Radiography

Radiographs (X-rays) are a very important tool to help diagnose diseases in animals, particularly for conditions involving bones, the chest or abdomen. It can provide a large amount of information to your vet and especially if used in conjunction with other testing such as blood tests and ultrasound.

Although radiography itself is painless, sedation or general anaesthesia is often necessary in order to reduce anxiety and stress associated with the procedure, as well as to control pain associated with manipulation of animals with painful disorders such as fractures and arthritis.

When people have radiographs taken, the radiographer asks us to keep perfectly still, often in unnatural positions. Understandably, most pets would never lie still enough, in the correct position, for us to take good quality radiographs required to diagnose their condition.

Generally most of our patients are admitted into hospital for the day to have radiographs taken, unless it is an emergency and then of course we’ll take them immediately.

We ask that you bring your pet in unfed on the morning of admission, as they will most likely be sedated or anaesthetised to allow us to take the best quality radiographs possible.

Once the radiographs have been taken we will give you a call or book an appointment for our veterinarians to show you the images and to discuss the diagnosis and treatment plan for your pet.

Our vets are able to email radiograph results to you, and you are welcome to take home a copy of your pet's radiographs on CD.