How much is a dog X-ray and is it covered by pet insurance?

Dogs need an X-ray so vets can see bones and organs when it’s tough to diagnose medical issues with a physical examination alone. X-rays, also known as radiography, are used for fractures, arthritis, swallowed objects, tumours, bladder stones, bad teeth, and heart and lung conditions.¹ Vets commonly use them when a dog is limping, struggling to breathe or vomiting. An X-ray helps confirm a diagnosis, determine how bad the condition is, and inform the treatment.

It’s important to know that the cost of an X-ray usually covers only the radiography itself and excludes veterinary care, treatment plans or follow-up care. It’s a good idea to ask your vet about the potential cost upfront so that you can get a clear idea of the total cost based on your dog’s condition.

The main types of X-rays for dogs are standard (skeletal), contrast (organ) and dental X-rays. Each different type of procedure is used to examine a different part of a dog’s body, helping diagnose problems in the animal. The tests can identify issues that affect the dog’s bones, joints, heart, lungs, digestive system, teeth and organs, making them powerful tools vets rely on.² Here are the main types of X-rays, and what they typically identify.

• Standard X-ray: This is typically used to examine the skeletal system for fractures, arthritis or joint problems.
• Contrast X-rays: These are used to highlight soft tissues or identify things like foreign bodies in the digestive system or organ abnormalities.
• Dental X-rays: These X-rays are focused on the dog’s teeth and gums, checking for issues like tooth decay or fractures.
• Multiple views: If a more comprehensive picture is needed, the vet may take several X-rays from different angles to provide a clearer diagnosis. This can add to the cost as the procedure becomes more complex.
• Specialist X-rays: Some veterinary clinics with advanced imaging equipment or specialised radiologists may charge more for their services.

Veterinarians use dog X-rays to see inside your dog’s body and diagnose health issues, including broken bones, joint issues, dental issues and problems with their organs. They are a non-invasive and rapid tool that can help vets identify the health problem and then find the most appropriate treatment. Because dogs cannot talk, X-rays are a key tool that a vet will use to identify and treat a dog that has been injured or is ill.

A speedy diagnosis can be critical to identify and treat common health issues in dogs. Here are some of the primary uses for dog X-rays:

• Bone fractures: X-rays are commonly used to check for broken bones and dislocations, guiding vets in determining the best treatment options.²
• Arthritis and joint issues: Conditions like elbow and hip dysplasia and other ligament issues common in certain breeds can be diagnosed through X-rays.²
• Dental issues: Tooth decay, fractured teeth, gum disease and other oral dental issues may not be visible during a physical examination, so dental X-rays can help identify dental problems in dogs.²
• Tumours and cancer: X-rays help identify abnormal growths, such as bladder stones, abscesses or tumours, and can also help determine if cancer has spread.
• Heart and lung conditions: X-rays can assess the heart’s size and shape and detect heart disease or lung infections.
• Ingestion of foreign objects: If your dog swallows something harmful or obstructive, an X-ray will help locate the blockage and identify the foreign object.²
• Pregnancy: X-rays may be used to monitor the health of a pregnant dog, especially to check the number and position of her puppies.³
• Spinal issues: X-rays are often used to assess back problems, such as disc disease or spinal fractures.

Generally, the actual use of the X-ray machine only takes a few minutes.⁴ However, the appointment may take longer if additional preparation is needed, such as positioning your dog or administering a sedative. Additionally, if your dog requires multiple images taken, the appointment may be longer than usual. Typically, the X-ray and diagnosis are completed within an hour (for less complex matters where no sedation is required). After the images are taken, the vet will need time to review the radiographs and interpret your pet’s condition.

No, dogs do not always need to be sedated for X-rays. Many dogs can have an X-ray taken if they remain calm and still, but sedation may be needed if the dog is anxious, in pain or unable to stay in the correct position. Whether your dog will need sedation depends on a few factors, including your dog’s temperament and the complexity of the X-ray procedure. Sedation might be required in the following situations:⁴

• Uncooperative dogs: If your dog is anxious, stressed or in pain, they might have trouble staying still for the X-ray. Sedation helps ensure they remain calm and still for better, clearer images.
• Complex procedures: When multiple images are needed, or a clear image is crucial, sedation can reduce movement and ensure high-quality results.
• Small or highly anxious dogs: Smaller dogs, or those that are particularly nervous, may not tolerate being held still, so sedation could be necessary.

If your dog is calm and cooperative, sedation might not be needed, and the X-ray can be done with minimal restraint. Your vet will assess your dog’s behaviour and decide if sedation is the best option. Sedation is typically only necessary when it comes to painful injuries, detailed orthopaedic images or nervous dogs, as movement will reduce the quality of the images and make diagnosis harder for the vet.

Common risks associated with X-rays in dogs are related to the radiation and sedation, although ultimately the procedure is considered safe. Although X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool, there are some safety considerations:

• Radiation exposure: X-rays do use radiation, but the amount of radiation is typically very low, and the risks to your dog are minimal. Vets take precautions to expose only the necessary area of your dog’s body.
• Pregnancy considerations: If your dog is pregnant, there are some risks to the puppies from the radiation. Vets will avoid using X-rays on pregnant dogs unless necessary and may suggest alternatives such as ultrasound.
• Sedation risks: If your dog requires sedation, there are some inherent risks, especially if your dog has pre-existing health conditions. Vets will assess your dog’s health before administering sedation to ensure safety.

If the X-ray is focused on the digestive system (e.g. checking for foreign objects or digestive problems), your vet might recommend fasting your dog for a few hours beforehand. Furthermore, if your dog will require sedation, your vet may also recommend withholding food beforehand. This helps ensure there are no food-related obstructions in the X-ray images. Generally, adult dogs should fast for about 6 to 12 hours, with many vets recommending fasting before the procedure.

Some dogs can get anxious at the vet. To ease their stress, you might consider using calming sprays or natural remedies such as lavender or chamomile if the vet approves. You can even bring a familiar toy or blanket to comfort them. An anxious pet can become skittish, which is not helpful when they must remain still during an X-ray.

If your dog has any ongoing health issues or past surgeries, bring their medical history to the appointment. This information helps your vet make the right decisions during the X-ray.

X-rays work by passing a small and controlled amount of radiation through your dog’s body, which then produces an image. It’s the same principle as human X-rays; however, it must be scaled down for animals. Radiography is often the first option for vets as it works very quickly for diagnosis. Additionally, as pets can’t speak and explain their exact pain, it can identify a problem area and help narrow down a diagnosis.

During a dog X-ray, a staff member will carefully position your dog on a table and take images of the affected area. On the day of your appointment, you’ll first check in and see your vet. The vet will have asked you to withhold food beforehand if it is necessary. Radiography is relatively non-invasive but can cause discomfort if your dog needs to be positioned on an injured limb. The process of an X-ray does not take longer than a few minutes for each area that needs to be captured in an image.

For pregnancy-related matters, the vet may use an ultrasound instead to minimise the risk of radiation exposure to developing puppies.

In any case, upon completion of the X-ray, the vet will review the images, begin to diagnose the issue and work on treatment options.¹ If the matter is complex or may require a second opinion, the results can be sent to a specialist for closer examination.

After your dog’s X-ray is complete, your vet will begin to walk you through the results, often within a few minutes of it being completed and reviewed. Your vet will explain the available treatment options and provide an official diagnosis. However, if the issue is complex, or does not appear on an X-ray, your pet may need a blood test, a specialist appointment, or further radiography on other parts of the body.⁴