Nixon Equine Radiography (X-ray)
Nixon Equine Veterinary Practice has recently installed a ‘Nova 30 HF’ X-ray unit. This machine has a high power output which allows for minimum exposure times to radiation, and accordingly a reduced need for X-ray numbers. Both of these result in a reduced radiation exposure, improving safety for our clients and staff as well as the patient.
Digital X-ray processing
As an adjunct we use a digital CR2430 system for developing X-rays. This has a number of advantages over traditional ‘wet’ processing. The digital images generated are of very high resolution. They can be manipulated to alter contrast and magnification, significantly increasing the amount of diagnostic information, facilitating earlier identification of pathological change, thus improving both diagnosis and treatment. X-rays are taken in the usual manner, but the luminescent phosphor screen on which the X-rays are focused is different from conventional rare earth screens. The new screen is placed on a digital laser reader and the produced image can then be viewed on a computer screen.
Images can be modified to enhance desired features and can then be stored on disk, e-mailed to the owner, or e-mailed to other centres if a referral is required. Both X-ray and Ultrasound images are Dicom compatible and as such cannot be corrupted or tampered with, which is extremely useful when carrying out pre-purchase examainations.
