How should dogs (and other pets) be carried in the car according to the DGT?
According to the DGT, when travelling with your pet in the car, you must place a separator to prevent your pet from distracting you and
Menu
The veterinary diagnostic imaging allows precise information to be obtained on organs, tissues and internal structures, being a key tool for confirming diagnoses, assessing disease progression and planning treatment or surgery in dogs and cats.
At Benivet Benissa We use diagnostic imaging techniques as part of the clinical process, always integrated with the veterinary examination and complementary tests, to provide a complete and reliable assessment of each patient.
Benivet Benissa - Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa -
M-F 9:30-18:30 - S 10:00-13:00
At Benivet Benissa we offer you an advanced service of veterinary diagnostic imaging for dogs, cats and other pets. We use digital radiography y veterinary ultrasound The latest generation of technology for accurate, real-time results on your partner's health status.
Such tests are essential for detecting fractures, internal injuries, cardiac or digestive problems, as well as to perform veterinary check-ups preventive measures. In addition, they allow us to support diagnostics in areas of internal medicine and plan procedures for veterinary surgeryalways in coordination with our experience in general medicine.
Diagnostic imaging provides detailed information from inside the body to support diagnosis and clinical decision-making.
Preparation for an X-ray, an ultrasound scan or a CT scan may vary depending on the area to be examined, the patient’s state of health and whether sedation or anaesthesia is required.
When you book your appointment, the team at Benivet Benissa will let you know whether your dog or cat should come on an empty stomach, with a full bladder, or follow any special instructions.
Not all imaging tests require fasting, and not all patients are able to follow the same guidelines.
The duration of the fast may vary depending on:
The test that is to be carried out.
The pet’s age and size.
The possible need for sedation or anaesthesia.
The presence of diabetes or other illnesses.
The medicines you usually take.
The urgency of the study.
Do not withhold food or water on your own initiative. Puppies, kittens, diabetic animals and pets with certain medical conditions may require specific instructions.
Before the appointment, please let the team know about all the medicines and supplements your pet is taking, stating the doses and times.
Do not stop or change the way you administer a medication without veterinary advice. Some treatments must be continued on the day of the test, whilst others may need to be temporarily adjusted.
If your pet has been vomiting, has had diarrhoea, a cough, difficulty breathing or has shown any changes since their last visit, please let us know before the examination.
If your dog or cat has already been treated at another clinic, please bring all the information you have:
Veterinary reports.
Laboratory results.
Previous X-rays.
Ultrasound scans or ultrasound reports.
CT scans.
Surgical reports.
List of current and previous treatments.
Wherever possible, please provide the original images in digital format, in addition to the written report. Comparing current scans with previous ones can help assess progress and avoid unnecessary repeat examinations.
Veterinary professionals can submit the documentation in advance via the Case studies from Benivet Benissa.
The veterinary X-ray It is used to examine bones, joints, the chest, the abdomen and other structures.
To obtain useful images, the pet must remain in a specific position for a few seconds. Some X-rays can be taken whilst the animal is awake, whilst others require sedation when:
Pain when touching the area.
Fear or intense stress.
Difficulty staying still.
The need for a very precise position.
Suspected fracture or complex injury.
The need to carry out several projections.
It is not advisable to force an animal that is in pain or very frightened. The team will decide which handling method is most appropriate for obtaining diagnostic images and minimising stress.
The veterinary ultrasound It enables the examination of organs and soft tissues using ultrasound.
Depending on the area to be studied, we may ask you to:
You should observe a period of fasting.
Make sure your pet doesn’t go to the toilet just before the appointment.
Administer or temporarily suspend any medication in accordance with our instructions.
Please bring your previous test results and reports with you.
To ensure proper contact between the probe and the skin, it is usually necessary to shave a small area. A gel is applied to the skin and the patient is positioned so that the organs can be viewed most clearly.
Most ultrasound scans are painless, although a pet with abdominal discomfort may appear uncomfortable during the examination. If your pet is very nervous, in pain or unable to keep still, we will assess whether any further measures are required.
The Veterinary CAT scan It produces detailed images of areas such as the skull, the spine, the chest, the joints or specific masses.
To prevent movement during image acquisition, it is usually necessary to use general anaesthesia or an anaesthetic protocol tailored to the examination.
Before the procedure, the following may be recommended:
A veterinary examination.
A blood tests.
Other tests depending on age and medical history.
A specific fasting regimen.
A review of your current medication.
The assessment of heart, respiratory, kidney or liver diseases.
The protocol is planned in conjunction with the veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia.
In some scans, contrast may be used to visualise certain structures more clearly. The team will explain whether this is necessary and what preparation the patient needs to undertake.
To make your visit to the clinic a little more relaxed:
Transport the cats in a secure carrier.
Use a suitable lead or restraint system for dogs.
Avoid playing games or doing strenuous exercise before the test.
Bring a blanket or something familiar with you when the team deems it appropriate.
Please let us know if your pet is very frightened, tries to escape or displays defensive behaviour.
Do not administer tranquillisers without a veterinary prescription.
Where there is significant fear or anxiety, we can put in place management strategies or medication to safely reduce stress.
Not all imaging tests require sedation. The decision depends on:
The type and duration of the study.
