specialized care.

• Severe injuries: From accident victims to animals requiring complex surgical procedures, the ICU offers the necessary equipment and expertise for critical care.

3. Special Needs Patients:

Young pups and kittens, geriatric individuals, and animals with pre-existing conditions require extra attention after surgery. The Smart ICU is ideal for:

• Newborn care: Providing warmth, oxygen, and specialized feeding support is crucial for fragile neonates.

• Elderly care: Monitoring vital signs, managing pain, and ensuring comfort tailored to their unique needs.

• Patients with chronic conditions: Offering a haven with specialized equipment and protocols to address their specific requirements.

Making the Informed Decision:

Deciding whether a Smart ICU is right for your patient requires careful consideration of the individual case.

Factors like the complexity of the surgery, the animal's pre-existing health, and potential recovery challenges should be weighed.

Remember, a Smart ICU is an invaluable tool in your arsenal, offering an extra layer of support and potentially improving recovery outcomes for your patients.

Don't hesitate to consider its benefits when faced with complex cases or animals needing specialized care.

Cone Beam CT: A Powerful Tool for Veterinary Surgeons

What is Cone beam CT (CBCT)

Cone beam CT (CBCT) is a type of 3D imaging that uses X-rays, similar to regular CT scans. But instead of a fan-shaped beam, CBCT uses a cone-shaped beam, making it smaller, faster, and lower in radiation.

Why use Cone beam CT (CBCT)

Veterinary surgeons are finding CBCT especially useful for:

• Maxillofacial disease: CBCT excels at imaging the complex structures of the jaws, teeth, and sinuses. This helps diagnose and treat dental problems, trauma, and tumors more accurately. Studies show it provides more detailed information than traditional X-rays.

• Small and exotic animals: CBCT's compact size and lower radiation make it ideal for examining the heads and teeth of small pets and even exotic species like rabbits.

• Joint disease: CBCT can reveal subtle changes in joints, helping diagnose fractures, dislocations, and arthritis, especially in areas with overlapping bones.

When not to use it?

CBCT isn't perfect for everything. Its uncollimated beam means it's not ideal for:

• Soft tissue, thorax, or abdomen: These areas require more focused imaging, best achieved with regular CT scans.

• Large animals: Scattered radiation makes images less clear in larger animals like big dogs.

The future of CBCT?

As vets see the benefits, CBCT is likely to become more common in veterinary clinics. Its ability to provide detailed 3D images can lead to better diagnoses, treatment plans, and ultimately, improved patient care for a wider range of animals.

Key points:

• CBCT uses a cone-shaped beam for faster, lower radiation 3D imaging.

• It excels at imaging the jaws, teeth, and joints in small animals.

• Not ideal for soft tissue, thorax, or abdomen, or large animals.

• Holds promise for improved diagnosis and treatment in veterinary medicine.

Three reasons why a veterinary surgeon would want to use a cone beam CT

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been available in human dentistry for years, but it is now also entering veterinary medicine.

Some specialist vets who work with maxillofacial and dentistry cases have already started to use this technology. I

t provides detailed 3D images which can be helpful for oncology or trauma cases, as well as those suffering from dental disease. Here we are going to explore this imaging modality in more detail, including some scenarios in which you might choose to use it.

What is cone beam CT?

CBCT uses radiation, in the same way that normal computed tomography (CT) does. However, the shape of the x-ray beam is different. In CBCT the beam is in the shape of a cone, whereas normal CT has a fan-shaped beam.

The cone-shaped beam covers the area of interest, and the X-ray source only needs to pass once around the animal, being picked up by a sensor on the opposite side of the patient to create an image.

This means the average dose of radiation a patient receives is more similar to that of one thoracic radiograph than a conventional helical CT.

Due to the low amounts of radiation it emits, its lower purchase cost and the machine’s compact design, CBCT is becoming easier to access than normal CT. Its design makes it particularly ideal for imaging the maxillofacial area, which is a complicated area of anatomy to visualize.

