A new X-ray processor is allowing vets to speed up diagnoses and improve the quality of care at Leicester PDSA Pet Hospital.

Petplan Charitable Trust donated £10,000 towards the game-changing equipment which enables fast, accurate and detailed images to help vets determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

Last year, the charity completed 1,129 X-rays at the hospital. The new X-ray processor replaces ageing equipment that was vulnerable to failures which were costly to repair and increased waiting times.

Another benefit of the new processor is that it takes up less space which is always at a premium in clinical areas, improving efficiency. What’s more, it’s easier to operate, so staff can spend less time on training and more on providing care.

Speedy X-ray imaging means pet patients spend less time under anaesthetic

The new X-ray processor can deliver the image in 3 seconds, as opposed to 60 using the old machine. Pet patients also need less time under anaesthetic, with less anaesthetic used, and they receive a lower dose of radiation. This helps them recover more quickly. The level of clear detail, plus the ability to digitally manipulate the image for ease of clinical review, increases the likelihood of spotting less visible pathological changes or signs of disease earlier.

“The new digital X-ray processor provides fast, high-quality images that can be viewed onscreen and shared instantly, which not only helps us vets get to a diagnosis quicker but also reduces anaesthetic time for animals, which supports PDSA in maintaining high standards of care,” explains Emma, a PDSA Vet.

Helping pet owners who struggle to afford vets’ bills

PDSA’s network of hospitals provides care to pet owners who would struggle to afford vets’ bills.

“Every time PDSA takes away the burden and financial stress of an unexpected veterinary bill, we give back choice to households,” says Jilly Lawton, PDSA Trust Fundraiser. “They are enabled to spend their hard-earned funds where their need is greatest e.g. new school shoes, weekly groceries or a daily newspaper from their corner shop to help them stay connected with the world.”

Every year, PPCT invites charities to apply for grants to help fund projects that improve the welfare of companion animals. Applications open in the autumn. Remember to follow our facebook and instagram pages for the latest grant announcements.

This donation would not have been possible without your donations and Petplan customers who opt in to support the Trust’s work.

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