Posts tagged 'VetRadiationSafety'

We LOVE our furry friends!  Today is a perfect day to recognize all the mixed breed dogs and celebrate their uniqueness. Most dogs at the shelter are mixed breeds that are awaiting their forever home. Today would be a great day to visit a shelter or speak with your veterinarian about adopting a pet today.

 Z&Z Medical carries a wide array of veterinary imaging accessories for imaging all breeds of dogs. We have Equipment, accessories, positioning aides, and top of the line radiation protection aprons, glasses, and gloves. Visit the Veterinary section of our website today to learn more.

Both traditional and special contrast X-ray techniques are used to look for tumors in a pet's lungs, gastrointestinal tract, bladder and other internal organs. X-rays are usually used as the first imaging test to evaluate a pet's condition and determine whether the cancer has spread throughout the body.  

CT is a specialized imaging technique available at referral centers or specialty hospitals. CT relies on the differences in density between tissues to form an image and the images of cross-sections of the body are generated by a computer. It is a superior technique compared to X-rays in evaluating cancer in the lung, the chest cavity and ribs, and is important for planning radiation therapy. CT scans can also be used to guide biopsies when a suspected mass needs further analysis.

Ultrasound refers to a technique used to examine internal organs in the abdomen and to also help guide biopsys. The veterinarian places a transducer emitting sound waves in contact with the area of interest (e.g. stomach), moves it around and views the structure of internal organs on a monitor in real time. It is routinely used to evaluate masses discovered during physical examination or to check for metastasis to liver, spleen or other organs. It is generally not used to evaluate structures that contain air such as the lungs since air prevents the transfer of sound waves.    

MRI uses strong magnetic fields to create three-dimensional images created by a computer. MRI is extensively used to evaluate masses in the central nervous system such as the spine or brain and has been useful in providing images of soft tissues, joints, tendons, muscles and bone marrow.

Z&Z Medical understands the importance of Imaging animals and works closely with the Veterinary Field to provide a wide array of imaging accessories and supplies for both X-Ray, CT, Ultrasound and MRI for animal imaging.  Visit our website to learn more or email info@zzmedical.com

Reptile Awareness Day is October 21st. Every year, reptile fanatics have a day that they can celebrate and share their passion; a chance to educate others who may not know about these amazing creatures called reptiles, and the habitat loss and threat of extinction that faces so many reptile species. Reptile Awareness Day, celebrated annually on this day, promotes learning about different types of reptiles, their natural habitats, and the ecological threats they face.

Reptiles are a class of vertebrates that are scaly and cold-blooded and that, with a few exceptions, lay eggs. They include turtles, terrapins, and tortoises; lizards, snakes, and legless worm lizards; the tuatara of New Zealand; and crocodiles, alligators, gavials, and caimans. There are 6,500-10,000 species of reptiles, which live on every continent except Antarctica.

Visit Z&Z Medical Veterinary Tab to learn more about the Radiology Imaging Accessories that can aid Vet Techs in imaging Reptiles. 

The week of October 16-22, 2022 has been set aside as National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW) to celebrate, recognize, and promote the valuable contributions credentialed veterinary technicians make to the veterinary profession and society.

Veterinary technicians are integral players on the veterinary healthcare team.  They are on the frontlines, compassionately working with clients whose beloved animals need care.  They work tirelessly in exam rooms, labs, and operating rooms, putting to work their vast technical and scientific knowledge treating and caring for every species of animal.  Their broad skills – both professional and personal – allow veterinarians to work more efficiently and effectively.  And they do it all with love and a smile, day after day.

Z&Z Medical is proud to support all the Vet Techs this week!  Take 10% off your online order of X-Ray Markers or any of the Radiation Protection items in the Vet Radiation Protection Tab on our website by using Promo Code VET10.   We appreciate all you do!

Radiography is vital to the best practice of veterinary medicine because it enables the understanding and diagnosis of a variety of health issues. Accompanying these benefits, however, are risk factors associated with radiation exposure, which every veterinary professional should take seriously. Veterinary technicians are particularly at risk, as they are typically responsible for capturing the X-ray images. They carefully position animals to obtain the best image and often secure a squirming animal with their hands to get the best image.  Effective radiation safety requires a commitment from veterinarians and veterinary technicians, as well as any other personnel who work in proximity to radiology equipment. For a veterinary technician, obtaining a radiograph is a routine assignment, and the cumulative effects of daily exposure to small amounts of radiation are a serious concern.  Even small doses add up. Exposure precautions are always the best defense.

Steps can be taken to ensure that doses are as low as reasonably achievable. The ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle aims to lower radiation doses in the workplace by leveraging practical, cost-effective measures. To maintain doses as low as reasonably achievable, veterinary staff should follow three simple safety principles:

• Time: Use the shortest exposure time possible, limit time in the X-ray suite, and avoid retakes by using your technique chart.
• Distance: Stay as far away from the radiation source as practical by using sedation to allow for the use of sandbags and other nonmanual restraints as well as hands-free methods.
• Shielding: Use absorber materials like lead aprons, gloves, and thyroid shields, as well as permanent barriers to capture X-rays.

Consider lower-dose digital imaging

One way to reduce radiation exposure is to replace older, film-based X-ray equipment with a digital radiography system. Compared to conventional X-ray equipment, digital imaging provides sharper, higher-resolution images with less radiation exposure. Digital radiography isn’t new, but it has advanced considerably in recent years. Manufacturers are working to lower the radiation dose veterinary professionals and patients receive through solutions such as new lower-dose veterinary radiography systems. These systems enable low-dose radiation image capture without sacrificing clear, high-quality images. When choosing a digital radiography system, look for a lower-dose system that also simplifies workflow from capture to storage, with the flexibility to view images on any device—at home, on the road, or in the office. Visit our website to see the latest in Veterinary Imaging Equipment and Radiation Safety Protection.