Veterinary X-ray examinations

The regulation of veterinary X-ray practices emphasises the radiation safety of veterinary personnel.

The use of X-rays at veterinary practices has increased year after year. At the beginning of the 21st century, there were approximately 200 devices used for veterinary X-rays, whereas now there are approximately 280 of such devices. Over 170,000 veterinary X-ray examinations are carried out annually in approximately 230 locations in Finland. The Radiation Act requires the use of X-ray equipment to have a safety licence and that the equipment and premises meet the radiation safety regulations. The requirements of the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority for parties that practice veterinary X-ray operations are presented in Guide ST 8.1.

In order to get good X-ray images, it is important to keep the animal immobile during the examination. The animal is usually immobilised by the staff or the persons escorting it. The need to redo the X-rays can be reduced by sedating the animal for the duration of the examination.

Due to varying examination conditions, it is not always possible to ensure radiation safety in veterinary X-ray examinations solely through equipment or structural solutions. For this reason, it is extremely important to take care of the radiation safety of the staff, immobilisers and other persons and to wear protective devices. Personal monitoring of radiation exposure allows us to monitor that work methods are sufficiently safe.

In 2013, the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority carried out a survey of parties carrying out veterinary X-ray practices in order to map the number of veterinary X-ray examinations, who performs veterinary X-ray examinations, how their personal radiation exposure is monitored and the maintenance arrangements and quality control of the veterinary X-ray equipment.