Pet X-Rays
Pet X-Rays in Westwood & Pompton Lakes, New Jersey
It pays to protect our pets. Sometimes this requires us to monitor their diet. Other times this means we need to check them for ticks after a trip into the woods. And we should always make trips to the veterinarian a priority. If a pet owner suspects something might be wrong, diagnostic care services like pet X-rays may be able to help. The team at Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital is here for pets and their owners in Westwood and Pompton Lakes, NJ.
What Are Pet X-Rays?
X-rays are a type of medical testing that is also known as radiography. X-rays provide images of the body’s internal structures. They are primarily used to look at bones but can help assess other parts of the body. They are an important tool in diagnosing internal injuries and illnesses. X-rays are non-invasive, meaning veterinarians don’t need to make any incisions or enter the body in any way.
Pet X-rays are especially helpful because our pets can’t communicate what’s ailing them. These simple tests make it easier for veterinarians, pets, and pet owners to manage the situation as comfortably as possible.
How Do Pet X-Rays Work?
X-rays use beams to see inside the body and examine bones, organs, and other structures. The denser an internal part of the body, the more beams it will absorb. Bones appear white on X-rays, while fat and muscle appear gray, and air in the lungs looks black.
Your pet may need to be sedated during the test to ensure they don’t move, which would require the test to be redone. Once the animal is calm, it will be positioned on a table between a specially designed tube and an X-ray film or cassette. As the beams move through the animal, the X-ray image will be displayed on a screen, allowing veterinarians to get a detailed look.
Types of X-Rays
There are different types of animal X-rays veterinarians will use to examine various areas of the body. Some of the main types are:
Skeletal
Skeletal X-rays are designed to help veterinarians look at bones and joints throughout the body. Typically, skeletal X-rays can be targeted at an area of obvious discomfort, such as the leg if your pet is limping.
Abdominal
These tests are performed on the animal’s stomach area and allow medical experts to view the gastrointestinal (GI) tract as well as the diaphragm, liver, kidneys, bladder, and spleen. They show many organs at once, allowing for a quick diagnosis.
Thoracic
Another test that lets doctors see several areas at once is a thoracic X-ray. This is aimed at the chest area, providing a clear view of the heart, lungs, ribs, and more.
Dental
If the concern is with the teeth or gums, a veterinarian will request a dental X-ray. These X-rays help show a broken tooth or jaw or irregularities anywhere in the mouth. Dental X-rays are available at our Westwood location.
What Can a Pet X-Ray Detect?
- Heart disease
- Tumors and cancer
- Organ enlargement
- Bladder stones
- Pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, or other respiratory problems
- Fluid in the chest or abdomen
- Internal trauma
- Dental diseases
- Arthritis, hip dysplasia, and muscle, joint, or ligament tears
X-rays can even be used to detect pregnancy in animals. Your pet’s veterinarian may also suggest X-rays to help decide whether surgery is necessary. Radiography may also be used along with other diagnostic tools to help get a clearer picture of the problem.
Choose Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital or Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital
No pet owner wants their beloved pet to suffer, which is why getting pet X-rays is a smart choice if something seems wrong. Whether they’re not walking normally, their eating habits have changed, or they just don’t seem like themselves, pet X-rays provide an in-depth look at nearly any area inside our cute companions. The team at Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital can help you get the answers you need, and we offer plenty of veterinary services to get your pet back on its feet.
Our offices in Westwood and Pompton Lakes, NJ, are known for advanced tools and specialized care options. Our staff will handle your pet with professionalism and care, making it clear that we love animals. We even offer a call service 24 hours a day, allowing owners to check in on their loved ones if they need to stay overnight. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment or need to ask our team any questions, contact us today.
Service Available At:
Westwood
- 346 Kinderkamack Rd.
Westwood, NJ 07675 - 201-885-5040
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM to 10 PM
Pompton
- 9 Cannonball Rd. Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
- 973-835-4774
- Monday – Thursday: 10 AM – 8 PM
Friday: 12 PM – 9 PMSaturday: 10 AM – 2 PMSunday: Closed