{"id":64669,"date":"2026-09-24T23:50:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T23:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.imv-imaging.com\/?p=64669"},"modified":"2026-09-25T09:18:34","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T09:18:34","slug":"news-small-animal-x-ray-everything-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vet.solutions\/en\/2026\/09\/news-small-animal-x-ray-everything-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Small Animal X-ray – Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>Estimated reading time: <\/span>7<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Small Animal X-ray systems are used in the investigation and diagnosis of a multitude of conditions affecting dogs, cats, and other species. Whether you are just starting out in small animal practice and want to understand the fundamental principles of radiography or are more experienced and are looking to advance your radiography interpretation and skills, Vet Solutions<\/a> have many resources that can help.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How do I get started with small animal radiography?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although there is a wide range of radiography equipment available, there are common principles that underpin the systems and controls.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To get started, our webinar collection<\/a> covers the fundamentals of radiography, including the different systems available<\/a> and how to optimise them<\/a>. You can also view our guides to patient positioning<\/a> to help you get that diagnostic image. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Going further, our online Academy<\/a> content membership hosts a series of radiography and radiology webinars to take your skills further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What different types of small animal radiography systems are available?\u202f<\/strong>\u202f\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are two main forms of radiography system: computed radiography (CR) and direct digital radiography (DR). CR system receptor plates must be placed in a processor before they can be viewed. Whereas DR system plates transmit the image data directly to a computer system for viewing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The speed and reliability of modern DR systems<\/a> mean that they have become the first choice for most small animal practices.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The connectDR small animal DR X-ray system.<\/em>\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There are also dental specific systems designed to make dental radiography<\/a> fast and accessible.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the difference between Computed (CR) and Direct Digital Radiography (DR)?<\/strong>\u202f <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are considering buying a small animal radiography system but don\u2019t know where to start, then learning the\u202fdifference between Computed Radiography (CR) and Direct Digital Radiography (DR)<\/a> is the first step. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

DR radiography systems transmit digital information directly from the detector plate to a computer system, allowing the X-ray image to be displayed in seconds. Whereas the detector plate used in CR systems needs to be inserted into a processor to allow the plate to be read and a digital image to be created. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Direct Digital Radiography (DR)<\/a>\u202foffers many\u202fadvantages<\/a>\u202fin general practice through its increased speed of image acquisition. Similarly, if you are looking to\u202fupgrade from CR to DR<\/a>, Vet Solutions can\u202fdiscuss the advantages of the systems\u202fwith you and talk you through what will work for your practice.\u202f\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What else do I need to consider when buying an X-ray machine?<\/strong>\u202f <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Along with the processing system, don\u2019t forget to consider your\u202fX-ray generator<\/a>, plates and accessories<\/a>. Our blog on generator quality<\/a> discusses the important factors that affect how a generator performs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Radiation safety and equipment service<\/a> are also key to ensuring your equipment stays safe and functions well.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How are X-ray images stored?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Historically, X-ray film was boxed up and stored in the practice. Thankfully, image storage and management have advanced, with a range of solutions available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital images can be stored in many ways, with picture archiving and communications systems (PACS) offering safe and secure methods of storing large volumes of data. Our Connect.Vet image management system<\/a> goes further, offering an intuitive and user-friendly way of storing and communicating your images. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I create an X-ray room?<\/strong>\u202f <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When designing a\u202fradiography suite<\/a>, staff safety must also be taken into account with\u202fpersonal protective equipment (PPE)<\/a>\u202fand X-ray dosimeter badges being worn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As every practice is different, the scope and requirements for X-ray rooms varies. By getting in touch<\/a> with Vet Solutions, we can guide your project from safe disposal of existing equipment through to the electrical systems and lighting.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What different types of X-ray generators are available?\u202f<\/strong>\u202f <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A variety of generators are available, from standalone generators<\/a> that offer flexibility and power, to systems that are integrated with tables<\/a> that can speed up patient positioning, thus assisting in management of busy workloads. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A mains powered X-ray generated that can be attached to wall mounts or on stands, making it suitable for both small animal and equine use<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We also offer specially designed dental X-ray generators<\/a>. These are created for manoeuvrability, allowing them to be quickly positioned at the angles required for accurate dental projections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I position a patient for an X-ray?\u202f<\/strong>\u202f <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Appropriate patient positioning is fundamental to achieving diagnostic radiographs. However, as X-rays can be used in a wide variety of conditions, species and anatomy, positioning is a vast subject. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The key principles are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n