--- title: Why DICOM Format Matters in Veterinary Teleradiology description: Learn how to overcome common non-technical barriers in veterinary ultrasound and turn it into a daily diagnostic asset for your hospital. image: https://www.svsimaging.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images%20and%20Graphics%20-%20Compressed%20Images/How%20to%20Successfully%20Implement%20Ultrasound%20Into%20Your%20Hospital%20(1).png --- [Skip to the main content.](https://www.svsimaging.com/mobile-ultrasound-teleradiology-solutions-by-svs-imaging/ultrasound-implementation-1#main-content) - [Log In to Schedule Mobile Ultrasound Appointment or Submit a Teleradiology Case](https://yourviewdr.com/user-manager/users/clinic-login/69tETBzWcL) [![SVS\_white](https://www.svsimaging.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/SVS_white.png?width=200&height=200&name=SVS_white.png "SVS_white")](https://www.svsimaging.com/) [![SVS\_white](https://www.svsimaging.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/SVS_white.png?width=300&height=300&name=SVS_white.png "SVS_white")](https://www.svsimaging.com/) - 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[Submit a Case / Access Reports](https://yourviewdr.com/user-manager/users/clinic-login/69tETBzWcL) - IMAGING TRAINING - [Abdominal Labs](https://www.svsimaging.com/labs) - [Cardiac Labs](https://www.svsimaging.com/echo) - [In-Clinic U/S Training](https://www.svsimaging.com/inclinic) - ABOUT US - [Blog](https://www.svsimaging.com/mobile-ultrasound-teleradiology-solutions-by-svs-imaging) - [Contact Us](https://www.svsimaging.com/contact-us) - [Meet The Team](https://www.svsimaging.com/about-us) - [Work With Us](https://www.svsimaging.com/careers) - Example Link - Example Link - Example Link [Facebook](https://www.svsimaging.com/mobile-ultrasound-teleradiology-solutions-by-svs-imaging/ultrasound-implementation-1#0) [Linkedin](https://www.svsimaging.com/mobile-ultrasound-teleradiology-solutions-by-svs-imaging/ultrasound-implementation-1#0) 2 min read # Why DICOM Format Matters in Veterinary Teleradiology [![Picture of Fred Gromalak, DVM](https://www.svsimaging.com/hubfs/Head%20Shots/Fred%20Head%20shot%20(web).jpg) Fred Gromalak, DVM](https://www.svsimaging.com/mobile-ultrasound-teleradiology-solutions-by-svs-imaging/author/fred-gromalak) : Nov 26, 2025, 11:24:43 AM [veterinary technology](https://www.svsimaging.com/mobile-ultrasound-teleradiology-solutions-by-svs-imaging/tag/veterinary-technology) [veterinary medicine](https://www.svsimaging.com/mobile-ultrasound-teleradiology-solutions-by-svs-imaging/tag/veterinary-medicine) [diagnostic imaging](https://www.svsimaging.com/mobile-ultrasound-teleradiology-solutions-by-svs-imaging/tag/diagnostic-imaging) [Radiology in Veterinary Medicine](https://www.svsimaging.com/mobile-ultrasound-teleradiology-solutions-by-svs-imaging/tag/radiology-in-veterinary-medicine) [Radiographic Techniques](https://www.svsimaging.com/mobile-ultrasound-teleradiology-solutions-by-svs-imaging/tag/radiographic-techniques) ![Why DICOM Format Matters in Veterinary Teleradiology](https://www.svsimaging.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images%20and%20Graphics%20-%20Compressed%20Images/How%20to%20Successfully%20Implement%20Ultrasound%20Into%20Your%20Hospital%20(1).png) ##### DICOM Images - The Gold Standard for Diagnostic Imaging When it comes to submitting images for **teleradiology interpretation**, one of the most common issues we encounter is the use of JPEGs instead of DICOM files. While JPEGs may seem convenient, they lack the critical detail and diagnostic utility that DICOM files provide. For accurate, timely, and reliable veterinary imaging interpretations—**DICOM is not optional; it’s essential**.   ##### What is a DICOM File? **DICOM** (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) is the **international standard** for storing, transmitting, and viewing medical images. Nearly all **modern veterinary digital radiography (DR), ultrasound, and PACS systems** capture images in this format by default, using the `.dcm` file extension. A DICOM file contains **much more than just an image**. It embeds: - Patient information - Study and acquisition details - Imaging parameters - Orientation markers - Calibration data for **accurate measurements** - Annotations and notes In other words, a DICOM file enables radiologists to **analyze images the way they were intended to be used,** with full diagnostic context. If you're using a digital x-ray machine or PACs system, chances are it's already capturing images in DICOM format (file extension **.dcm**). But sometimes, those files are accidentally exported or saved as JPEGs, either due to system settings, workflow habits, or file size convenience.    ##### DICOM vs. JPEG in Veterinary Teleradiology | Feature / Capability | **DICOM (.dcm)** | ###### **JPEG (.jpg/.jpeg)** | | --- | --- | --- | | **Purpose** | Medical imaging standard | General photo format | | **File Origin** | Captured natively by imaging equipment (x-ray machines, ultrasound, and PACs systems) | Exported or converted manually | | **Image Quality** | Full resolution + metadata | Compressed, may lose detail | | **Measurement Accuracy** | Calibrated, real-world units (ex mm) | Only pixel values, not measurable | | **Manipulation Tools** | Zoom, contrast, grayscale, annotations | Limited adjustments | | **Radiologist Preference** | **Required** for diagnostic reads | **Not suitable** for interpretation | | **Workflow Integration** | Seamless with PACs and teleradiology | Manual upload; not optimized | | **Legal/Medical Compliance** | DICOM-compliant standards | **Not compliant** | | **YourViewDr Compatibility** | Supported via **Direct DICOM Send** and manual upload | Uploadable, but **discouraged** |   #### **Why JPEG Images Are a Problem in Veterinary Imaging** JPEGs are designed for compact file sharing and basic viewing, not diagnostics. When a JPEG is submitted: - **Vital metadata is stripped**, such as image scale and patient ID - Images may become **compressed and degraded**, reducing clarity - **Measurements are invalid**, showing only pixel values without conversion context - **Image orientation** may be lost, causing confusion or misdiagnosis Here’s an example: - A DICOM file allows our radiologists to take a precise 48.23 mm measurement. - The same image in JPEG format might only show “263.19 pixels” which is a meaningless value for medical purposes. For example, in a DICOM image, our radiologists can use tools to **accurately measure structures** like a 48.23 mm mass—directly within the system (*example below*) ![DICOM](https://www.svsimaging.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images%20and%20Graphics%20-%20Compressed%20Images/DICOM%20vs%20JPEG/DICOM.png?width=414&height=344&name=DICOM.png) In contrast, JPEGs strip out this data, leaving only the image itself. Measurements like “263.19 pixels” become medically meaningless because we can’t convert them into millimeters or centimeters without knowing the original scale (*example below*) ##### ![JPEG](https://www.svsimaging.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images%20and%20Graphics%20-%20Compressed%20Images/DICOM%20vs%20JPEG/JPEG.png?width=415&height=325&name=JPEG.png) ##### This not only limits our diagnostic capabilities but may **delay turnaround times**, especially if follow-up is required to request proper files.   #### **The Bottom Line: DICOM = Better Veterinary Care** Veterinary teleradiology is only as strong as the images provided. Submitting cases in DICOM format empowers your radiology team to: - Make faster, more accurate diagnoses - Utilize measurement tools - Maintain medical compliance - Deliver higher-quality reports to support patient care #### **Looking for a New Veterinary Teleradiology Provider?** At **SVS Imaging**, we specialize in teleradiology, ultrasound training, and mobile sonography for veterinary hospitals across the country. If you're looking for: - Reliable, fast turnaround times - Board-certified radiologists - Expert support with DICOM setup or case submissions 📩 Let us help. Fill out the form below and a team member will connect directly with you!   - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![10 Hacks for Veterinary Radiographic Positioning](https://www.svsimaging.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images%20and%20Graphics/Stock%20Photos/veterinarians-make-x-ray-sick-cat-on-a-table-in-a-2023-11-27-05-21-36-utc.jpg)](https://www.svsimaging.com/mobile-ultrasound-teleradiology-solutions-by-svs-imaging/10-hacks-for-veterinary-radiographic-positioning) 1 min read #### [10 Hacks for Veterinary Radiographic Positioning](https://www.svsimaging.com/mobile-ultrasound-teleradiology-solutions-by-svs-imaging/10-hacks-for-veterinary-radiographic-positioning) ![Picture of Fred Gromalak, DVM](https://www.svsimaging.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Head%20Shots/Fred%20Head%20shot%20(web).jpg?width=30&name=Fred%20Head%20shot%20(web).jpg) [Fred Gromalak, DVM](https://www.svsimaging.com/mobile-ultrasound-teleradiology-solutions-by-svs-imaging/author/fred-gromalak) : Feb 7, 2025, 1:30:00 PM Help Improve Your Technique and Obtain Optimal Radiographic Images Perfecting the art of veterinary radiographic positioning is crucial for obtaining... 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The joy and satisfaction that results from providing quality service are what continue to motivate and power the company forward. - [Ultrasound Training](https://www.svsimaging.com/veterinary-ultrasound-training) - [Submit a Teleradiology Case](https://yourviewdr.com/user-manager/users/clinic-login/69tETBzWcL) - [Contact Us](https://www.svsimaging.com/contact-old) © 2026 SVS Imaging [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/svsimaging23/)[Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/svs-imaging) Return to top ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Fred Gromalak, DVM", "url" : "https://www.svsimaging.com/mobile-ultrasound-teleradiology-solutions-by-svs-imaging/author/fred-gromalak" }, "dateModified" : "2025-11-26T17:24:43.899Z", "datePublished" : "2025-11-26T17:24:43.000Z", "headline" : "Why DICOM Format Matters in Veterinary Teleradiology", "image" : [ "https://www.svsimaging.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images%20and%20Graphics%20-%20Compressed%20Images/How%20to%20Successfully%20Implement%20Ultrasound%20Into%20Your%20Hospital%20(1).png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.svsimaging.com/mobile-ultrasound-teleradiology-solutions-by-svs-imaging/ultrasound-implementation-1", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.svsimaging.com/hubfs/Logos/transparentlogo.png" }, "name" : "SVS Imaging" } } ```