Your pet can’t tell you where it hurts, but their body can. At Eastwaye Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Symphony Roberson, DVM, and our team use veterinary radiology (x-ray) to get a clear, accurate look at what’s happening inside your pet’s body. X-rays help us pinpoint injuries, detect disease, locate swallowed objects, and evaluate bones and organs without invasive procedures. When a physical exam isn’t enough to give us the full picture, diagnostic imaging is often the most direct path to answers and effective care.
Radiology (X-Ray)
What Veterinary X-Rays Actually Show
Veterinary x-rays produce detailed internal images using low levels of radiation, the same basic technology used in human medicine. A single radiograph can reveal the condition of your pet’s bones, joints, cartilage, organs, and soft tissues all at once. This makes it possible to evaluate multiple systems during one appointment without putting your pet through an invasive procedure.
What sets x-rays apart from other diagnostic tools is their ability to show problems that have no visible external signs. A pet can appear physically normal during an exam yet have a hairline fracture, an enlarged organ, or a foreign object lodged in their digestive tract. Radiography surfaces those hidden issues with a level of clarity and detail that a physical exam and lab work simply cannot provide on their own.
Benefits of Radiology (X-Ray)
Removes the Guesswork from Vague Symptoms
Some of the most frustrating situations for pet owners involve symptoms that are real but hard to explain, such as a subtle limp, a change in appetite, or general discomfort that comes and goes. X-rays give veterinarians a concrete starting point when a pet’s condition isn’t immediately clear. Instead of ruling out possibilities one by one, a radiograph can quickly direct attention to the actual problem, saving your pet from unnecessary testing and delays in care.
Confirms Whether Treatment is Working
Starting treatment is only part of the process, because knowing whether it’s actually working matters just as much. Follow-up x-rays allow Dr. Roberson to compare current images against earlier ones and assess measurable changes over time. This is especially valuable for pets recovering from fractures, managing arthritis, or being treated for conditions affecting their organs. It gives both the veterinary team and pet owners a factual, visual basis for adjusting care when needed.
Guides Surgical Planning Before the First Incision
When a pet needs surgery, preparation directly affects the outcome. Pre-surgical x-rays give our veterinarians a detailed look at the area being operated on, including the size, position, and condition of the surrounding structures. This level of detail helps the surgical team anticipate complications, plan their approach more precisely, and reduce the time your pet spends under anesthesia. Better preparation leads to safer procedures and smoother recoveries.
Supports Routine Wellness Screening for Senior Pets
Older pets are more vulnerable to conditions that develop gradually and show few outward signs until they’ve progressed significantly. Incorporating x-rays into routine wellness exams for senior dogs and cats allows our team to monitor changes in bone density, organ size, and joint health over time. Catching these shifts early, before your pet shows obvious discomfort, creates more treatment options and a better chance of managing the condition effectively.
Gives You Clarity During a Stressful Situation
Watching your pet struggle without knowing why is one of the hardest parts of being a pet owner. X-rays replace uncertainty with a clear, visual explanation of what’s going on. When you can see the source of the problem and understand what the findings mean, it becomes much easier to make informed decisions about your pet’s care. That clarity doesn’t just help the veterinary team; it helps you feel confident and in control when it matters most.
How We Perform Veterinary X-Rays at Our Clinic
Why Choose Us for Radiology (X-Ray)
Pets don’t understand what’s happening during a diagnostic appointment, and that uncertainty can make them anxious, tense, or uncooperative. Our team is trained to recognize those stress signals early and respond with calm, patient handling that puts your pet at ease before imaging even begins. The way we handle your pet during an x-ray directly affects the quality of the images we capture and the accuracy of the diagnosis that follows. Comfort and precision go hand in hand here.
Dr. Symphony Roberson, DVM, approaches every radiology appointment with the same level of attention she brings to any other aspect of veterinary care. Pets are positioned carefully and only for as long as necessary, protective measures are applied consistently, and the entire process is kept as brief and stress-free as possible. We also pay close attention to pets that are in pain or already anxious, adjusting our approach to meet their needs rather than rushing through the procedure. When your pet feels safe, we get better results, and you get a more accurate picture of their health.
Give Your Pet the Care That Starts With Clarity!
Your pet relies on you to make the call when something doesn’t feel right, and that responsibility matters. Dr. Symphony Roberson, DVM is ready to help you take that next step with confidence. A single x-ray appointment at Eastwaye Veterinary Clinic could be the difference between uncertainty and a clear, actionable plan for your pet’s care.
Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse; your pet’s comfort and health are worth acting on today. Reach our team directly at 919.778.3058 to book an appointment. For pet health tips, clinic news, and updates, find us on Facebook and Instagram!
FAQs
How much is an xray for a dog?
The cost of a dog x-ray varies depending on the number of images needed, the area being imaged, and whether sedation is required. In general, pet radiographs range from around $75 to $250 or more per session. Your veterinarian will provide a clear estimate before proceeding, and our team is happy to discuss pricing and any available payment options during your visit.
Do dogs need to be sedated for xray?
Most dogs do not need sedation for x-rays. The procedure is quick, and dogs only need to stay still for a few seconds to capture a clear image. However, if a dog is in significant pain, is highly anxious, or needs to be positioned in a way that’s difficult to maintain without distress, mild sedation may be recommended to ensure both comfort and image quality.
How long does a dog xray take?
A dog x-ray appointment is typically quick, often taking between 15 and 30 minutes from start to finish. The actual imaging itself only takes a few seconds per image. The total time can vary slightly depending on how many views are needed and how cooperative your dog is during positioning, but it’s generally one of the faster diagnostic procedures available.
How much does a cat xray cost?
Cat x-ray costs are similar to those for dogs, generally ranging from $75 to $250 per session depending on the images required and the complexity of the exam. Pricing can vary based on whether sedation is needed and the number of areas being evaluated. We encourage you to contact Eastwaye Veterinary Clinic directly for specific pricing information tailored to your cat’s needs.
How do they xray a cat?
Cats are gently positioned on the x-ray table, and a protective blanket is used to cover any part of their body not being imaged. The targeted area is then exposed to a very brief, low-level radiation beam that produces an internal image. Most cats tolerate the process well without sedation. If a cat is particularly anxious or the positioning requires precision, mild sedation may be used to ensure safe and accurate results.
How long does a cat xray take?
A cat x-ray typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, including preparation, positioning, and imaging. The x-ray exposure itself lasts only a fraction of a second. The overall appointment length may vary based on how many images are needed and your cat’s level of cooperation. Our team works efficiently to minimize your cat’s time on the table while capturing the clearest, most useful images possible.
