During the last decade there has been a revolution in X-ray
technology. Traditionally X – Rays have been recorded on photographic film and
developed in a similar process to that used in normal photography. However recent
advances in digital technology have been adapted to medical / veterinary
radiography. This enables the images to be stored on computer and magnified so
that subtle changes that may not be visible on conventional films can be
identified.
Pool House Equine Clinic was delighted to install a Kodak CR
digital X ray system in June 2006 along with a new smaller but more powerful X
ray generator. The actual process of taking X – rays remains the same. However
the ‘film’ is processed by a digital machine which reads the ‘film’ and
converts it into a digital ‘Dicom’ image which is displayed on the
radiographers work station.
Veterinary Surgeon Manuel Lamas working at the digital processing
station. Images are converted into a digital format and can be manipulated to
the best possible picture before being sent to the image viewing station.
Veterinary Surgeon Richard Stephenson discussing the results of a
radiographic study with the horse’s owner. The radiographs can subsequently be
copied to CD – ROM and are backed up onto an external hard drive.
In the past some areas of the horse have been difficult to
X-ray using conventional film / screen technology. The ability to enhance the
image once obtained means that more useful diagnostic information can be
obtained from each film. Click on the links below to view some digital X- rays
(please note that they have been ‘compressed’ for display on the internet so
will not have the definition of the original films).
This part of the web site contains a growing collection of
compressed digital X Ray images showing both normal
and abnormal cases.
Carpal (knee)
Cervical / Thoracic spine
Foot
Fractured Pedal Bone
Hock
Laminitis
Nail in the Foot
Stifle
Equine Services
