Hospital Purchases New Digital X-ray Machine

 

Dr Colson with veterinary nurse Brad Bickerton

The generosity of hundreds of donors has enabled The Lost Dogs' Home to purchase a new digital x-ray developer for its Veterinary Hospital.

The state-of-the-art equipment has brought an improved level of care to the animals rescued and rehoused by The Lost Dogs’ Home. It allows veterinary staff to perform a greater number of x-rays at increased efficiency. The x-rays are better quality and therefore produce a more accurate diagnosis. The process of developing the x-rays is much quicker as the image is transferred directly onto a computer instead of having to be developed in a darkroom.

Digital x-ray equipment is also more environmentally friendly as no hazardous chemicals are used during processing. The acquisition of the new developer has helped The Lost Dogs' Home achieve its silver accreditation as part of the State Government’s Grow Me The Money program. Importantly, the elimination of dangerous chemicals makes the workplace safer for staff.

In addition, the cost of developing each x-ray digitally as compared to mechanically is markedly less. This enables The Lost Dogs' Home to examine and diagnose more stray animals, giving them a greater chance of treatment and recovery. The Home is now x-raying seven times more animals giving hundreds of strays a quick diagnosis and the chance of being rehomed. Maintaining digital equipment is also less expensive than mechanical x-ray development systems.

“We now have a digital system as good as any practice in Melbourne and of a similar standard to that used by specialist centres. This new piece of equipment has meant that we have improved diagnostic quality, improved speed, reduced costs and we no longer need to dispose of environmentally hazardous chemicals,” said Dr Larry Colson, Veterinary Clinic Manager.

Charlotte, the Labrador cross pictured below, was surrendered to us after her owner could no longer care for her. The veterinary team was able to immediately assess her suitability for rehousing by excluding hip displasia and other joint problems common in this breed.

“Since we bought the machine, we have identified a number of rectifiable conditions in strays, allowing them to be rehoused. We have also been able to assess other abnormalities in dogs for adoption like Charlotte,” said Dr Colson.

“I would like to thank those donors who generously contributed to the purchase of this important piece of equipment,” said Dr Colson.

The generosity of hundreds of donors has enabled The Lost Dogs' Home to purchase a new digital x-ray developer for its Veterinary Hospital.