Reading an X-Ray: What Your Vet Is Looking For

When Is an X-Ray Needed?

X-rays are used to assess bone fractures, joint abnormalities, lung conditions, cardiac size, gastrointestinal obstruction, and urinary stones — among many other conditions.

What Shows Up on a Pet X-Ray

Dense structures like bone appear white. Air-filled spaces (lungs) are dark. Soft tissues appear in various shades of grey. Our vets are trained to spot abnormalities in all these tissues.

Is X-Ray Radiation Safe?

Digital X-ray uses a very low dose of radiation — far less than older film X-ray systems. The benefit of diagnosis almost always outweighs the minimal risk, especially for animals with serious symptoms.