Dog X Ray Cost

A dog x-ray cost can be stressful for any pet owner, both because of the cost and because of the underlying reason for the x-ray. We can’t be with our dogs every minute of the day, no matter how hard we try to keep them safe. Dogs are prone to falling and injuring themselves because they are so active. Our first instinct, as with our children, is to let them walk it off. However, if it’s clear that the dog has suffered a serious injury or is in pain, your next instinct will probably be to take the dog to the vet just to be safe. An x-ray is recommended in many cases. If you don’t have good pet insurance, the dog x-ray cost will be your main concern. So, in this post, we’ll look at the price of a pregnant dog X-ray.

Why Your Dog Might Need an X-Ray

X-rays are one of the best ways for your veterinarian to see inside your pet’s body, but they are more effective at visualizing some parts of the body than others, particularly bones and other dense structures. The following are some of the most common reasons a veterinarian will order an X-ray:

#1. Bone Fracture

If your veterinarian suspects that your dog has a fracture, he or she will most likely order an X-ray. The vet and his or her staff will be able to visually inspect the bone for damage.

#2. Other Orthopedic Issues

An X-ray is frequently required to diagnose hip dysplasia and other orthopedic problems in dogs. The X-ray will allow your veterinarian to visualize the hip socket and femur and analyze how they fit together in the case of hip dysplasia. This will allow the veterinarian or orthopedic experts to determine whether dog hip dysplasia surgery is necessary or if the severity is insufficient to warrant invasive surgery.

#3. Object Swallowed / Foreign Body

Inedible items can cause problems for dogs who swallow them, and veterinarians may order X-rays to locate the ingested object. Remember that some objects will not show up on an X-ray, so your vet will look for things like trapped air to help pinpoint the location of the swallowed item.

Your veterinarian can then devise a treatment plan and go in to get whatever your pet has swallowed (if necessary). X-rays can also be used to detect deep splinters or other foreign objects that have penetrated your dog’s skin.

#4. Follow-up Surgery

After surgical procedures, X-rays are sometimes required so that the vet can inspect the work and ensure your dog is healing properly. For example, if your dog has a broken leg that needs to be repaired with pins, screws, or plates, the vet will need to visualize the bone and hardware to ensure everything is aligned properly.

#5. Stones

Calcified stones can be seen on X-rays whether they are in the gallbladder, kidneys, or bladder. After confirming the presence of the stones and pinpointing their location, your veterinarian can go in and remove them without having to search for them blindly (if necessary – sometimes stones are left to pass on their own).

#6. Cancer

Some types of tumors can be detected and identified using X-rays. Not all tumors are visible on X-rays, and some blend in with the surrounding tissues. However, X-rays continue to be one of the primary methods used by veterinarians when cancer is suspected.

#7. Pregnancy

In the early stages of pregnancy, an ultrasound is typically the imaging technology of choice for confirming that a dog is pregnant or checking on the developing puppies. However, by the 45th day of pregnancy, the puppies’ skeletons have finally solidified enough to be visible on an X-ray. Your veterinarian can use an X-ray to determine how many puppies your dog is carrying.

What Does a Dog X-Ray Cost?

The cost of a dog x-ray can range from $80 to $500 or more, depending on several factors. The location of your dog’s x-ray can have a significant impact on the cost. A large veterinary clinic will typically cost more than a small-town veterinarian. Some cities have animal welfare organizations that provide low-cost medical exams, including dog x-rays.

The cost of taking your dog to an emergency clinic will be higher than taking him or her to the vet’s office. A single x-ray costs between $80 and $500. If your dog has broken a leg or broken bones in multiple places, he may need more than one x-ray, especially if one x-ray does not cover all of the areas of the body affected by the injury.

The cost of an x-ray is also determined by the size of your dog. For a small dog, a single x-ray may be all that is required. A large dog, such as a German shepherd, may require multiple x-rays to see everything internally. Without medication, it may be difficult to keep your dog still during the x-ray. In this case, the dog will need to be sedated. Anesthesia and pain medication will increase the cost of the x-ray.

Pregnant Dog X-Ray Cost

X-rays are a valuable tool for veterinarians trying to treat sick or injured animals, but they are also quite expensive. The majority of owners discover that they cost between $75 and $500, depending on several factors.

How Much Does a Dog X-Ray Cost

A dog X-ray can cost anywhere between $80 and $500, with the average cost falling between $150 and $250. However, the cost can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, which we will discuss below.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Dog X-Ray

As previously stated, the costs of X-rays vary greatly, making it difficult to predict the cost of one for your dog. However, the majority of price differences are due to the factors listed below. You may be able to determine whether your dog’s X-rays will be at the top or bottom of the price spectrum by considering how these factors apply to your situation.

#1. Sedation

To ensure a clear image, your dog must remain still during the X-ray. While some dogs will sit still long enough for the X-ray, those who are nervous or in pain may be unwilling or unable to. And, given that the only other option is for a vet tech to stand beside the dog and hold him in position (which poses health risks to the staff member), sedation is frequently the only option.

As a result, your veterinarian will most likely sedate your dog to calm him down and keep him still. Sedation may significantly increase the cost of the X-ray, but it isn’t much you can do to avoid it when necessary.

