Digital Radiology

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Having a radiology machine on site is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools for a veterinary hospital. Radiographs (X-rays) are powerful, versatile diagnostic tool that can aid greatly in diagnosing a number of medical problems involving your pet’s bones, gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines) liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, bladder and much more.  Images on the screen appear in various shades from black to white. Structures which are very dense like bones will appear whiter on the radiograph and less dense soft tissues will appear grey. The lungs appear darker as they are air filled and therefore less dense. Interpretation of the radiographs requires skill and experience on the part of the veterinarian.
At Manotick Veterinary Hospital we aim to be at the forefront by offering your pet the best facilities and care and that is why we have recently invested in a state-of-the-art digital X-ray machine. The many advantages of digital X-rays include:

  • Lower exposure means that the procedure is safer for pets and staff.
  • The images can be manipulated using computer programing so that we can obtain clear, detailed diagnostic images without having to take multiple images. This means less time for your pet on the X-ray table (and less stress).
  • No harsh chemicals are needed to develop the images, reducing potential harm to our staff and the environment.
  • Images can be stored and retrieved more easily.
  • If a second opinion is needed, digital radiographs can be sent by e-mail to a specialist.


At our hospital, we also have a dental x-ray unit that provides us with excellent images of teeth and roots to help identify dental disease that may not be readily apparent. Due to the positioning that is required, images obtained with the dental x-ray unit may be obtained only if patients are under a full general anesthetic for a dental procedure.