A dog or cat may need an X-ray if it is limping, in pain, having difficulty breathing, coughing, has sustained an injury, is suspected of having a fracture, has swallowed a foreign object, has abdominal distension or certain urinary problems. It may also be used prior to surgery or as part of the assessment of chronic conditions.
An X-ray uses X-rays to produce images of the inside of the body and is particularly useful for assessing bones, joints, the chest and certain abdominal structures. In Benivet Benissa, the veterinary radiology in Benissa It is used when the examination and symptoms suggest that an area needs to be investigated in greater detail.
Not all problems require an X-ray, and in some cases it may be necessary to combine it with an ultrasound scan, a CT scan, blood tests or other investigations to obtain a more comprehensive diagnosis.
What problems can a veterinary X-ray detect?
X-rays provide a particularly clear view of dense structures such as bones, but they also provide information about the chest, the abdomen and certain internal abnormalities.
The problems they can help to detect include:
- Bone fractures and cracks.
- Dislocations and joint disorders.
- Osteoarthritis and degenerative changes.
- Abnormalities of the spine.
- Pulmonary changes.
- Changes in the size or shape of the cardiac silhouette.
- Certain foreign bodies.
- Abnormal gas accumulations.
- Some urinary stones.
- Changes in the size or position of organs.
- Lesions or abnormalities requiring further investigation.
An X-ray alone does not always reveal the exact cause of the problem. Its usefulness depends on the area being examined and the type of condition suspected.
When is an X-ray recommended for lameness or pain?
One of the most common reasons for having an X-ray is to investigate lameness. It may be recommended when a dog or cat is not putting weight on a leg, is showing signs of pain, swelling or stiffness, or has suffered a fall, a blow or been hit by a vehicle.
The image enables the assessment of bones and joints and the detection of fractures, dislocations, osteoarthritis and other bone conditions.
Where lameness persists or a more complex injury is suspected, an assessment of veterinary orthopaedics and traumatology to decide whether further tests or specific treatment are required.
When is a chest X-ray recommended?
A chest X-ray allows the lungs, the trachea, the space around the lungs and the outline of the heart to be examined. It may be recommended when respiratory symptoms arise or when the chest needs to be assessed prior to certain procedures.
Some common reasons are:
- Persistent cough.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Rapid breathing at rest.
- Chest injuries.
- Heart murmurs or suspected heart disease.
- Monitoring of certain lung conditions.
- Pre-operative assessment in selected cases.
If a heart problem is suspected, the X-ray may be supplemented by an assessment of veterinary cardiology, an echocardiogram or an electrocardiogram, depending on the findings.
When is an abdominal X-ray used?
An abdominal X-ray may be useful when a dog or cat is experiencing pain, vomiting, a distended abdomen, a suspected foreign body, or changes in the size or position of certain organs.
It can also help to detect certain urinary stones and disorders relating to the digestive system.
However, to examine organs and soft tissues in greater detail, a veterinary abdominal ultrasound scan. In many cases, both tests provide complementary information.
Can it detect a foreign object?
Yes, although it depends on the material. Metal objects, bones and some dense substances usually show up clearly on an X-ray, whilst other materials such as fabric, plastic or wood may be more difficult to identify directly.
In such cases, an X-ray may reveal indirect signs such as abnormal gas accumulation, intestinal dilation or changes in digestive transit.
If an obstruction is suspected and the X-ray is inconclusive, it may be necessary to supplement the investigation with an ultrasound scan, contrast imaging, a CT scan or other tests.
Can it detect urinary stones?
Some bladder or urinary tract stones are visible on X-rays, particularly when they contain minerals that effectively block X-rays.
Other stones may be less obvious and require an ultrasound scan to detect them. Therefore, when a dog or cat has blood in its urine, difficulty passing urine or recurrent urinary problems, the vet may use a combination of both techniques.
In such cases, a veterinary urinalysis to examine crystals, blood, bacteria, proteins and other abnormalities.
What is the difference between an X-ray, an ultrasound scan and a CT scan?
X-rays are particularly useful for bones, the chest and for providing an overview of the abdomen. Ultrasound allows organs and soft tissues to be examined in real time, whilst a CT scan produces cross-sectional images and provides greater detail in complex areas.
For example, a simple fracture may initially be assessed using an X-ray, whilst a complex injury to the spine, skull or joints may require a Veterinary CAT scan.
There is no single test that is best for all conditions. The vet chooses the technique based on the symptoms, the affected area and the information they need to obtain.
Does my pet need sedation for an x-ray?
Not always. Many X-rays can be taken without sedation if the animal is calm, is not in severe pain and can hold the required position for a few seconds.
However, some areas require very precise placement, and certain patients need sedation to prevent movement, reduce stress or avoid exacerbating pain.
Where necessary, sedation is tailored to the patient’s general condition and may form part of a protocol for veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia.
Are X-rays safe for dogs and cats?
X-rays use ionising radiation, but the doses used in veterinary diagnostics are controlled and exposure is limited to the area being examined and the number of images required.
The veterinary team follows radiation protection measures and avoids repeating scans unnecessarily. When a pet requires follow-up scans, the diagnostic benefit is weighed against the cumulative exposure.
Does a normal X-ray rule out any problems?
No. A standard X-ray can rule out or make certain abnormalities less likely, but not all diseases cause visible changes on this test.
Soft-tissue problems, certain initial injuries or microscopic conditions may require an ultrasound scan, a CT scan, blood tests or further investigations.
Therefore, the results should be interpreted in conjunction with the physical examination, the symptoms and the animal’s clinical course.
When to make an appointment in Benivet Benissa
Please consult us if your dog or cat is showing signs of lameness, pain, trauma, a persistent cough, breathing difficulties, vomiting, a swollen abdomen, a suspected foreign body, or urinary symptoms that may require diagnostic imaging.
At Benivet Benissa, we offer direct digital radiography and diagnostic imaging services to investigate orthopaedic, respiratory, digestive and urinary problems. The clinical team will assess whether an X-ray is the most appropriate test or whether it should be supplemented with an ultrasound scan, a CT scan or other investigations.
If your dog or cat needs an X-ray and you live in Benissa, Calpe or the Marina Alta, you can contact Benivet Benissa to request a veterinary assessment.
Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa
Tel. +34 622 325 271
Email: info@benivetbenissa.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-18:30 - Sat 10:00-13:00
