What are they?
X-rays are a non-invasive diagnostic tool that uses small amounts of radiation to make images or pictures of certain areas of your pet. After an x-ray is taken and processed it shows several different levels of brightness. These levels correspond to bone (brightest), soft tissues (such as the liver and kidneys), fat, and air. The contrast created between the differing levels of brightness is what allows us to see “inside” your pet
What can we see?
We can evaluate bones (including teeth) and joints, the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, stomach, urinary tract, small and large intestines, and sometimes the pancreas. Tendons and ligaments show up the same color as the surrounding muscles. X-rays are not the optimal way to evaluate tendons and ligaments, ultrasound is better suited for that purpose.
When do we take them?
We may recommend x-rays for a variety of reasons:
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Limping animals to look for a fracture or signs of arthritis
- Coughing animals to evaluate the heart and lungs
- Animals with a heart murmur to look for signs of heart disease/failure
- Vomiting animals to see if they have eaten something that needs to be surgically removed
- Animals having difficulty urinating to see if they may have a stone in their bladder or urethra
- Animals with an enlarged or painful belly to see if they have any tumors in their belly