Suburban Animal Clinic strives to stay on top of technological advances in veterinary medicine.  This helps us offer the best care possible to our patients.

We are proud to announce we have recently upgraded our radiology suite to allow us to take digital x-rays.  While we have had a digital x-ray machine for our dental x-rays for several years, until last month our regular x-rays were still film based. 

Instead of feeding films through a processor, the x-ray images now appear on a computer screen for viewing.  We have our same x-ray machine, but instead of feeding film through a processor, we insert the plate into a machine which develops the images on the computer screen.  Various tools allow enhancements of the images.  For client viewing, we will bring an iPad into the exam room to review the images with owners.

Digital Radiography allows us several advantages over film based radiography. 

The elimination of a darkroom and chemicals associated with developing films makes it safer for staff.  The cost of the chemicals, films, and maintenance on the processing machine is now eliminated.

Digital Radiography is quicker and safer for all involved.  Images are available faster than with film processing.  Also, the program allows for computer enhancements and changes that often make retakes unecessary, saving pets and veterinary staff from additional radiation exposure.

Digital images can be burned onto a CD for easy transfer to specialty clinics.  This is smaller and easier for owners who previously were juggling pets and paperwork and large envelops of x-rays, trying not to bend them or get them wet.  We could also send images via email when necessary.

While we are still learning the various tools of the program, thus far we are pleased with our upgrade to digital x-rays.  We feel our upgrade to digital radiography allows us to better serve our patients and their owners.