Digital X-Rays
(Radiographs)
Why Digital X-rays?
Just like digital cameras are replacing film cameras due to speed and convenience, x-rays are now becoming digital. This allows faster studies to be completed and is safer because it reduces unnecessary radiation exposure to your pet (and our staff) due to less retakes.
What are the advantages of Tru-DR Radiographs?
TruDR™ Digital Radiography is the highest resolution, large format, Medical Grade Flat Panel Detector in veterinary medicine. Simply put, TruDR™ images are the finest DICOM images available because of unmatched technical specifications and context-sensitive Medical Image processing. Unlike "digital" CR (Computer Radiography) systems or film, TruDR™ by Sound Technologies provides instant, unlimited digital images using an exclusive Large Format Medical Detector. Only TruDR™ from Sound Technologies provides the full array of Digital Radiographic benefits:
• Instant images (4 seconds to
display)
• Instant enhancements
• Instant reporting with images and text
• Instant hospital-wide distribution
• Instant archival and web-based sharing
• DICOM 3.0, SQL and Windows™ Standards
• SoundSafe™ Remote Archival Vault
• SoundPrint™ Remote Film Printing Service
• SoundAdvice™ Internet Radiology Service
• FDA cleared device
TruDR™ from Sound Technologies utilizes the world's leading veterinary PACS software, VetPACS™. Utilized for over 20,000 veterinary diagnostic cases each year, VetPACS™ is the Gold Standard for veterinary Picture, Archival and Communications Systems (PACS). VetPACS™ manages the entire patient imaging history, including veterinary demographics, veterinary reporting, veterinary specific image processing, multi-modality management of Digital Radiography, Ultrasound, and videoscopy. Upon acquisition, images and data are distributed throughout the hospital using the provided VetPACS Nucleus Server™. TruDR™, VetPACS™, and Nucleus Server™; providing, instant access to perfect images, where and when you need them, all with the security of a permanent, redundant archive.
Why Do We Use X-Rays?
X-rays (more properly called radiographs) allow us to see inside your pet. Broken bones and swallowed foreign bodies are the most obvious uses but radiographs are also used to detect or confirm heart and lung problems, check for bladder stones, check for proper positioning of a puppy or kitten for birth, or to look for other suspected internal problems.
Our dental x-ray unit also allows us to check for tooth abscesses and assists in performing root canals (yes-your pet can have a root canal to save teeth with certain problems rather than just extracting them). We also use it to image very small pets like pocket pets and birds.
How Are X-rays Produced?
Over a century ago in 1895, Roentgen discovered the first example of ionizing radiation, x-rays. The key to Roentgen's discovery was a device called a Crooke's tube, which was a glass envelope under high vacuum, with a wire element at one end forming the cathode, and a heavy copper target at the other end forming the anode. When a high voltage was applied to the electrodes, electrons formed at the cathode would be pulled towards the anode and strike the copper with high energy. Roentgen discovered that very penetrating radiations were produced from the anode, which he called x-rays.
X-ray production occurs whenever electrons of high energy strike a heavy metal target, like tungsten or copper. When electrons hit this material, some of the electrons will approach the nucleus of the metal atoms where they are deflected because of the opposite charges (electrons are negative and the nucleus is positive, so the electrons are attracted to the nucleus). This deflection causes the energy of the electron to decrease, and this decrease in energy then results in forming an x-ray.
The veterinary x-ray machines in our hospital use the same principle as the Crooke's Tube to produce x-rays. The most common x-ray machines use tungsten as their cathode, and have very precise electronics so the amount and energy of the x-ray produced is optimum for making images of bones and tissues in your pet's body. Previously, film captured this image but now all digital images are acquired.
How Long Does It Take to Get an X-ray Taken?
Assuming the radiograph doesn't require a position that requires anesthesia, a radiograph could be ready in as little as 15 minutes. This short time frame is enhanced by fewer necessary retakes due to digital technology.
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