Many pet rescue organizations can greatly benefit from having radiographs available at their facility.

Here are some reasons to look into veterinary X-ray machines and how to acquire this equipment to offer diagnostic imaging to dogs, cats, or other pets at a nonprofit center.

Reasons to Invest in Veterinary Digital X-rays

Radiographs provide diagnostic value in many situations. Although the level of medical care provided by a nonprofit varies depending on their capacity, funding, staffing, and goals, x-ray images are one of the best tools that can be used on a wide variety of patients with a wide variety of medical conditions.

One example is taking radiographs of a pregnant dog or cat that arrives at the facility, to see how many puppies or kittens are expected and check that they are all delivered safely. Another common use is evaluating a pet for a potentially surgical medical problem, such as an intestinal obstruction. Radiographs can also help a veterinarian evaluate the extent of damage with traumatic injuries like fractured bones and help plan for treatment.

This is just scratching the surface. Radiographs are one of the most widely used diagnostic tools at veterinary clinics. Any rescue offering veterinary services (to facility pets awaiting adoption, or to client-owned pets) can certainly benefit from having a good X-ray system. Exotic pets, and even large animals like horses (typically with a portable X-ray machine), also frequently need imaging for a variety of medical conditions.

What About Digital Versus Film Radiographs?

Digital is largely favored nowadays. Specifically, veterinary DR systems (rather than CR x-rays) are a preferred technology.

DR radiographs offer several advantages, such as the speed of image acquisition (immediate), automatic settings, ease of image sharing, and reduced need for retakes thanks to quick image analysis and automatic settings that help adjust the image.

Additionally, there is no need to purchase further equipment to process images, unlike film and CR technology, which require a film processor and plate processor, respectively. Finally, as technology continues to advance, it’s easier to find replacement parts for newer tech like DR.

The Business Plan

With any new equipment purchase, it’s important to make sure the new machine and financial investment make sense for the organization. 

Some private and government-owned nonprofits must provide a business plan or proposal to whomever they are held accountable, whether that is public/government regulations, board members, or other overseeing entities. Even if a formal report or proposal isn’t necessary, it still makes sense to create a plan to ensure the investment is financially feasible.

Here are a few factors to consider for a business and financial plan…

• How will the equipment be used? Is it only for pets waiting to be adopted? Or will the organization offer services to client-owned pets in the community?

• Which specific services will be offered? While a lot of X-ray studies are standard, the medical team may also have the option to offer contrast studies or other variations. 

• Who will perform the services? Vet techs can set up and take veterinary X-ray studies. And through experience, many technicians also gain some skill in reading images, or at least checking them for correct alignment and quality to make sure the image is usable. However, radiographic studies should be ordered by a licensed veterinarian. The vet is also the only one who can interpret the images, for making a diagnosis and treatment plan. Some nonprofits might already have qualified staff on their team. Others must consider hiring, either on a full-time or part-time basis or working with experts who are willing to volunteer their time.

• Do any other equipment or supplies need to be purchased? A film processor or CR plate reader would be examples—although fortunately, neither is needed with DR technology. However, if the DR unit doesn’t come with a sensor, the organization must add that to its purchase list. Another consideration is sedation or general anesthesia. Chemical restraint is becoming favored in X-ray studies, both for patient comfort and staff safety. Finally, think about props such as positioning troughs.

• Remember radiation safety. Don’t forget lead aprons, radiation badges, and other safety/compliance supplies. Setting up an X-ray suite can also require lead-lined walls and other radiation compliance factors in the local jurisdiction.

• Will the nonprofit charge for veterinary x-ray studies—and if so, how much? If performing radiographs on adoptable pets, the cost should be factored into the operating costs of the facility. If offering services to client-owned pets, consider how much local pet owners can pay and how much the organization needs to charge per study to maintain financial health.

• How to make the purchase of new equipment financially feasible? For many organizations, donations, grants, or a funding drive can really help with this. Think about any money the new equipment will bring in, as well as any associated new costs, such as equipment maintenance, interest/financing charges, staff time, and associated supplies or services. 

• How to educate pet owners on the value being provided? This is especially important if offering services to client-owned pets.

• Are all local regulations and legal requirements for nonprofits in that state/jurisdiction being met?

Finding Veterinary X-ray Systems

A good strategy would be to invest in the best possible X-ray unit within the nonprofit’s budget. But where to look for one or find a good deal?

Used or refurbished X-ray systems may present an affordable option that is still in very good condition. Some will still have warranties and service plans in place, while others will not.

Some nonprofits benefit from donations of new or like-new veterinary equipment. This could come from other veterinarians in the area or even local human hospitals who are upgrading their equipment. 

Some vendors or other organizations might offer new equipment as part of their own grant program, nonprofit arm, or effort to save on taxes. Or they might be willing to part with their demo or loaner machines for a very reasonable price.

Veterinary X-ray systems are one of the most universally used pieces of equipment that can help a lot of patients. With some planning and due diligence, it can be an excellent investment for any rescue or nonprofit that offers basic or advanced veterinary services to the animals in their care.

 Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM