ABSTRACT
This chapter covers the risks of radiation exposure in veterinary clinical practice, including diagnostic radiography, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, and radiation treatment. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are also covered. Nuclear medicine and imaging and the risks associated with them during both pregnancy and lactation are included. A review of the literature detailing what is known about the dose of radiation that a fetus may receive is included, along with the doses suspected of causing harm to a pregnancy. Best practices for reducing radiation exposure are outlined. Strategies to reduce the risk for large animal and/or mobile radiography are also included. Practice profiles include the decision-making experiences of both large animal and small animal veterinarians as to their radiation exposure during their pregnancies.
