Announcing the 2026 X-ray Contest results!

After 20 years of the They Ate What?! X-ray contest, you might think nothing could surprise us anymore. However, that is one of the things that keeps veterinary medicine so interesting: there is always another unique case waiting to come through the door. From patients with odd tastes and insatiable appetites, to owners in disbelief and veterinary teams rising to the challenge, these cases remind us that even after two decades, the unexpected is still—and will always be—part of a day's work.

While reviewing these remarkable entries is certainly entertaining, the bigger story is what happens next. Behind every surprising radiograph is a veterinary team applying thoughtful, creative, and expert care to diagnose, treat, and support their patient. The inventive approaches, dedicated teamwork, and positive outcomes are what truly deserve recognition—and what make these cases worth sharing.

Contest judges

• Robin Downing DVM, MS, DBe, DAAPM, DACVSMR, is the hospital director of The Downing Center for Animal Pain Management. She teaches internationally on a wide range of topics, including pain management and physical rehabilitation.
• Jennifer Serling, CVT, RVT, BVSc, AAS, VTES, is a Veterinary Practice News editorial advisory board member. She is the director of the Appalachian State University Veterinary Technology Program.
• Kendra Freeman, DVM, MS, DACVS, is an associate surgeon in Albuquerque, N.Mex. and is a frequent contributing writer for Veterinary Practice News.
• Erica Tramuta-Drobnis, VMD, MPH, CPH, is the CEO and founder of ELTD One Health Consulting, LLC. She works as a public health professional, emergency veterinarian, freelance writer, consultant, and researcher.
• Greg Bishop, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian and a part-time veterinary technology instructor in Portland, Ore. He regularly contributes to the "Client Speak" column and creates the monthly cartoon series, "The Lighter Side."

Browse through the pages and marvel at this year's contest results.