Re: X-rays

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Posted by Booger's Dad on January 20, 2000 at 15:33:19:

In Reply to: Question about Xrays posted by Kendra on January 20, 2000 at 14:42:55:

An x-ray shows differences in density. Metals (i.e. from surgeries) show up the most (i.e. the lightest/brightest). Next is bone, which is less dense than metal but more dense than the soft tissues. The soft tissues are generally quite faint. Any air pockets (such as the gases in the hindgut), show up as dark patches amongst the other soft tissues.

So, (and I apologize for being so long-winded (: ) if "something" showed up, it could either be a gas bubble (darker than the surroundings), or something dense in the intestines (lighter).

Booger had ingested some aquarium-type pebbles (when unattended for a moment--bad mommy & daddy!!), and those showed up in her intestnes quite clearly, as did an abnormally large gas pocket in her hindgut due to the blockage of pebbles.

However, as far as I know, most food (in various states of digestion) should have a similar density to soft tissues, and so should be practically indistinguishable.

I don't mean to frighten you, or make you more over-protective, but if what "showed up" was not a dark gas pocket, it's most likely (in my humble opinion) something that shouldn't be in her stomach. As long as it is not a large or sharp "something", it should pass through her without causing any harm.

Hope this lessens your concerns.

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One more note while I'm being so technical... LOL Booger's Dad 01/20/00 (1)
- Thank you all, Cool Xrays Kendra 01/21/00 (0)

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: An x-ray shows differences in density. Metals (i.e. from surgeries) show up the most (i.e. the lightest/brightest). Next is bone, which is less dense than metal but more dense than the soft tissues. The soft tissues are generally quite faint. Any air pockets (such as the gases in the hindgut), show up as dark patches amongst the other soft tissues. : So, (and I apologize for being so long-winded (: ) if "something" showed up, it could either be a gas bubble (darker than the surroundings), or something dense in the intestines (lighter). : Booger had ingested some aquarium-type pebbles (when unattended for a moment--bad mommy & daddy!!), and those showed up in her intestnes quite clearly, as did an abnormally large gas pocket in her hindgut due to the blockage of pebbles. : However, as far as I know, most food (in various states of digestion) should have a similar density to soft tissues, and so should be practically indistinguishable. : I don't mean to frighten you, or make you more over-protective, but if what "showed up" was not a dark gas pocket, it's most likely (in my humble opinion) something that shouldn't be in her stomach. As long as it is not a large or sharp "something", it should pass through her without causing any harm. : Hope this lessens your concerns.

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