The area to be examined.
The need to maintain an exact position.
The pain reported by the patient.
Its ability to remain motionless.
Their age and clinical condition.
The level of fear or anxiety.
Before administering sedation or anaesthesia, we assess each patient individually and explain the planned procedure to their family.
Once the images have been obtained, the team interprets them in conjunction with the examination, the symptoms and any other available test results.
The following steps may include:
Explanation of the findings.
Request for further tests.
Starting or adjusting a course of treatment.
Monitoring through further checks.
Assessment by another speciality.
Planning an intervention.
Where findings affect internal organs or need to be interpreted within the context of a complex condition, the case may be coordinated with veterinary internal medicine.
If a bone, joint or spinal injury is detected, an assessment of veterinary orthopaedics and traumatology.
When the test is carried out under sedation or anaesthesia, we monitor your recovery before you are discharged and let you know when you can eat, drink and resume your normal activities.
Before you go, check with the team:
If your pet needs to fast.
If you can drink water.
Whether you should take your usual medication.
If you need to go with a full bladder.
If sedation or anaesthesia is planned.
What previous reports or test results should you bring with you?
How long might the procedure take?
You will be able to go home the same day.
Not all pets require the same preparation. Following the specific instructions ensures that the test is carried out under the most suitable conditions and that useful information is obtained for the diagnosis.
Does your pet need an X-ray, an ultrasound scan or a CT scan? Book an appointment for a diagnostic imaging scan in Benivet Benissa or call +34 622 325 271.
Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa, Alicante
Telephone: +34 622 325 271
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 18:30; Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:00.
The image diagnosis helps us to look "inside" when the physical examination is not enough to confirm the cause. At Benivet Benissa we choose the most appropriate technique according to the clinical signs and the target (bone, thorax, abdomen, joints, soft tissues), and we indicate each test only when it provides useful information for diagnosis and treatment plan:
Veterinary practice in BenissaStarting point for deciding which test makes the most sense based on symptoms and examination.
Veterinary radiologyuseful in trauma, lameness, spineevaluation of thorax (cough/breathing difficulty) and some abdominal emergencies.
Veterinary ultrasound: indicated in abdominal pain, recurrent vomitingproblems of liver/kidney/bladdermasses or soft-tissue alterations.
Veterinary CAT scan: recommended in complex cases (spine, joints, skull), when we need to more detail to plan treatment or surgery.
To complete the assessment, we often interpret the findings in combination with blood tests y urinalysisespecially if there is suspicion of internal disease. If the case requires global follow-up, we coordinate it from veterinary internal medicineand if it is a locomotive problem, with veterinary orthopaedics and traumatology.
👉 If you want an assessment to decide which test is the most appropriate, request an appointment here or call +34 622 325 271.
According to the DGT, when travelling with your pet in the car, you must place a separator to prevent your pet from distracting you and
Only a veterinarian can assess the health status of the animals, taking also into account other circumstances such as the type of
Domestic or companion animals, particularly those belonging to the canine species, shall also be classified as potentially dangerous,
We select the imaging technique based on the symptoms and the aim of the investigation, and the results are interpreted in conjunction with the physical examination, laboratory tests and other specialist investigations.
Traumatic injuries, lameness, the spine and thorax; also in some abdominal emergencies.
Abdominal pain, recurrent vomiting, liver, kidney or bladder problems, masses and soft tissues.
Complex cases involving the spine, joints or skull that require more detail in order to plan treatment.
Imaging findings are interpreted in conjunction with laboratory tests, particularly if an internal condition is suspected.
When the findings affect internal organs or form part of a complex condition that requires monitoring.
If the scan reveals a bone, joint or spinal lesion requiring specialist assessment.
It is recommended when there are symptoms that cannot be identified by physical examination alone, such as lameness, recurrent vomiting, urinary problems, masses, respiratory difficulties, abdominal pain or persistent otitis. Imaging techniques allow internal structures to be seen and provide accurate diagnostic guidance.
Ultrasound: ideal for viewing soft tissues (abdomen, kidneys, liver, bladder, uterus, preliminary heart).
Digital radiography: excellent for bones, lungs, trachea, thorax and foreign bodies.
TACS: advanced 3D studies for traumatology, neurology, complex masses or deep thoracic pathologies.
At Benivet Benissa we will tell you which is the most appropriate test depending on the clinical case.
The ultrasound and radiography is usually performed without sedation, except in very nervous or painful animals. The TACThe test, on the other hand, requires general anaesthesia so that the pet remains completely immobile and the test is safe and accurate.
No. They are safe and non-invasive procedures. In the case of X-ray or CT, the duration of exposure to X-rays is very short and is performed under strict protection protocols. Ultrasound is completely painless.
In Benivet Benissa, the results of X-rays and ultrasound scans are often reviewed and explained at the same time. The studies TAC may require specialised analysis, but are usually delivered at short notice together with a detailed report.
Yes, in many cases, imaging can identify the exact cause of the problem and determine whether surgery is necessary or whether alternative medical treatments can be applied. It is also used to plan surgeries more safely and accurately.
Do you have any doubts about care, treatment or prevention for your pet? Consult our section of Frequently Asked Questions where we solve the most common queries about dogs and cats.
