How and where to make an X-ray to a dog?

Any owner who cares about the health of his four-footed pet, regularly visits with him a veterinarian for routine inspections. But in life sometimes there are unforeseen situations when the animal suddenly falls ill and urgently needs to render the qualified help. In such cases it is very important to remain calm and not to panic. After reading today's article, you will learn how and where to make an X-ray to a dog.

In what cases is this procedure necessary?

It should immediately be stipulated that in some cases without X-ray images it is practically impossible to establish an accurate diagnosis. With the help of this method of research, it is possible to identify many diseases, including gastrointestinal tract obstruction, osteomyelitis, fractures, osteosarcoma and other pathological changes in the skeleton.

The direction for the x-ray of the dog is given by the veterinarian who conducted the examination of the animal. As a rule, this happens in case of suspicion of fractures, swelling, or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract.

What equipment is used during the diagnosis?

In most modern clinics of veterinary medicine, the latest models of apparatus are installed. Thanks to the use of digital equipment, it is possible to obtain high-quality images that are clearly visible on both the film and the screen.

Pictures taken with this technique can be stored in the clinic or transferred to the client. Thin settings allow you to make the highest quality images, which clearly see the smallest details.

What diagnosis is used for X-rays?

This technique allows you to accurately determine the type of fracture and assess the extent of damage to adjacent soft tissues. Due to this, it is possible to minimize the risks of internal bleeding, inflammatory and putrefactive processes developing due to bone fragments.

Mandatory X-rays are made to the dog with broken ribs. In such cases, this diagnosis can exclude the subsequent appearance of pneumothorax, often leading to the death of the animal.

This technique is also used when there is a suspicion that a domestic pet has swallowed a dangerous object. Pictures accurately show the presence or absence of a foreign body in the gastrointestinal tract of a four-legged friend.

In addition, the x-ray of the dog's spine provides an opportunity to predict the likelihood of paralysis in injuries to the ridge or skull. Also, this type of research allows timely detection of oncology and serious diseases of the lungs or heart. With the help of contrasted supplements, you can establish the true causes of damage to the joints, gastric or kidney malfunction.

Is preliminary training required?

Except for special cases, when it is necessary to inject contrast agents into the body of a hairy patient, no additional manipulation is necessary. Before the procedure, it is not fed and made an enema. This avoids possible interference and a clearer picture.

In rare situations, when an X-ray to a dog, the cost of which varies from 600 to 1500 rubles, is prescribed during aggressive, nervous or overly active behavior, the animal is injected with a general short-term anesthesia. But this happens extremely rarely, because most owners are able to independently retain their pet.

How safe is this diagnosis?

Many animal owners are convinced that X-rays to the dog harm the health of their pets and are extremely reluctant to agree to conduct such a study. In fact, everything is somewhat different.

X-rays are short electromagnetic waves, characterized by increased intensity and degree of penetration. It is these properties that allow to "thoroughly" enlighten the animal's organism and reveal all the invisible changes.

Those who believe that X-rays to the dog harm, it should be understood that for this diagnosis, usually used weak radiation. And its impact is so short-term that it simply can not cause serious harm even to the smallest animal.

For example, during the radiologic examination of lungs, the dog is exposed to such a dose of radiation, which is equivalent to what would have been received in five days under the influence of natural radiation. Therefore, this method of diagnosis can not cause any serious pathologies. In addition, fluoroscopy is always carried out with the use of special protection.

But the refusal to do the research may lead to more serious consequences. As a result of such an ill-conceived decision, the veterinarian will not be able to identify the health problems of a four-legged patient in a timely manner and prescribe the right treatment.