Radiography

Our hospital is fully equipped to perform radiographs (commonly known as x-rays) of your pet. If imaging is needed, our experienced veterinarians will first perform a thorough physical examination and carefully assess your pet’s condition. Radiographs are a valuable diagnostic tool that help us detect and evaluate a wide range of health concerns, especially those involving the bones, chest, or abdomen. Your pet’s comfort and care are always our top priorities throughout the process.

What happens to my pet when it is booked in for radiographs?

In most cases, pets scheduled for radiographs will be admitted to the hospital for the day. Exceptions are made in emergency situations, where imaging may be performed immediately.

We kindly ask that you bring your pet in fasted (no food) on the morning of admission, as sedation or general anaesthesia is often required. This allows us to obtain high-quality images while ensuring your pet remains calm and still throughout the procedure.

Once the radiographs have been completed, a member of our team will contact you to either schedule a consultation or discuss the findings. Our veterinarians will review the images with you and explain the diagnosis, along with any recommended treatment options.

Why do pets need to be sedated or anaesthetised to have radiographs taken?

High-quality radiographs are essential for accurate diagnosis and often require precise positioning and complete stillness during the procedure. Because most animals won’t naturally remain still in the required positions, sedation or anaesthesia is often necessary. This ensures we can capture clear, diagnostic images while keeping your pet safe, calm, and comfortable throughout the process.

How are radiographs made?

Radiographs are created in a process similar to photography, but instead of using light, we use x-rays. As x-rays pass through the body, different tissues absorb them at varying levels. This difference in absorption creates the image seen on the radiograph.

  • Bone absorbs the most x-rays, which is why it appears white on the image.
  • Soft tissues—such as the heart, liver, or kidneys—absorb some x-rays and show up in varying shades of grey.
  • Air-filled areas, like the lungs, absorb very few x-rays and appear dark grey or black.

Once the radiographs have been taken, our veterinary team will review them with you, explain the findings, and discuss any next steps in your pet’s care.