Digital Radiology for Dogs & Cats
This isn’t a new technology but is continuously evolving, mainly through the development of new software, and is now being rapidly adopted by the veterinary profession.
There are lots of types of machines out there, and like any new product, many of them won’t survive the market, so we chose from an already well established line that will get ongoing development and secure servicing. Though I have to admit the deadline on the bonus depreciation handout put us under some pressure to choose.
The Fujifilm processor we acquired can be found in many human hospitals, radiology centres and chiropractors' facilities, so I don't think we will have to retire it to the garage inside of 5 years.
For us it's easier and cheaper to run despite the big acquisition cost, but what's the payoff for the consumer?
What are the advantages of Digital Radiology?
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With conventional radiology the exposures, like a film camera, have to be very precise or you have a lousy image. Actually, the real name is for this machinery is computerized radiography (CR), and it uses algorithms (formulas) for each type of X ray imaging. (say lung vs abdomen vs skull or bone) to process the image, so it’s a bit more complex than Photoshop.
With digital, the exposures are much broader, because the algorithms create the image when you tell the computer what part of the body you are radiographing, and if the computer can’t get do it all, then the radiographer can do after shot image tweaking. This means no repeat shots are necessary, and your pet is off the table faster, which isn’t trivial if they have to be under anaesthesia for special positioning.
- The x-ray software can be used for measuring distances and angles with high precision which can be very useful for things like bone surgery planning
- Images can be video reversed which can help with assessing images like chest shots
- Images can be magnified and searched more finely than can be done routinely with ordinary film.
- Much nicer for our staff, and especially for after hours – no time in the dark room required, which with an emergency can be important, and...
- Stripped down JPEG files can be sent over the internet for quick expert opinions, or burnt onto CD’s for fuller assessment or for your own collection! The files come with viewing software so you can do most of the things we can if you want to…