Radiology

Overview

Radiography, also known as X-rays, is one of the most common and valuable medical diagnostic tools. X-rays screen areas of the body that have contrasting tissue densities and are useful to accurately viewing an animal’s bone structure, organ structure, or foreign bodies. If your pet is sick or has suffered a trauma, X-rays provide a minimally invasive tool to help our doctors rapidly diagnose health problems. 

When is X-ray testing appropriate?

We may recommend veterinary X-rays as part of a diagnostic procedure if your pet is experiencing any health conditions or as a preventive measure in a routine senior wellness examination. We use radiology alone or in conjunction with other diagnostic tools depending on the patient’s condition. 

How is X-ray testing used?

X-rays can be used to detect a variety of ailments in animals including arthritis, tumors, bladder and kidney stones, and lung abnormalities such as pneumonia. They are also used to evaluate bone damage, the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, genitourinary system, organ integrity, and even identify foreign objects that may have been ingested. Dental radiographs help distinguish healthy teeth from those that may need to be extracted, and identify any abnormalities beneath the gums including root damage, tumors, and abscesses. In some cases, we may need to sedate your pet or use short-acting general anesthesia.