Three reasons why a veterinary surgeon would want to use cone beam CT

Maxillofacial disease

As previously discussed, CBCT is commonly used for maxillofacial disease.

This imaging modality works well in small anatomical areas with high tissue density. This fits the bill for the maxillofacial area, which has several complicated structures including the teeth, upper and lower jaws, the temporomandibular joint, and the sinuses filled with turbinates. All of these structures can overlap and confuse diagnostic imaging, particularly in brachycephalic breeds.

CBCT can create a highly detailed, superimposition-free image that shows the area of interest in 3D. This gives a clear advantage over traditional, 2D dental x-rays.

A recent study into dental pathology in cats found that ‘CBCT provided more clinically relevant detailed information as compared to dental radiography’.

This was also the case in a 2018 paper on CBCT vs dental radiography in small to medium-sized brachycephalic dogs. These studies indicate that practitioners could be missing clinically relevant pathology when using dental X-rays alone.

As well as endodontic disease, other examples where CBCT may be superior to X-rays include –

• Evaluating maxillofacial trauma

• Assessment of temporomandibular joint disease, dislocation, luxation, or fracture

• Viewing bone integrity associated with cystic lesions

• Assessing the severity of oronasal communications and cleft palates 

• Evaluating the extent of oral tumors in hard tissue of the maxilla and mandible 

Small and exotic animals

CBCTs can be used in examinations of the head and dentition of small and exotic species, as well as canine and feline patients.

A 2017 paper holds ‘CBCT to be superior to conventional CT for evaluation of normal dentition in rabbits’. Subtle changes in the periodontal ligament space can be detected more easily in rabbits, which can be an indication of emerging disease.

This could otherwise go unnoticed and be missed in conventional CT scans.

Whole body exams of many small, exotic animals may be possible with this technology too, further widening its appeal and usage.

Joint disease

CBCT can be used in extremities like the limbs to evaluate joint disease.

There are indications for its use in the musculoskeletal system including evaluation of fractures and dislocations in small bones and joints, and it can be used in conjunction with other imaging techniques to assess cartilage. It is easier to evaluate degenerative joint disease (like osteoarthritis) with CBCT than conventional radiography, particularly in areas where there is superposition of other bony structures.

This paper on CBCT in people with joint disease further demonstrates this point.

In veterinary medicine, a 2021 study in standing horses demonstrated that CBCT provided diagnostic imaging in a timely fashion. No doubt this modality will start to become more commonly used for joint disorders in a variety of species as veterinary practitioners start to utilize it further.

When would you not want to use cone beam CT?

The X-rays from the CBCT are not collimated.

They make a divergent, uncollimated cone meaning more scattered radiation is produced. This means there is a reduction in soft tissue contrast, and the resolution in areas like the thorax and abdomen is poorer, especially in large dogs.

Larger body parts cause greater scatter. Using CBCT in these areas will mean contrast is lower than if it is used in smaller areas, like the jaw or a limb.

This is different from normal CT scanners which have a collimated beam that runs as straight as possible, with little scattered radiation.

So normal CT should be chosen for soft tissue, thorax, and abdomen examinations (especially in larger cats and dogs) and CBCT would not be advised.

Equally, good radiation shielding – especially when a horizontal beam is likely – is necessary for imaging facilities utilizing this technique.

Summary

Cone beam CT shows great promise across multiple areas of veterinary medicine, but in particular for maxillofacial disease.

It provides highly detailed 3D images of areas that are traditionally hard to assess with conventional dental radiography. This helps veterinary surgeons to plan their treatment accordingly, which can only lead to better patient care and outcomes.

CBCT will probably be seen more and more frequently in hospitals, as its potential gains recognition by general practitioners.

