When your pet is not feeling well, your first instinct is to find out what is wrong as quickly as possible. In many cases, a veterinarian near you may suggest taking digital x-rays. Digital x-rays are crucial for modern veterinary medicine. They allow the vet to be able to look within your pet’s body without surgery. This results in faster diagnosis without the added stress your pet experiences.
What Are Digital X-Rays?
Digital x-rays are a type of medical imaging that uses a small amount of radiation to take pictures of bones, teeth, and soft organs. Unlike the old-fashioned film x-ray, digital x-rays use sensors and computers. This means an image will be clearer and can be viewed almost instantly on a screen.
Veterinarians use digital x-rays to see if your pet has a broken bone, dental problem, tumor, or infection, or whether they have swallowed something. Since pets cannot tell their owners where it hurts, digital x-rays give veterinarians the ability to ‘see’ inside the body.
How Pet X-Rays Work
When your pet gets an X-ray, the veterinarian will position your pet on a table safely. If the veterinary staff thinks that gently sedating your pet might be necessary due to it being too active or nervous, they should check with the veterinarian beforehand. The X-ray machine will then direct a controlled amount of radiation through your pet’s body. Sensors capture the image, which appears on the vet’s computer in seconds. This process allows the veterinarian to make decisions in a quicker timeframe. The digital x-ray also saves the image to their computer. Thus, if they needed to share with another specialist, they could do so easily.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Step | What Happens | Why It Matters |
| 1 | The pet is placed in position | Ensures a clear image |
| 2 | The machine takes the X-ray | Captures body structure |
| 3 | An image appears on the screen | Vet reviews instantly |
| 4 | A diagnosis is made | Treatment can begin quickly |
Benefits of Digital X-Rays for Pets
There are many advantages of using digital x-rays in veterinary care. Some of the main benefits include:
- Faster Results
Resulting in seconds. Time is crucial when your pet is suffering pain or injury.
- Clearer Images
Digital delivers sharper and clearer images to the veterinarian. The clearer the image, the better for the veterinarian to see small details, like small fractures or early indicators of disease.
- Less Radiation
Digital x-rays use less radiation than the older technology of film x-rays, which is good for the animal and the veterinary team.
- Painless Process
Pets don’t feel pain from x-rays, and while it is certainly a challenge to keep them still, having the X-ray taken is completely not painful.
- Easier Sharing
Easy to send to another veterinarian or specialist if your pet requires advanced care.
Are Digital X-Rays Safe for Pets?
Yes, digital x-rays are safe. The process uses a very small amount of radiation, and each image is monitored very closely throughout the entire process. Veterinary teams are all trained and experienced to keep animals safe, respected, and cared for during an X-ray. The team will use sedation, when necessary, in a safe, monitored environment.
For most pets, the digital x-ray will take a few minutes to complete and thus reducing stress for the pet.
When Might a Veterinarian Recommend Digital X-Rays?
Your veterinarian may suggest digital x-rays for different reasons, including:
- Checking for broken bones after an accident
- Looking for dental problems like cavities or infections
- Finding swallowed objects such as toys or bones
- Detecting tumors or abnormal growths
- Examining the lungs, heart, or other organs
By identifying problems early, your vet can start treatment quickly, which improves your pet’s chances of recovery.
Why Choose a Veterinarian Near You for Digital X-Rays?
If your pet is sick or injured, finding a veterinarian in your area is a priority. Quick access to digital x-rays helps your vet make faster decisions. Being in your area also improves your ability to have follow-up appointments and treatments.
Safe and Painless Digital X-Rays for Your Pet!
At Greenpoint Veterinary Care, we offer full care for your pets, including dental checkups, cleanings, vaccinations, digital x-rays, and more services. Our digital x-rays are fast, safe, and painless, helping us find problems early so your pet can stay healthy. From routine care to advanced veterinary treatment, our team is committed to providing optimal care for your pet at Greenpoint Veterinary Care.
Contact Greenpoint Veterinary Care today to schedule your appointment!
