Measuring animal thickness is key to successful X-Ray imaging. An image can appear too light or too dark if the initial measurements are not accurate. Focus on the point of interest so the technique used is correct for the X-Ray exposure needed.

Try not to look at all anatomy elements visible in the view.  Seldom will all visible anatomy elements present proper exposure or the detail you expect.   Shooting an X-Ray of a canine abdomen will likely cause the dog's stifle )that may also be in view) to appear over-exposed - an expected result of proper exposure of the abdomen - which is much thicker than the stifle.

The goals of an X-Ray exposure include the presentation of an image that is properly exposed, contains sufficient diagnostic detail, and shows minimal distortion.