This machine produces x-rays, which are able to pass through many tissues of the body. Because they are blocked more by some “radiodense” tissues (such as bone), than less dense tissues such as muscle, liver and kidneys, or even less dense tissues such as the lungs (due to their high air content) it allows the vets to build up a picture of what is going on inside the body.

The X-Rays are passed through the patient and hit a special photographic film plate to produce an image – the radiograph. Like any photographic film it has to be developed to allow the image to be seen. This can be done manually with little tanks of chemicals – however it is often safer, quicker and more reliable to use an automatic processor. These also can produce dry films ready to be viewed. It also enables a quality radiograph to be available within minutes.

An ultrasound machine is another way of looking inside our patients. In this case the picture is built up from how solid the tissues are in terms of sound waves. As an example of the use of ultrasound consider its use in cardiology. Conventional x-ray pictures (or radiographs) of the heart only show the general outline shape of the heart and its size. However an ultrasound can show the thickness of the heart muscle walls and the actual movement of the heart valves. Many of us will be familiar with ultrasound images of babies in the womb – ultrasound can also be used in veterinary medicine for diagnosing pregnancy in small animals and horses. The practice has two types of Ultrasound scanners; one concentrating on large animal use, whilst the other type is used for small animals.

An endoscope is a way of looking into areas of the body that are not accessible from the outside. 2 main types of endoscope exist – rigid or flexible. We use a flexible endoscope as these tend to be a little wider in diameter than some of the rigid endoscopes. Fibre optics allow the endoscope (which looks like a length of black hose pipe) to bend – yet still allowing the vet to see what is going on at the end. Flexible endoscopes are often used to help diagnose gut problems and by passing the ‘scope down the windpipe investigating respiratory disease. Endoscopes may have special instruments available such as biopsy punches (to allow tissue samples to be taken) or perhaps baskets (to recover foreign bodies such as inhaled grass seeds).

Accurate weighing of patients is important to ensue that the correct drug doses are used. Our scales are also important in the running of any special diet regime – such as obesity control.

Gallamore Lane Industrial Estate, Market Rasen, Lincs LN8 3RX. Tel. 01673 842 448

The practice has recently obtained an Idexx CDR system which enables radiographic images to be transferred directly to computer without the need for developing X-Ray Film.