Digital X-rays (radiographs) are a valuable diagnostic tool that help our veterinarians assess a pet’s internal health quickly and accurately. They are painless, non-invasive, and safe, using a very low dose of radiation. We frequently use X-rays to examine your pet’s bones, internal organs and tissues to diagnose issues such as fractures in bones, foreign objects your pet may have swallowed, bladder stones and more.
Our veterinarians can diagnose a wide range of conditions in cats and dogs using X-rays.
- Bone Fractures & Injuries – X-rays help identify broken bones, dislocations, or joint problems caused by trauma or accidents.
- Arthritis & Joint Issues – X-rays can show signs of joint degeneration, such as in hip or elbow dysplasia, and help track the progression of arthritis.
- Tumors & Cancers – X-rays can reveal the presence of tumors in bones, lungs, or other internal organs. It helps in detecting abnormal growth or mass formations.
- Heart & Lung Issues – X-rays can help identify heart enlargement, fluid buildup in the lungs, lung infections, pneumonia, or tumors in the chest.
- Foreign Objects – If your pet has swallowed something, X-rays can help locate the foreign object in the stomach or intestines, especially if it’s not easily detectable by other methods.
- Dental Problems – X-rays can show dental diseases, such as tooth decay, abscesses, and issues under the gumline that are not visible during a regular exam.
- Spinal & Nerve Problems – X-rays can help assess spinal health, such as identifying potential causes of herniated discs or spinal cord issues that could cause pain or mobility problems.
- Bladder & Kidney Stones – X-rays can identify the presence of bladder stones, kidney stones, or other abnormalities in the urinary system.
- Pregnancy & Reproductive Health – X-rays can help assess the health of a pregnant pet and determine the number of puppies or kittens in the womb.
- Digestive System Issues – X-rays can reveal obstructions or abnormalities in the stomach or intestines, such as blockages or irregular shapes.
X-ray technology is a valuable diagnostic tool for many cases. However, additional diagnostic tools may be needed to address your pet’s specific condition. X-rays cannot help us obtain a detailed view of tissues, ligaments and organs. It may also be more difficult to distinguish between organs if your pet either has very little body fat or is extremely obese.
The inside of the skull cannot be properly observed with an X-ray since the bones in the cranium absorb all X-rays, preventing us from seeing the brain tissue.
We may need other diagnostic imaging tools such as computed tomography (CT scans) to detect structural abnormalities deep within the body, such as abscesses, some tumors, hematomas, occult fractures and vascular changes.
Ultrasound is more appropriate for diagnosing conditions such as kidney stones, pancreatitis, abdominal pain or enlarged abdominal organs. We can also use ultrasound to perform guided procedures such as needle biopsies when we need to extract a cell sample from organs to be tested in the lab.
Sedated X-rays
Most pets do not need to be sedated for X-rays to be taken. However, there are some situations in which sedation is needed to be sure they remain still and compliant or for the safety of our team.
- Clearer Images – Movement during an X-ray can cause blurry or distorted images, making it difficult for the veterinarian to accurately diagnose any issues. Sedation helps to minimize movement, resulting in better quality images.
- Reduced Radiation Exposure – If multiple X-rays are needed because of movement, the dog and the veterinary staff are exposed to more radiation. Sedation helps to reduce the need for repeat X-rays, minimizing radiation exposure.
- Protection of Staff – Sedation can also protect the veterinary staff from potential injury or bites from a stressed or anxious dog during the procedure.
- Pain Management- In some cases, the position required for an X-ray can be uncomfortable or even painful for the dog, especially if they have an injury or pain in the area being X-rayed. Sedation can help to alleviate any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
- Specific X-rays – Sedation might be necessary for specific X-rays, such as those of the spine, skull, or teeth, where precise positioning and muscle relaxation are crucial.
- Dog’s Temperament- If your dog is generally edgy, squirmy, or prone to anxiety, sedation may be recommended to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for both the dog and the veterinary team.