Evaluation of occupational equivalent doses to selected organs and tissues in veterinarians from scattered radiation during X-ray and CT examinations

Abstract This study evaluates the occupational equivalent doses to selected organs and tissues received by veterinary staff at the Veterinary Clinical Hospital of the University of Extremadura, where $\sim $7000 diagnostic imaging procedures (X-ray and computed tomography scans) are performed annually on patients of various sizes. Experiments were conducted with dosemeters positioned to simulate typical locations of veterinary operators during radiographic procedures under clinical conditions. Canine cadavers and equine anatomical specimens were used as animal patients, and scattered radiation exposure was measured at operator-relevant sites—including the hands, thorax, gonads, and eyes—both with and without protective equipment. The findings confirm that, with proper radioprotection measures, doses remain well below the legal limit (500, 50 and 20 mSv y$^{-1}$ for hands, eye lens and other tissues, respectively), even in worst-case scenarios—particularly during portable equine radiography exposure. However, it highlights the need for strict adherence to radiation safety protocols.