Thermal Imaging in Veterinary Practice

Thermal imaging is a versatile diagnostic tool that has a valuable role in diagnosing lesions early, before clinical signs are shown, as well as monitoring the response to treatment. All areas of veterinary practice, including livestock, equine, and small animals, can benefit from having access to thermal imaging equipment.

What is thermal imaging? 

All organisms emit infrared radiation, which thermal imaging cameras detect and convert into a visual image or thermograph1,2,3. Infrared radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is not visible to humans, but infrared cameras can measure this energy and record each measurement as a specific color, producing a thermograph that can be used to diagnose lesions. 

Each infrared measurement represents the skin temperature in a specific location, which changes depending on the underlying capillary blood flow.

Skin temperature may increase in an area in response to pain or inflammation, or it may decrease due to restricted blood flow.

The treating veterinarian can then use thermographs to identify asymmetrical areas or hotspots that represent altered blood flow and the presence of a lesion.

How can thermal imaging benefit veterinary practice?

Thermal imaging offers veterinary clinics and hospitals a versatile diagnostic tool that is unique to other diagnostic modalities.

It is a safe, non-invasive test that does not require any animal contact and minimal handling, so is especially useful for monitoring large numbers of animals, while also eliminating the need for chemical sedation for nervous or aggressive animals.

Current uses of thermal imaging in veterinary clinics

Determining the location of a lesion – A thermograph can rapidly and accurately identify the location of a lesion.

This information can then be used to decide on further diagnostic tests, saving valuable time and preventing unnecessary tests from being performed.

Monitoring response to treatment – Thermographs can be repeated regularly to monitor how well a lesion is healing and its response to treatment.

This can be useful for preventing re-injury and ensuring treatment is producing a satisfactory result6. 

Preventing injuries in athletes – Thermal imaging can detect lesions before any clinical signs or lameness occurs. This can help avoid serious injuries by enabling treatment to be started early before the injury develops further.

Detecting health problems early – Thermal imaging can be used as part of a general health check or elderly pet examination to detect any lesions early before clinical signs are shown.

Painful conditions such as osteoarthritis are commonly diagnosed on thermographs, enabling treatment to be started at an earlier stage of the disease.

Detecting individuals in a flock or herd that is at risk of becoming unwell – In large groups of animals, thermal imaging can quickly detect any individuals with an increased skin temperature, allowing affected animals to be isolated from the herd and promptly checked before illness develops.

Uses for thermal imaging in equine veterinary clinics 

In equine practice, thermography is a useful diagnostic tool for diagnosing lameness such as acute laminitis, navicular disease, synovitis, fractures, back problems, and tendonitis.

It is widely used alongside lameness examinations and other diagnostic tests to help efficiently diagnose difficult-to-locate lesions.

How thermal imaging can be used in farm practices

Thermal imaging has a wide range of uses in farm practice as it can quickly identify unwell individuals within a large group.

Foot lesions in cattle can be detected using thermographs by identifying increases in hoof temperature, while early mastitis cases can be diagnosed by monitoring udder temperature.

Research also supports the use of thermal imaging for identifying infectious diseases such as Bluetongue, bovine respiratory disease, bovine viral diarrhea virus, and even exotic conditions such as foot and mouth disease.

In the future, thermal imaging may have a vital role in diagnosing infectious diseases.

Uses for thermal imaging in small animal veterinary hospitals 

Thermal imaging can be used to identify lesions involved in spinal disease, joint disease, osteoarthritis, and cruciate disease in pets.

It has an important role in locating lesions and therefore guiding the use of MRI, and it can identify painful lesions early so treatment can be started promptly.

Thermal imaging can be used to assess wound healing, by detecting ischemia and non-viable tissue as a result of decreased capillary blood flow. It can also be used to monitor the success of skin grafts.

Research also supports using thermographs to locate malignant tumors in dogs and cats, by identifying an increase in regional skin temperature.

In the future thermal imaging may have a vital role in diagnosing benign and malignant tumours.

