Can you see everything on an X-ray?

Not quite. X-rays are great for bone and metal. However, soft items like socks, plastic bags, or squeaky toys don't always show up well because they look the same density as the stomach fluids. In these cases, we look for "gas patterns" that suggest a blockage, or we might use Ultrasound instead.

My dog is pregnant. Can we X-ray her?

We avoid X-rays in early pregnancy. However, in the final week (Day 55+), we often perform a "Puppy Count" X-ray. At this stage, the puppies' skeletons are calcified (hard), allowing us to count exactly how many skulls and spines are present so you know when she has finished whelping.

How much does it cost?

The cost depends on the number of "views" (pictures) we need and whether sedation is required. We will always provide you with an estimate before we begin.

Will my pet glow in the dark?

We wish! But no, the radiation passes through them instantly and leaves no residue. They are safe to cuddle immediately.

Digital Radiography (X-ray)

If you could have one superpower, “X-ray vision” would probably be high on the list. For our Ormeau veterinarians, it isn’t science fiction—it is a daily reality.

At Ormeau Vet, we have moved beyond the darkrooms and hanging films of the past. We utilize state-of-the-art Digital Radiography (DR) to look beneath the surface of your pet’s skin.

Whether it is a limping Labrador or a cat that swallowed a hair tie, here is how this technology helps us diagnose problems in seconds.

What is Digital Radiography?

In the old days, taking an X-ray was like using a film camera. We had to take the picture, go into a darkroom, dip the film in chemicals, and wait 10 minutes to see if the image was clear.

Digital Radiography is like using a high-end digital camera. The image is captured by a sensor and appears on our computer screen almost instantly.

Why is “Digital” Better for Your Pet?

Speed: We get the image in seconds. This means less time on the table for your pet and faster answers for you.
Less Radiation: Digital sensors are incredibly sensitive, so we need much less X-ray power to get a clear picture compared to old film.
Detail: We can zoom in, adjust contrast, and measure bone angles on the computer screen. We can spot hairline fractures that might have been invisible on film.
Sharability: If your pet has a complex fracture or heart condition, we can email the digital files to a specialist surgeon or cardiologist instantly for a second opinion.

When Do We Recommend X-rays?

We use X-rays to look at “hard” things (bones) and “air” things (lungs), as well as the outline of organs.

Orthopedics: Diagnosing broken bones, hip dysplasia, or arthritis.
The “Foreign Body”: This is a classic. We look for balls, rocks, coins, and bones that have been swallowed and are stuck in the stomach or intestines.
Heart & Lungs: We can measure the size of the heart (to check for heart failure) and look for fluid or masses in the lungs (pneumonia or cancer).
Dental: Note: We use a specialized mini X-ray machine for teeth to see the roots below the gum line.

What to Expect During Your Visit

The most common question we get is: “Does my pet need to be asleep?”

1. The Positioning

To get a diagnostic image, we need your pet to lie perfectly still in very specific positions (e.g., flat on their back or stretched out on their side). If they wiggle even a millimeter, the image will be blurry—like a bad selfie.

2. Sedation vs. General Anesthetic

Cooperative Pets: For a simple chest X-ray on a calm dog, we can sometimes do it awake with just a gentle hold.
Sedation: For painful injuries (like a broken leg) or perfect hip positioning, we usually administer a sedative. This relaxes their muscles and relieves pain, ensuring we get the shot right the first time without causing them stress.
Full Anesthetic: Usually reserved for very complex views or dental X-rays.

3. Safety

Our staff wear lead gowns and thyroid shields to protect themselves from scattered rays. Because your pet is only exposed for a split second, the radiation risk to them is negligible—the benefit of finding the problem far outweighs the risk.