Radiology (X-rays)

Radiology, or x-rays, is routinely used to provide valuable information about an animal’s bones, gastrointestinal tract (stomach, intestines, and colon), respiratory tract (lungs), heart, and genitourinary system (bladder, prostate). They can be in conjunction with other diagnostic tools to provide a cause for an animal’s condition, identify the exact cause of the problem or rule out any possible problems.

As a pet is being radiographed, an x-ray beam passes through the body and hits a piece of radiographic film. Images on radiographic film appear as various shades of gray and reflect the anatomy of the animal. Bones, which absorb more x-rays, appear as light gray structures. Soft tissues absorb fewer x-rays and appear as dark gray structures.

The x-ray films are then developed in an automatic x-ray processor which helps keep our x-ray developing consistent.

Interpretation of radiographs requires great skill on the part of the veterinarian.