Dog X-Ray Cost: Factors, Pricing, and What to Expect for Canine Diagnostic Imaging

Have you just been told that your dog needs an x-ray? If this is your dog’s first time with diagnostic imaging, you may have no idea what to expect. We’re here to break down everything you need to know about x-rays for dogs. We cover dog x-ray costs and different types of x-rays!

Let’s get started.

What Is an X-Ray, and How Does It Work?

An x-ray is a tool that both human and animal doctors use to identify certain structures within the body. X-rays are a form of radiation that can pass through body tissues. They absorb at different rates based on the parts of the body they come in contact with. These rays pass through the patient and into a detector beneath them, creating an image that a doctor can assess.

Bone is much more dense than other tissues, so the x-rays have a hard time passing through to the detector. This is why bones are white on an x-ray film, and other tissues are grey or black.

An x-ray is not ideal for detailed images of internal organs and other soft tissues. However, they are ideal for assessing bones, outlines of internal organs, and foreign objects that should not be there.

An MRI, CT scan, or an ultrasound would be a better option for examining the details of soft tissue. Your vet can refer you to a practice that offers these diagnostics if needed.

Why Would a Dog Need an X-Ray?

X-rays are beneficial when diagnosing a variety of injuries and medical conditions in our canine friends. Here are some of the most common reasons why dogs need an x-ray!

• To diagnose broken bones
• To visualize abnormalities in the spine
• To diagnose bladder stones (though not all bladder stones can be seen on x-ray)
• To search for any foreign objects along the digestive tract
• To diagnose any dental abnormalities or infections
• To identify the outline of any masses within the abdomen
• To determine if there is any fluid in the lungs
• To determine the size of a dog’s heart

These are some of the most common reasons why vets rely on x-rays for dogs. However, your vet may recommend an x-ray for other reasons as well.

Different Types of Diagnostic X-Rays for Dogs

Vets rely on different forms of x-rays to diagnose a variety of medical conditions in dogs. There are multiple forms of x-ray imaging in human medicine, and veterinary medicine is no different! Let’s break down some of the most common types of x-rays you will see at your vet’s office.

Standard x-ray: The standard x-ray is the form of x-ray that most pet parents are familiar with. This involves your pet lying on a table with the x-ray machine above, capturing an image of your pet from head to toe.

Dental x-ray: A dental x-ray is an x-ray machine that is designed specifically for assessing dental anatomy. Most veterinarians will insist on performing dental x-rays before your dog has a dental cleaning. This can help them better understand the treatment your dog needs throughout the procedure. This is similar to what your dentist may use when you visit them with a toothache.

X-ray with contrast: Your vet may recommend an x-ray with contrast if they are worried about an abnormality or blockage in the digestive tract. Your vet will syringe a small amount of contrast into your dog by mouth. This contrast will glow a bright white on x-ray as your dog digests it. As the contrast moves through your dog’s digestive tract, they can identify if the contrast stops moving at any point, or if the pathway of the contrast narrows. If the contrast stops at any point in the digestive tract, this can point to a blockage. If the contrast narrows at any point, this could point to some form of mass in the digestive tract. It is very useful for diagnosing digestive blockages.

How Much Does an X-Ray for Dogs Cost?

The average cost of x-rays for dogs will be anywhere from $150-$400. There is a wide price range for a few reasons, so let’s break down these factors below.

The Type of X-Ray

The price of your dog’s x-ray will vary based on the type of x-ray needed and the condition. For example, if your vet just needs a few simple dental x-rays, this may be on the lower end of the price scale. However, if your vet wants to perform x-rays on the entire body, this could cost more.

The Number of X-Ray Views

Your pet’s size will factor into their x-ray costs, as the x-ray machine window is only so large. If you have a small dog, the x-ray machine can easily capture your pet’s entire abdomen or chest with minimal shots. However, if you have a large dog, your pet may need multiple images to capture the entire abdomen or chest. The more views your dog needs, the more expensive it will be.

Keep in mind that most vets will require at least two views when your dog gets an x-ray. Most vets will require a lateral view, which involves your pet laying on his side, and a ventral or dorsal view, which involves your pet laying on his stomach or back. This helps them visualize your pet’s anatomy from all angles and make a more accurate diagnosis. Two is the minimum, but some conditions will require more x-ray views.

The Location of Your Vet’s Office

Some vet offices will be more expensive based on the part of town they are located in. For example, animal clinics in the city will always be more expensive than clinics in rural areas. The costs associated with running clinics in the city are higher, so their prices will be higher because of it.

Radiology Assessment

Vets are highly skilled in identifying abnormalities on an x-ray. However, sometimes they need the help of a radiologist when dealing with tricky cases. For example, human ER doctors always have films assessed by a radiologist before they discuss the results with the patient. Both human and veterinary radiologists are experts in their craft, and their assessment is incredibly useful in many cases.

Additional Costs to Keep in Mind

In addition to the factors we discussed above, there are a couple other costs that some pet parents may encounter. The most common additional costs associated with x-rays in dogs will involve sedation and pain control.

We cannot explain to our pups that they need to sit still for an x-ray. Some dogs can be more challenging than others. Your little one may need a bit of sedation if she is wiggly and difficult to properly restrain. Some dogs will also need sedation if they have a painful injury, as your vet will need to pull on her limbs to get a proper angle. Your vet will typically recommend sedation in these cases to prevent any unnecessary pain.

The cost of sedation will vary based on how much your pet weighs, as well as the reason for sedation. Be sure to have your vet team show you a detailed estimate.

Final Thoughts

Many dogs will need to have an x-ray at least once during their life. X-rays for dogs can be used to diagnose sudden health complications. However, they can also be helpful with early detection of health issues during senior exams.

Be sure to review the information we discussed above, and you can better understand what’s in store for your dog if he needs an x-ray!

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