March 2011, Volume 4, No. 1

Why You Should Integrate Digital Imaging Into Your Practice

In this issue, we explore the benefits of integration with Dr. Kirk Cito of Overland Animal Hospital and Pet Resort in Denver, Colorado, and Dr. James Moebius of Murphy Road Animal Hospital in Sachse, Texas.

December 2010, Volume 3, No. 4

Three Tips to Improve Your Image Quality

In this issue, we share three tips that will increase the quality of your images:

1. Get off to a great start with your technique chart
2. It’s all in the positioning
3. Why collimate?

Beyond enhancing image quality, these tips can help you improve your diagnostic confidence (by starting with superior images) and maximize the value of your diagnostic investment.

August 2010, Volume 3, No. 3

Digital Intraoral Radiology—Standard of Care for Dental Diagnostics

In this issue, we focus on dental diagnostics—specifically, why digital radiography is the new standard of care in veterinary dentistry. The article’s author is Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP, of All Pets Dental in Weston, Florida. Dr. Bellows details the benefits of using digital radiography for veterinary dentistry and provides helpful tips on getting started in digital dental radiography.

June 2010, Volume 3, No. 2

Feline Heartworm

In this edition, we feature Violet, a domestic shorthair that tested positive for heartworm during a wellness exam for adoption. The positive heartworm antigen test combined with radiographic findings revealed an active heartworm infection. Access to digital radiography facilitated the rapid acquisition of a complete radiographic data set, which allowed the magnification of areas of interest. This radiographic data set was sent via e-mail to a board-certified cardiologist for a second opinion.

March 2010, Volume 3, No. 1

Thoracic Radiography

In this issue, we feature a case study in which digital radiography helps diagnose an 11-year-old, neutered male Yorkshire terrier exhibiting sings of lethargy, anorexia, dyspnea and tachypnea. In particular, digital radiography facilitated the rapid acquisition of a complete set of diagnostic thoracic radiographs. This minimized stress to the patient and provided a more efficient way to monitor his progress.

December 2009, Volume 2, No. 3

Pulmonary Pattern Recognition

Understanding pulmonary patterns is critical to accurately interpreting thoracic radiographs.

In this issue, Christopher Kunze, DVM, DACVR, and Winnie Lo, DVM, DACVR, describe the three basic pulmonary patterns used in veterinary radiology: bronchial, alveolar and interstitial. They describe what to look for, the causes of each pattern and how to avoid confusion. Helpful digital images are included.

September 2009, Volume 2, No. 2

ALARA Principle for Minimizing Radiation Exposure

In this issue, we focus on the well-being of you and your staff by sharing the ALARA principle.

An acronym for As Low As Reasonably Achievable, ALARA consists of simple, cost-effective measures that can significantly reduce the exposure to radiation. We encourage you to read this article and share it with those in your practice—especially those who work in proximity to your radiology equipment.

March 2009, Volume 2, No. 1

Digital Radiography Positioning Guide - Recommended Beam Centers

Created in collaboration with Elizabeth Watson, DVM, MS, DACVR, this easy-to-follow reference is designed to help you capture the image you need by illustrating the best-possible positioning techniques. Here’s why positioning is essential:

• Proper positioning is as important as the radiograph itself; improper positioning can affect the quality of the image and the diagnosis.
• Some perspectives are inherently trickier to capture than others. This guide provides tips on capturing several of those perspectives, including lateral abdomen and lateral hind leg.

December 2008, Volume 1, No. 4

Commonly Misdiagnosed Radiographs

As Dr. Matthew Wright's article “Commonly Misdiagnosed Radiographs” illustrates, having a high quality radiograph doesn’t automatically mean you have a clear answer. Beyond taking a second look, we want you to be comfortable seeking a second opinion. Because, as you’ll see, when it comes to interpreting radiographs, first impressions aren’t always correct.

September 2008, Volume 1, No. 3

American College of Veterinary Radiology Seeks Consistent Standards

This issue discusses the new digital imaging guidelines issued by the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR®). More than a review of the guidelines themselves, the article looks at:

• How these standards could affect practices that already have a digital imaging system
• How veterinarians who haven’t yet transitioned to digital radiography can use the guidelines to identify the right technology for their practice
• The possible impact on technology and your investment down the road

June 2008, Volume 1, No. 2

Monitor Selection and Calibration in Veterinary Digital Radiography

In his article, “Monitor Selection and Calibration in Veterinary Digital Radiography,” Dr. Matthew Wright emphasizes that maintaining the correct calibration ensures that your monitor will be set for optimal diagnostic image viewing.

In addition, this Digital Download includes a practical how-to guide that lists the seven simple steps you’ll need to take every few months to calibrate your monitor in just five minutes.

March 2008, Volume 1, No. 1

Getting the most out of your IDEXX-CR 1417/IDEXX-DR 1417 Digital Imaging System

This Digital Download issue is an image-processing guide. It addresses everything from capturing an image to image troubleshooting. Post it near your machine or collect it with future issues in a binder as a reference tool and handy refresher course for new employees.