Radiography
There are few of us today unaware of the advantages of radiography. It is a useful tool to ‘visualise’ internal organs and bones. Today, veterinary practices may use digital or film radiography.
Radiography in the dog tends to be a little more complicated than with people, in that you mostly are unable to tell your patient to lie still, turn this way, turn that way, hold your breath etc. Therefore either heavy sedation or a general anaesthetic is usually mandatory.
Also, since irresponsibly used x-rays can carry some hazard there are strict health and safety regulations regarding their usage. Good occupational health and safety procedures should be followed and this includes that the patient must be adequately restrained and not hand-held. Again general anaesthesia is a useful means of ensuring this restraint and minimizing radiation of staff.
Therefore radiographic examination in the dog usually involves an anaesthetic fee. In addition more than one view is necessary in order to arrive at a diagnosis and several plates may have to be taken.
Finally, the radiographs have to be interpreted and sometimes a specialist veterinary radiologist has to be consulted for this purpose.
These are the costs involved with radiographing your pet.
Your veterinarian will be more than happy to discuss procedures and costs with you.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Nov 18, 2016.
