Diagnostics and Your Pet—X-ray

When your pet isn’t feeling their best, it can sometimes be tricky to find out exactly what’s going on beneath the surface. That’s where diagnostic tools such as X-rays (radiographs) play an important role in veterinary medicine. They give our vets a window into your pet’s body without the need for surgery, helping uncover the cause of illness or injury.

What Is an X-ray?

An X-ray is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses a small dose of radiation to create pictures of the inside of the body. These black-and-white images show different tissues and structures in varying shades, depending on how dense they are. Bones show up bright white, while softer tissues such as organs and muscles appear in shades of grey.

Why Might Your Pet Need an X-ray?

X-rays are one of the most common diagnostic tests performed in veterinary clinics. Our vets may recommend one if your pet has:

• Lameness or limping – to check for broken bones, arthritis or joint problems.

• Breathing issues – to look at the lungs and chest cavity.

• Digestive problems – to check for swallowed objects, blockages or stomach issues.

• Dental disease – to see below the gum line for hidden infections or damaged teeth.

• Injuries – after accidents or trauma, to detect fractures or internal damage.

What Happens During an X-ray?

Your pet will usually need to stay still while the images are taken. For calm pets, this may be possible with gentle handling and positioning. However, some pets require sedation or anaesthesia to ensure clear, accurate images are obtained and to reduce stress.

Once the X-rays are taken, our vets will carefully examine them and explain what they reveal about your pet’s health. In some cases, our vets may also consult with a specialist radiologist for a second opinion.

Is an X-ray Safe for Pets?

Yes. Veterinary X-rays use very low levels of radiation, and they are considered safe for pets. Sedation or anaesthesia, when required, is tailored carefully to your pet’s health and monitored closely to minimise risk. The benefits of accurate diagnosis almost always outweigh the risks.

What Are the Next Steps?

An X-ray is often just one piece of the diagnostic puzzle. Depending on what it shows, our vets may recommend additional tests such as blood work, ultrasound or CT scans to get a more complete picture.

Helping Your Pet Get the Best Care

X-rays are an essential tool that allows vets to look inside your pet’s body without surgery. They can detect conditions that aren’t visible from the outside, guide treatment decisions and give you peace of mind by providing answers.

If our vets recommend an X-ray for your pet, it’s an important step toward understanding what’s going on and getting them the care they need to live a happy, healthy life.