Ultrasound and X-ray for Pets

​X-rays and ultrasounds let doctors look inside your pet’s body to help identify the cause of health problems, rule out possible problems or provide a list of possible causes. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other diagnostic tools such as bloodwork. Interpretation of x-rays requires great skill on the part of the veterinarian. Please feel free to call us at 519-426-0111 if you want to learn more about our diagnostics services. We will be happy to answer your questions to the best of our abilities!

Do pets need to be sedated for X-rays?

X-rays are non-invasive and pain free. But, to keep from getting blurry images we may need to use a sedative to keep your furry friend from moving around during the X-ray process. This is also usually done when your pet is in too much pain, or if they must be placed in an uncomfortable position to get a proper angle for the scan. For abdominal X-rays, most pets do not need sedation or anesthesia.

Why would a pet need an X-ray?

Usually, the veterinarian may require an X-ray scan for several different reasons. The most common circumstances or health issues that warrant a scan are: arthritis, broken or fractured bones, swallowed items and dental problems.

Are ultrasounds and X-rays the same thing?

No. Ultrasounds are a different form of diagnostics. They are used to analyze softer-tissue and fluid-filled organs. For example, an ultrasound can be used to perform a thorough analysis of your pet’s heart, to see any problems in specific sections of the organ. Ultrasounds are able to show more detail than X-rays. The two methods are often used together, depending on your pet’s needs.

Why would a pet need an ultrasound?

Ultrasounds are used to examine conditions concerning your pet’s major organs such as their uterus, prostate, eyes, liver, spleen, kidney, pancreas, lymph nodes and intestines. Ultrasounds, like X-rays, are non-invasive and are pain free. Pets are usually not sedated during ultrasounds, although the fur on the area to be examined needs to be shaved.