An X-ray machine fires a stream of x-rays at the subject. The x-rays pass through some parts of the body but are stopped by more dense structures such as bones. Any x-rays that pass through are detected as they expose special photographic film. This is then deleoped to give the familiar x-ray plate.

We use x-ray for...

It is vital that the animal is kept still during the process and so it is common for it to be anaesthetised before we start.

We use a portable x-ray machine for large animal work.