Thermal imaging already has a wide range of veterinary uses, making it a safe investment that will significantly benefit patient health and welfare.

Research also promises new and exciting upcoming uses for thermal imaging, guaranteeing that every veterinary practice will benefit from this exciting diagnostic tool.

References 

Mota-Rojas D, Martínez-Burnes J, Casas-Alvarado A, Gómez-Prado J, Hernández-Ávalos I, Domínguez-Oliva A, Lezama-García K, Jacome-Romero J, Rodríguez-González D, Pereira AM. Clinical usefulness of infrared thermography to detect sick animals: Frequent and current cases. CABI Reviews. 2022;17(40).

Racewicz P, Sobek J, Majewski M, Różańska-Zawieja J. The use of thermal imaging measurements in dairy cow herds. Animal Science and Genetics. 2018;14(1):55-69.

Sung J, Loughin C, Marino D, Leyva F, Dewey C, Umbaugh S, Lesser M. Medical infrared thermal imaging of canine appendicular bone neoplasia. BMC veterinary research. 2019(1):1-7.

Rekant SI, Lyons MA, Pacheco JM, Arzt J, Rodriguez LL. Veterinary applications of infrared thermography. American journal of veterinary research. 2016;77(1):98-107.

Casas-Alvarado A, Martínez-Burnes J, Mora-Medina P, Hernández-Avalos I, Domínguez-Oliva A, Lezama-García K, Gómez-Prado J, Mota-Rojas D. Thermal and circulatory changes in diverse body regions in dogs and cats evaluated by infrared thermography. Animals. 2022 Mar 20;12(6):789.

da Silva TC, de Albuquerque Mariz TM, Escodro PB. Use of thermography in clinical and sports evaluations of equine animals: a review. Research, Society and Development. 2022;11(8).

Positioning for Veterinary Dental Radiography

Many disease processes may go undiagnosed without radiography, which provides a useful diagnostic and monitoring tool. Radiography also allows us to plan our extractions or other treatments more carefully.

We have produced a comprehensive guide to dental positioning but here is a handy overview of what you should be aiming to achieve, especially if you’re using a handheld generator.

Required views for Veterinary X-rays

A full mouth series consists of rostral maxillary and mandibular views, right and left maxillary views, and right and left mandibular views.

The rostral maxillary and mandibular views should include the canine teeth.

Maxillary canine teeth are best imaged in separate oblique views to prevent superimposition of the first and second premolars upon the canine tooth roots.

In addition, of course, you may wish to take additional views for specific suspected or confirmed dental abnormalities.

A portable handheld X-ray generator is a great asset to aid you in getting the full set of views, as it gives full flexibility in positioning the tube head.

However, care must be taken to avoid inadvertent radiation exposure, and all local rules for radiography must of course be followed.

Positioning the dog or cat

When placing the sensor in the patient’s mouth, care needs to be taken so that it is not damaged, particularly with more flimsy films or sensors.

This may mean using positioning aids like small rubber-coated dental wedges, modeling clay placed in a plastic bag, or disposable gauze sponges/paper towel sheets.

A towel under the patient’s neck will also help to keep them straight during radiography. The tongue can lie between the sensor/film and the teeth in cats and small dogs, the soft tissue opacity will not interfere with image production.

When taking radiographs, you will need to bear in mind the position of the skull, the placement of the sensor/film, and the position of the tube head.

Broadly speaking, the two most common positioning techniques are the parallel technique and bisecting angles.

The parallel technique is used for the caudal mandibular premolars and molars. The bisecting angle technique is used for all the maxillary teeth and the rostral mandibular teeth.

Parallel technique

Place the patient in lateral recumbency with the relevant side facing upwards. The film/sensor will be placed intraorally on the lingual surface of the teeth. Use a film/sensor positioning aid as necessary to keep the film/sensor in place and as parallel as possible to the tooth of interest.

