{"id":86365,"date":"2025-12-23T11:51:03","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T11:51:03","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2026-03-05T17:01:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T17:01:55","slug":"news-radiation-safety-in-equine-practice-what-should-you-consider","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.imv-imaging.com\/en\/2025\/12\/news-radiation-safety-in-equine-practice-what-should-you-consider\/","title":{"rendered":"Radiation Safety in Equine Practice: What Should You Consider?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>Estimated reading time: <\/span>6<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The often ambulatory nature of equine veterinary practice can pose some logistical challenges when it comes to performing diagnostic investigations. However, it is crucial that these challenges do not mean that important factors, such as radiation safety, are overlooked. Whether you are based in a clinic or out in the field, this blog will highlight some of the steps you can take in order to maintain radiation safety standards. Those using radiation should familiarise themselves with their local rules and any concerns or queries should be highlighted to their Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) or Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA) where appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Environment<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Finding a suitable location with a level surface for the generator stand, and where an appropriate radiation protection zone can be established, is often challenging in a yard setting. For this reason, it can be beneficial to bring the horse to the clinic for imaging (if it is appropriate to do so). Aside from improving the procedure from a radiation safety perspective, bringing the patient to the clinic can also free up vet time, provide easy access to other diagnostic imaging modalities and, depending on pricing structures, it can often work out cheaper for the client due to the fact there is no call out fee!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For practices that acquire a high number of radiographs, gantry systems can be a worthwhile investment. These are capable of producing high quality images of the upper limbs, head and back, all of which can be difficult to achieve with lower powered mobile generators. Gantry systems usually require patients to be sedated, and in most cases the generator and plates are mounted, which reduces the requirement for assistance and the number of people exposed, as well as increasing the distance from the primary beam for those involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although in-clinic radiography has advantages, some situations such as emergencies, environmental factors, and\/or a difficult patient can mean that it is very challenging to acquire diagnostic X-rays in a safe manner. In these circumstances, it may be worthwhile considering if radiation-sparing imaging modalities, such as ultrasonography, can be used to obtain the necessary information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Equipment<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The use of appropriate equipment can reduce exposure to radiation by increasing the distance between the user and the generator as it emits X-rays. It is important to ensure that all generators are mounted on a stand when acquiring images and not held by hand. Plates should either be secured in place by a distance cassette holder, or a block or tunnel if imaging feet. Additionally, all equipment should be serviced regularly, in line with manufacturers\u2019 recommendations, in order to maintain safety standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some circumstances, the right equipment allows modified techniques to be used. For example, during the dorsoproximal-palmarodistal oblique (DPrPaDiO) or \u2018upright pedal\u2019 view, rather than using a modified block which generally requires the limb to be manually held at an angle by the operator, the plate can be placed in a tunnel and the view acquired with the horse weight bearing. Although this technique offers an advantage in positioning, it is important to be aware that the resulting image will appear stretched in comparison to a view acquired using the modified block approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to positioning equipment, it is important to ensure that all personal protective equipment (PPE) is stored correctly to avoid damage to the lead lining. PPE should be stored in a well-ventilated, temperature-controlled area away from direct sunlight and harsh chemicals which can cause damage to the lead lining and outer fabric. Regular visual inspections should be conducted, paying particular attention to cracks, tears or worn spots. Lead aprons should not be folded and, where possible, should be hung over rack supports or pegs to distribute the weight evenly when not in use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exposures<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Establishing a good radiographic technique increases the probability of obtaining images that are of high diagnostic quality. This in turn reduces the number of repeat radiographs required and the radiation exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A key factor in good technique is ensuring accurate patient position. A common example is the use of weight bearing views that require the patient to stand with the limb to be radiographed in a neutral position. In these scenarios it is useful to view the position of the limb in two different planes (i.e. from the front and from the side), prior to obtaining any exposures. Taking the time to ensure correct limb placement ensures that fewer images will be rejected due to malpositioning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In many circumstances, chemical restraint such as sedation, unless otherwise contraindicated, can be useful for radiographic acquisition. Sedation can aid patient positioning, particularly for views which require deviation from the neutral stance such as the palmaroproximal-palmarodistal oblique (PaPr-PaDiO) or \u2018navicular Skyline\u2019 view, where the limb being imaged is placed caudal to the contralateral forelimb. Utilising sedation can reduce the incidence of non-diagnostic exposures due to movement artefact. However, this can be a fine balance as heavier sedation may induce swaying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, radiation safety is a key consideration for equine practitioners, and it is important that we keep this at the forefront of our minds when carrying out your work. The team at IMV imaging will be more than happy to help when it comes to buying or servicing x-ray equipment in addition to providing clinical support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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