There are a few factors that can determine the price for an x-ray, without getting into all the minute details, you can expect the cost to be ranging from about $80 to $400 for your dog's x-rays.
The full cost depends on the area that needs to be x-rayed, the size of the x-ray, and whether your dog needs to be sedated to take the x-ray.
Sedation is not usually used for an x-ray unless your dog is particularly anxious or doesn't sit still, so generally, the technician should be able to get a good image without the need for sedation.
There are a few factors that can determine the price for an x-ray, without getting into all the minute details, you can expect the cost to be ranging from about $80 to $400 for your dog's x-rays.
The full cost depends on the area that needs to be x-rayed, the size of the x-ray, and whether your dog needs to be sedated to take the x-ray.
Sedation is not usually used for an x-ray unless your dog is particularly anxious or doesn't sit still, so generally, the technician should be able to get a good image without the need for sedation.
What Are The Other Types Of Medical Imaging For My Dog?
Sometimes an x-ray might not have enough information for the vet to determine what is wrong with your dog. This is where other medical imaging might need to be done. These can be in the form of ultrasounds, MRI scans, or CT scans.
- Ultrasounds show us images using soundwaves. We generally use this machinery to have a look at organs and their structure and to confirm pregnancy. Ultrasounds can help us see if there is a blockage or show us the reasons why an organ is not working correctly.
- CT Scans (CAT Scans), also known as computed tomography, are a series of rapid x-ray images that can show us in-depth slices of the area in question. These images can then show us a 3D form on the computer with a specialized program.
- MRI scans (magnetic resonance imaging) use radio waves and magnetic fields to generate detailed images from within the body. It can help us to investigate and diagnose disease, tumors, and the like; in areas such as the various organs in the body, the veins in the body, the spinal cord, and even the brain.
The machines to do these scans are very expensive. Therefore, not all vet clinics will have the machines to do these types of scans, so they might need to give you a referral to another clinic to have this scan done if they need further information or a more detailed image than an x-ray.
What Is The Cost Of These Special Imaging Techniques?
Special imagery is going to cost more than your average x-ray because it is a more expensive procedure, and the machinery required for these different types of imaging is not routinely found at any veterinary practice.
So, you are probably thinking, how much does a dog scan cost? You will find that ultrasound imaging will not be as expensive as the other scans. However, you may still be looking at between $300-$500 for an ultrasound scan.
MRI scans are at an average cost of around $1800.
CT scans could cost you into the thousands. With a full CT scan needed, you will be looking at an average cost of around $2200.
Dog X-rays Versus Human X-rays?
X-rays for dogs and x-rays for humans are typically the same however, there are a few things that are altered to make it work. There are settings on the machinery that are used to penetrate the rays through the body to get the image. These need to be set high for a dog because there is thicker skin and fur to think of.
We must also consider the size of a dog's body, which is a lot smaller, and the anatomy is much different from that of a human. A dog may not always have the ability to sit still during the taking of an x-ray, so the need to sedate may come into question, whereas a human would most likely never need to be sedated to take an x-ray.
Reasons You May Need A Dog X-ray?
Your dog might need an x-ray for a few reasons, some of these reasons are:
Broken bones - Most commonly a dog's x-ray is taken to check for any broken bones
Post-operative care - If surgery has taken place, the vet might like to do a follow-up x-ray. These are used to check the healing and if items like plates and screws were used; the integration of these implements into the bone.
Swallowing a foreign object - Perhaps your dog has swallowed something they shouldn't have. An x-ray can check if the object has passed through the body or if it is stuck, they can determine where it is stuck.
Joint problems - Your dog may be suffering from hip dysplasia or other joint issues. The vet can see how severe the joint damage is through an x-ray
Pregnancy - In cases where an ultrasound is not available, an x-ray can be used to confirm a dog's pregnancy. And in the later stages, once the bones have started to form, the number of puppies can be checked.
Calcified stones - Your vet may use an x-ray to check for any calcified stones that could be present in the bladder, kidneys and gallbladder.