The film/sensor must cover the entire area of interest, from crown to root. The tube head or x-ray machine is set at a 90-degree angle (perpendicular to the film) to take the image.

Bisecting angle technique

The parallel technique has limited use, and so bisecting angles must be used to get the full set of views. The theory behind this is that the correct angle stops image distortion.

If the x-ray beam is too parallel to the sensor/film, it will make the image elongated (like a low setting sun casting long shadows).

If the image produced is abnormally short, then the beam has been made too perpendicular to the sensor/film (like a high sun at noon making short shadows).

The right angle between the two of these will create an image that is a true representation of the patient’s dental anatomy.  

When obtaining views of the maxillary teeth the patient is placed in sternal recumbency and when the mandibular teeth are imaged the patient is usually in dorsal recumbency.

The sensor/film needs to be intraoral, placed in the area of interest with the patient biting on it.

You will then need to imagine a line running parallel to the sensor film and another that is parallel to the tooth (crown to root). Where these lines intersect, they will form an angle, which you will then need to divide in half. Aim the primary beam perpendicular to this imaginary line, keeping it centered over the tooth of interest.

This should produce a true image of the tooth at the correct height and width.

Tips for imaging specific teeth

Rostral mandibular incisors and canine teeth.

Place the patient in dorsal recumbency and make sure that the palate is parallel to the table. Put the sensor/film between the teeth and tongue using a positioning aid.

Position the tube head 90 degrees, perpendicular to the sensor. In small and medium dogs, it is possible to get the canines in the same image as the incisors. For large dogs, it might be necessary to move the sensor caudally to capture all the roots.

Rostral mandibular premolars

The patient is placed in dorsal recumbency with the skull parallel to the table. The sensor/film will be parallel to the table in the bite between the maxillary and mandibular premolars.

The tube head is aimed perpendicular to the bisecting angle line and centered over the premolars of interest.

Caudal right or left mandibular teeth 

The cat or dog is in lateral recumbency with the side of interest facing upwards, ensuring the skull is parallel to the table.

The sensor/film should be intraoral on the lingual side of the tooth of interest. The sensor/film can be orientated in portrait or landscape. Aim the tube head perpendicular to the tooth of interest and sensor or film.

Rostral maxillary incisors and canine teeth 

The patient needs to be in sternal recumbency with the skull parallel to the table. The film/sensor is placed between the maxillary and mandibular incisors with the help of a positioning aid to hold it in place.

The bisecting angle line is determined with the tube head perpendicular to it centering over the incisors. A 20–30-degree angle is often used which helps prevent superimposition of the maxillary first and second premolars.

Oblique views of the maxillary canine teeth 

With the patient in sternal recumbency, position the skull with padding to ensure it is parallel to the floor. The film/sensor is placed intraorally and caudally towards the opposite arcade. This helps to get the root apex in the shot. You may need a positioning aid to keep it in place.

The tube head is aimed perpendicular to the bisecting angle from a rostrolateral approach (centered over the canine tooth). The tube head should be at a 45-degree angle to the sensor/film, ensuring the sensor/film is large enough to capture the crown and the root.

Right or left maxillary premolars 

The patient should be in sternal recumbency with the sensor film placed beneath the maxillary teeth (so that the patient is biting the sensor/film). Positioning devices might be needed to make sure the sensor/film is kept parallel to the table.

The bisecting angle should be determined with the tube head aimed perpendicular to it. In dogs, the tube head is at a 30-45-degree angle, but cats require a steeper angle of 20-30 degrees due to their zygomatic arch.

Teeth with three roots may require a second view to assess their mesial roots, which can be achieved by moving the tube head rostrally while keeping the bisecting angle the same.

Summary

Hopefully, this guide gives you a few pointers when getting started with dental radiography.

One final parting tip that may be of help is if the image is distorted, check the beam angle. If the image is normal but not all areas of interest are visible, check the plate position.