X- rays are the form of radiation that is used to produce an image on a piece of film. The image on film is the radiograph. Although a detailed discussion of how radiographs are produced is beyond the scope of this article, let's look at some of the basics. The beam is projected down through the patient and onto a piece of radiographic film. Different tissues in the body absorb X-rays to differing degrees, producing the image on the film.
Bone is the most dense and absorbs the most X-rays, producing a white image on the film.
Fluid and soft tissue are of intermediate density, and result in varying shades of gray on the radiographic image. After exposure, the film is processed in an automatic processor or via hand, and the image can then be examined and interpreted. They allow us to actually peer inside the patient in a noninvasive manner, and gain much information about the health of the animal. Ideally, radiographs are used to confirm, document, and characterize a diagnosis, such as is the case with fractured bones. In my practice we use radiographs most frequently for skeletal trauma and cardiorespiratory evaluation.