Radiographs, also known as X-rays, are a standard diagnostic tool for your pet. X-rays provide a detailed look inside your pet and can be used to diagnose broken bones, bladder stones, arthritis, and other health problems. In addition to these critical uses, X-rays also allow us to see if your pet has swallowed any foreign objects such as toys or food items that may require removal by surgery. If your pet requires radiology treatment, we will break down precisely what radiology is, how it is used, and when it’s needed.
What Can X-Rays Diagnose?
Radiology can provide important information about your pet’s health. X-rays are a non-invasive diagnostic tool that allows us to see inside the body. For example:
- X-rays can help diagnose problems with bones, joints, and internal organs.
- X-rays can help us spot tumors, kidney stones, pregnancy, and enlarged organs which may lead to a diagnosis such as heart disease or cancer.
- We also use this type of imaging in many different situations such as orthopedic injuries and other conditions affecting joints or soft tissue areas like muscles and tendons.
When Should I Bring My Pet in For an X-Ray?
An X-ray is a standard procedure and is usually required when your vet needs a closer look at your pet’s body to understand or diagnose a problem. For that reason, you should first have your vet examine your pet and decide whether an X-ray is required.
Is Radiology Safe for Pets?
The short answer is yes, radiography is safe for pets. The important thing to remember is that the exposure levels used in these machines are very small and do not pose any known risk to your pet.
Radiation dosage during a scan is kept as low as possible while still being high enough to provide useful image information. The benefits of radiology testing far outweigh the risks. Radiology can help us diagnose illnesses early, provide guidance for treatment options, confirm diagnoses made by other means, follow up on surgical procedures, evaluate tumors and masses in organs such as the liver or lungs…the list goes on!
Can I Book an Exam for My Pet?
Yes! We welcome cats and dogs. Our veterinarians have extensive experience in radiology for pets of every size and age. All our veterinarians are skilled at providing radiographs (X-rays) to help you determine what’s causing your pet’s illness or injury. If you’d like to book an exam for your pet, call VIP Animal Hospital today to schedule your appointment!