Cancer - Some cancers and tumors can show up on x-rays too. X-rays won't show a lot of detail in this case, but it may show something that can be later confirmed or looked at in more detail with a specialized scan such as the MRI or CT scan.
What Can X-rays Help Us Diagnose In Dogs?
X-rays are a great tool for a vet to determine if your dog has something wrong with their bones and joints.
X-rays can help us diagnose the following:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Arthritis
- Gallstones
- Kidney Stones
- Tooth decay and infections
- Enlarged Lymph Nodes
- Abdominal blockages
- Foreign object location
- Pregnancy
- Some Cancers, tumors or other growths
Can I See My Dog's X-rays?
When discussing the results of your dog's x-rays, you should expect to be shown them.
The vet should show you the image when discussing the diagnosis, showing you the particular problem, and discussing any treatment or procedures needed. This helps you to see the severity of the condition and may help to alleviate any concerns you have and reduce the risk or getting treatment that isn't necessary.
If your vet refuses to show you the images taken, you should immediately question the treatment they are suggesting.
If the vet still refuses after you insist on viewing it, you should ask to speak to the manager of the vet surgery and take it further if necessary.
Are X-rays Bad For Dogs?
Many people have concerns when it comes to x rays but there is nothing to worry about when it comes to taking x-rays for your dog. X-rays in small doses, such as a set of diagnostic x-rays, are not harmful.
X-rays are believed not to cause any immediate health problems because they administer such a low dose of radiation.
Imagine that your dog was exposed to a high level of radiation continuously, then your dog could be harmed and have health problems arise, but a regular x-ray at the vet is not going to cause much if any at all, symptoms or health issues.
Can I See My Dog's X-rays?
When discussing the results of your dog's x-rays, you should expect to be shown them.
The vet should show you the image when discussing the diagnosis, showing you the particular problem, and discussing any treatment or procedures needed. This helps you to see the severity of the condition and may help to alleviate any concerns you have and reduce the risk or getting treatment that isn't necessary.
If your vet refuses to show you the images taken, you should immediately question the treatment they are suggesting.
If the vet still refuses after you insist on viewing it, you should ask to speak to the manager of the vet surgery and take it further if necessary.
Factors That Influence The Cost Of A Dog's X-ray?
There is no standard cost for an x-ray because there are different variations to when and how an x-ray is taken.
Factors that can influence an x-ray cost might be:
Where you go: If your pet needs emergency animal care, you could be up for an additional cost. These services are usually at an emergency vet's office that is open out of hours and generally sees you and your dog quite quickly.
The location: Vet clinics in a higher income area will have a higher charge for x-rays
How many: Sometimes more than one x-ray needs to be taken
Sedation: if your dog is particularly anxious or wriggly, or they are in too much pain, they might need to be sedated to have their x-ray taken
X-ray type: Whether you get digital x-rays or physical x-ray
X-ray size: the size of the x-ray being taken
Body part: which body part needs to be x-rayed
Tips and tricks for fitting dog x-rays into your budget
Like some bills at the vet, you can sometimes get a bit of a surprise at the cost of the bill you receive at the end of your visit.
To help you combat this, you should think about some of the following tips:
Pet insurance: Consider getting insurance for your dog. You pay a fee each month or yearly to have that extra peace of mind. You might need to wait for a certain period before you can start claiming and accessing the policy features. So, you will need to join sooner rather than later to make sure you are covered under the policy.
Savings: You could keep a vet emergency fund, putting away a few dollars a week could make a big difference if you suddenly need to rush down to the vet. You can decide what is most affordable to put away in your savings to help with your dog x-ray cost later down the track.
Payment Plan: Your vet may have a payment plan that they can offer, they will usually be able to guide you in the process of applying. Some of the plans available are quite affordable, with little to no-interest rates. You may be able to find a vet with this option by looking for vets that accept payment plans.
Discounts: You might be able to get a discount from your vet, you will need to ask them directly. If you are a longstanding loyal customer, they might be more inclined to help.
