Hands-Free X-Rays

26/05/2024

There is a comfortably positioned brachycephalic patient hidden under this blanket. 🥰 This geriatric patient with BOAS and heart disease came in on anxiolytics for his pre-anesthetic bloodwork and 3 view thoracic rads prior to traveling to a dental specialist for a COHAT. Properly positioned towels and sandbags can be very effective for Hands-Free radiographs including this DV view. Supplemental oxygen and an intubation tray are always available for our BOAS patients in case of an emergency.

27/03/2024

This cutie is Echo. Her owners gave permission to post cuteness on the Hands-Free X-Rays page to help educate others. Echo was one of 3 exploratory laparotomies that our clinic performed in 24 hours to retrieve foreign bodies. Like many foreign body patients, Echo was vomiting so she would not have been able to keep down oral anxiolytics prior to radiographs, and she was not sedated in case barium administration was required to confirm foreign body ingestion. Echo was comfortable having lateral and VD abdominal Hand-Free radiographs performed, she just needed to hear and see her technician gowned up and standing in the far corner of the room telling her how cute she was to keep her happy.

23/02/2024

Understanding specific commands using positive reinforcement is essential to successful puppy training. Veterinary visits can be overwhelming for puppies and pet parents alike; however, working with your veterinary team and training your pet to become comfortable with restraint for specific procedures can decrease the FAS (Fear, Anxiety and Stress) for all participants involved. Specific commands such as ‘stand,' 'side' and 'stay' can facilitate less stressful veterinary visits which commonly include nail trims, oral and aural (ear) exams, orthopedic exams and radiographs. This is Paisley (aka Paisy, Paisy, Paisy 🥰) who is owned by her RVT momma Jordyn. Paisley's mom has trained her to become comfortable performing a 'side/stay' to facilitate Hands-Free X-Rays, orthopedic exams and nail trims, which are always followed by plenty of treats and love from all of Paisley's veterinary clinic aunties!

20/10/2023

18/05/2023

😂😂🤣

22/02/2022

Can you guess what species this x-ray belongs to?

Hint: These large rodents have flat hind feet and sharp claws specially adapted for climbing trees.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post with the answer.

09/11/2021

DISTANCE is the best way to reduce our exposure to scatter radiation!

☢️Radiation Safety Week☢️

DYK - Doubling your distance from the x-ray source will reduce your exposure by a factor of 4?!

⏬Even a small distance can greatly reduce your exposure!

👌Adopt hands-free techniques using positioning devices with small animals and exotics.

🐎When radiographing horses and other large animals, use specialized equipment such as stands with your x-ray unit and cassette holders.

09/11/2021

November 8-14 is Radiation Safety Week!! What is your team doing to bring more awareness to radiation safety in your work place?

☢️Radiation Safety Week☢️

👇Lower Your Dose - keep your dose ALARA - As low as reasonably achievable.

💪Be prepared and be proactive - prepare your patient and your settings in advance, set yourself up for success!

🚫Hands-off! Or at least keep your distance! Use hands-free/increase distance from the x-ray source as your first priority.

☢️Keep your settings low and consider a lower exposure system if possible.

😎Always wear your PPE!