Great pet parents know taking care of your pet's health is so important. If your dog becomes sick or gets injured, it's always a good idea to immediately bring your four-legged friend to an animal hospital so a veterinarian may identify the issue. 

During the examination, your vet may require the use of medical imaging to have a closer look and to discover what could be ailing your pet so they can receive the proper diagnosis and treatment. If you're concerned about what dog x-rays cost, consider pet insurance as a helpful option. 

A "dog x-ray" is very common in veterinary medicine and is no different from any other x-ray used in human healthcare. They allow the veterinarian to diagnose problems by viewing the images of the inside of your pet. Medical imaging is commonly used on dogs or other animals when there are issues that aren't detected from a basic physical exam or blood test and it is beneficial because imaging is non-invasive.

Taking an x-ray of your dog is a diagnostic tool that will give a visual of the internal structure such as bones, soft tissues, and organs. Some typical findings could be broken bones, bladder stones, swallowed foreign objects, and other treatable issues such as arthritis or pneumonia. Sometimes x-ray images may even help to catch growths, tumors, or enlarged internal organs. This may result in an early diagnosis of heart disease or cancer. 

So, how do vets take x-rays of dogs anyway?

After an initial examination, if the vet suggests grabbing an x-ray, know that the process is fairly easy and will be harmless for your pup. 

First, the veterinarian will place your pet on an imaging table. Since it is important for your dog to remain as still as possible, the vet may use immobilizers such as Elastic Extremity Straps which may attach to a Table Liner. In some cases, your dog may require sedation or anesthesia, but usually only if your pet is in intense pain or they need more comfort.

Next, the vet will set a plastic cassette that contains film or a sensor under the part of your pet's body that needs to be captured, and then the x-ray machine is positioned above that area. When everything is set, the x-ray beams are administered, and images of your dog will be taken. The pictures are captured in various shades of grey with dense tissues revealed in white. 

If more images from different angles need to be taken, the vet will re-position your pet accordingly. To make sure they are comfortable and angled correctly, the vet may use positing aids such as a Heavy-Duty Sandbag or Sandsock. For longer procedures, vets may also use Vinyl-Covered Veterinary Sponges or Closed Cell Veterinary Sponges. 

You may notice the x-ray operators wearing protective apparel such as an x-ray lead apron or safety glasses, but this is to protect themselves and eliminate any accidental exposure to radiation. There is no need to be concerned with the radiation your dog will be exposed to during x-rays. Radiation from the x-ray procedure is only minimal, and they will stay completely safe and comfortable when your vet is using the best veterinary radiology products. 

The entire x-ray process should only take about 10 minutes or so. From there, the x-ray film can be developed or digital photos are available immediately for your vet to view and proceed with the diagnosis. Although x-rays can be very effective, not all answers will be discovered by an x-ray. For example, some things go unseen such as plastics or small tumors. 

If a more detailed view of organs, tissues, and ligaments is required, your veterinarian may suggest other types of imaging procedures such as an MRI or an ultrasound. Sometimes the findings of multiple tests like CT scanning are needed to produce a proper diagnosis, but all procedures are in the best interest of your pet's health.