#2. Location of the Injury

Some body parts are easier to X-ray than others. For example, X-raying a dog’s paw or lower leg is rarely difficult. In contrast, X-raying a dog’s head can be difficult, and imaging the tail without sedation can be difficult.

#3. Number of Views Needed

When veterinarians need to see a body structure or object from more than one angle, they direct the staff to take multiple X-rays from various angles. As you might expect, each view required raises the overall cost of the procedure.

#4. Geographical Area

X-rays, like most other veterinary services, are more expensive in areas with high median incomes than in areas where the average citizen earns a little less. In some cases, driving a little further out of your way to finding a vet in a lower-income area where the cost of an X-ray is likely to be lower may be beneficial.

#5. Individual Differences between Vets

Even if you found two vet offices in the same building, their prices are likely to differ slightly. While the veterinary services provided in each case will be essentially identical, the two businesses may differ in a variety of other ways (such as the quality of their X-ray machine). These distinctions are almost certainly reflected in your bill.

#6. Contrast

Vets will occasionally use X-ray-visible substances to help various body structures and tissues show up more effectively.
Intestinal X-rays, for example, often work best when dogs are given a barium milkshake shortly before the procedure. These contrast-improving agents will slightly increase the cost of the X-ray.

Why are Dog X-rays So Expensive?

Taking x-rays necessitates the use of specialized equipment. There’s the x-ray machine itself, followed by a special computer loaded with the necessary programs to run the machine. The installation of the machine is also costly. Because the machine must work properly, your veterinarian will want it professionally installed.

All of this adds up to a lot of money for your veterinarian’s office. There are also costs associated with paying the technicians who operate the x-ray machine. They must also ensure that the technicians have all of the necessary protective equipment.

Consider that all of this specialized equipment requires regular maintenance to stay operational. An x-ray machine in your veterinarian’s office is not cheap! Furthermore, when all of the individual factors listed above are considered, it’s no surprise that X-rays can be costly.

Methods for Fitting Dog X-Rays Into Your Budget

When their pet requires an X-ray, some owners may face financial difficulties. Fortunately, there are a few things you can try to slightly reduce your costs.

#1. Think about Pet Health Insurance.

Most pet health insurance policies are a hybrid of traditional health insurance and bulk-buying discounts. Many offer significant discounts on things like X-rays, and some may even cover the majority of the cost. Most policies, however, have mandatory waiting periods before they become active, so you’ll need to get one well before needing one.

#2. Look for Teaching Hospitals

Many colleges and universities with strong veterinary programs run teaching clinics or hospitals where students learn and practice veterinary procedures under the supervision of their superiors. Prices at these clinics are frequently lower than those at traditional veterinary clinics and offices.

How Often Should I Get an X-Ray for My Dog?

We take our dogs to the vet once a year to keep them up-to-date on their overall health. Your veterinarian will most likely perform bloodwork and fecal exams, as well as administer any shots or treatments your dog requires to stay disease- and parasite-free. Depending on your pet, your veterinarian may recommend yearly dental cleanings and dental X-rays.
X-rays may also be required regularly to monitor the effectiveness of an organ’s treatment, the healing process of an injury, or to keep an eye on a dental issue, such as gum disease.

Does Pet Insurance Cover X-Rays?

There are various types of pet insurance plans available, depending on your needs and budget. It is very similar to human health insurance. Most pet insurance policies cover basic care and diagnostic testing, which includes exams, X-rays, tests, and any required vaccinations. It will also cover accidents, illnesses, and chronic illness medications regularly.

Most pet insurance policies will cover 80%–90% of the cost. It will, however, depend on the company and the coverage you purchase. Discount plans and emergency plans are also available.

Conduct your research and compare various plans and coverages. It is important to make an informed decision about the type of coverage you require when deciding whether to purchase any type of insurance or discount plan.

Conclusion

X-rays are a vital piece of equipment that assists your veterinarian in diagnosing and treating your dog. Several factors influence the cost of a dog X-ray, but they are required for a proper diagnosis in cases of severe injury or illness. An X-ray may be an unexpected expense, causing temporary financial hardship, but it can prevent future expenses and potentially save your dog’s life. Furthermore, selecting the right pet insurance plan can help cover the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dogs need to be sedated for x-ray?

Sedation is only occasionally necessary for x-ray diagnostic tests. Sedation will not be required if your dog is calm, able to lie comfortably on its side, and is not in too much pain. However, if your dog is in pain, agitated, or squirming excessively, your vet will be unable to obtain a clear picture.

Why do dog x-rays cost so much?

Most dogs require some form of sedation for the X-ray to be performed properly so that the image is clear and your veterinarian can see what is wrong with your furry friend. As a result, the size of your dog influences the cost. Because larger dogs require more sedative drugs than smaller dogs, they are more expensive.

Are vet X-rays expensive?

X-rays are frequently quite expensive, but they range in price from $75 to $500. The cost of any specific X-ray will vary depending on the number of views required, whether or not sedation is required, and individual veterinary pricing differences.

How long do dog xrays take?

approximately ten minutes

Taking x-rays usually takes about 10 minutes. The digital x-ray images are immediately available for review by your veterinarian.