An x-ray is a type of electromagnetic radiation that shows us images of the inside of a patient’s body. Dogs, cats, lizards and even birds can have x-rays taken. Unlike human doctors, most veterinary clinics will have an x-ray machine on site. This is used to determine much more than whether a patient may have a broken bone or not. In essence, this diagnostic tool is used to answer questions we have about our patients.
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Understanding Dog X-Rays
X-rays are not only taken when we suspect a bone may be broken. They can be taken for any of the following reasons:
- Arthritis: to confirm the extent of arthritic changes in a pet’s musculoskeletal system.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia: x-rays are often taken of large breed dogs that parents would like to breed with to see if they have good hips, elbows and knees.
- Cruciate ligament ruptures and patella luxation: to confirm diagnosis.
- Foreign body ingestion: to confirm a suspected blockage or partial blockage of the gastrointestinal tract, or to confirm whether a foreign object was ingested such as a battery. (When batteries are ingested, it is a life-or-death situation, they need to be surgically removed to prevent the battery acid from destroying internal organs.)
- Barium study: radiopaque material is fed to the patient to confirm that it passes through the entire gastrointestinal system and does not stop anywhere.
- Bladder stones: to confirm the presence of certain types of bladder stones that are visible on x-rays in the bladder and/or urethra.
- Trauma: from any traumatic event, to see whether there are broken bones, diaphragmatic hernias, or any other severe damage to the body or its organs.
- Torsion: to confirm presence of a gastric or splenic, or other organ torsion.
- Heart: to measure the size of the heart to determine if it is enlarged or if any heart disease is present.
- Lungs: x-rays of the lungs are taken to determine lung health, if lung disease is present or if there are any deformities present.
- Dental: to determine whether or not there is periodontal disease, root damage, abscesses or any other painful problems present.
- And many more
Dr G Allan says the following in his article about Radiographic Signs of Joint Disease in Dogs and Cats: “Degenerative joint disease is a slowly progressive disease of synovial joints in which synovial effusion and cartilage degradation are key components. It is the most common joint abnormality seen in small animal practice and occurs most frequently in the weight-bearing joints of medium-sized to large dogs, although it may affect any synovial joint of both dogs and cats. The best example of canine degenerative joint disease occurs as a result of canine hip dysplasia.”
Certain illnesses or accidents can occur in your home. Dogs have been known to break a toe when running past a piece of furniture and hooking it. I have seen a miniature poodle that has jumped off a couch and dislocated its shoulder. Some dog’s stomachs can turn seemingly out of nowhere – this is why we recommend having a pet camera so that you can check in on your canine friend when you are not home.
Costs of Dog X-Rays
The cost of taking an x-ray is much higher than one would expect. Not only is the equipment needed to take the x-ray costly, but the surge of power needed to shoot the x-ray is immense. These expensive machines need to be insured, and regular maintenance is required. Some dogs will lie still for an x-ray, but many will require a light sedation to ensure that they do not move while the x-ray is being taken.
The cost of an x-ray alone (excluding any sedation) can range from $75 - $300 per x-ray. Some veterinary practices may charge an initial higher charge for the first exposure and then a lower charge per additional x-ray. Sedation cost can only be quoted to the patient being seen as the cost depends on the size of the animal and how much will be needed to achieve the desired effect. The number of x-rays taken depends on the area of the body being examined.
Preparing for Your Dog's X-Ray
The best thing you can do for your pooch is to invest in emergency fund. This way you can be sure that when x-rays need to be taken you can give your veterinarian the go ahead. Don’t let funds limit you when it comes to the care for your beloved furry friend.
In the book on Cardiac Radiography written by Dr. Ware and colleagues it states:
“Good quality thoracic radiographs can provide vital information about overall cardiac size and shape, pulmonary blood vessel size, and possible lung oedema or other infiltrates, especially in small animals. Potential abnormalities of the major airways, pleural space, mediastinum, and diaphragm also can be detected.”
Conclusion
X-rays will only be recommended when necessary; trust your veterinarian when they ask to take them, it will help give them a better picture of what is happening in your pooch.