X-ray
Plain and contrast imaging of the chest, abdomen and limbs.
An X-ray shows the relationship of bones, the chest and the organs in the abdomen — what neither a clinical exam nor an ultrasound reveals in the same way.
By recommendation, hip imaging is performed in deep sedation with analgesia (pain relief) or short-term general anaesthesia, because the standard leg position is painful.
Why stillness is the condition for a good X-ray
Some examinations cannot be performed on pets without sedation and sometimes anaesthesia. The reasons are sometimes pain or simply the pet’s uncooperativeness, especially in cats and some dogs. Uncooperativeness increases with the intensity of pain of the underlying pathology or the level of stress caused by the forced or unnatural positioning during imaging. For X-ray imaging, especially for certain types of examination, it is essential that pets remain absolutely still.
The standard hip imaging procedure is painful because it requires a very unnatural leg position during the exposure. By recommendation, this examination is performed in deep sedation with analgesia (pain relief) or short-term general anaesthesia.
Does my pet need sedation for an X-ray?
Some examinations cannot be performed without sedation — and sometimes even anesthesia — because pets must be absolutely still during X-ray imaging. We make that assessment together with you before the examination.
Why are hip X-rays taken under deep sedation?
The standard hip positioning procedure is painful because it requires a very unnatural position of the legs during imaging. As recommended, this examination is performed under deep sedation with analgesia (pain-relief medication) or short-term general anesthesia.
How should I prepare my pet for the X-ray?
When you book the appointment, we will guide you through everything that may need to be done before the procedure — for example, mandatory fasting if your pet is going under anesthesia.
Book an X-ray examination
Call us and describe the problem — we will agree on an appointment and, if sedation is needed, the preparation for it.