Vets charge different prices for dog x rays. The cost also depends on the body part and the individual dog. You can shop around or get pet insurance to reduce costs. Let’s take a closer look at dog x rays cost.
Introduction
If you need to get an x-ray for your dog, you should be aware of the costs as x-rays are not cheap. X-rays are used to detect broken bones, problems with internal organs, swallowed objects, and some cancers. The price depends partly on the body part that is being x-rayed. It may also be necessary for your dog to be given a sedative to keep him still and that will add to the cost. Vets are able to decide on the cost of x-rays, so it is important to compare prices before you choose a vet.
You could also reduce costs by having pet insurance.
How much would an x-ray be for a dog, in Australia? UK? USA?
Costs of a dog x-ray can vary quite a bit depending on where you live as well as the type of dog and the part of the dog’s body that is being x-rayed. Vets can set their own prices, so even in the same place, you may find a variation in cost.
In the USA, you would expect to pay somewhere between $75 and $500 for a dog’s x-ray. For more information, see How Much Does a Dog X-Ray Cost in 2023? | Hepper.
In the UK, you will pay from £175 to £339 for an x-ray. You can get more information at Vet prices prices for x ray dog.
There are no standard pricing regulations in Australia, so it is hard to know how much it would cost. But prices start at around $60. In order to get an idea of the price of a vet near you, you will have to call for a consultation.
Are dog X rays covered by pet insurance?
X-rays are probably covered in policies that cover accident and illness, but they won’t be covered in a general wellness policy. Pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions so it is not certain that x-rays will be covered. Even when x-rays are covered, you will probably have to pay the cost upfront and then it will be reimbursed.
Do dogs need to be sedated for X rays?
Not all dogs need to be sedated for x-rays. It will depend on the individual dog and how much pain it is in, as well as the likelihood the dog will be still for the duration of the x ray. In order for the x-ray to be successful, the dog will need to keep still, so excitable dogs will always need to be sedated. But it might be possible for a calm dog to stay still enough for the x-ray. For more information about sedatives and anaesthetics for dogs, you can check out this article.
“Sedation for dogs is required for medical procedures where your dog needs to be still and calm, such as X-rays, MRIs and CAT scans. Sedation can also be used for minor or painless procedures which may still be stressful for dogs, including ear cleans, grooming, fur clipping or nail clips.“
pawsandmorevet.com.au/dog-sedation-and-anaesthesia
When my beautiful rottweiler (now deceased) started limping, I took her to the vet for an X ray and I was informed that the cost would be somewhere between $300-$750, depending on a few factors such as the amount of sedation required etc. As she was a larger dog, she required a bit more anesthetic than estimated. It turned out that she had an osteosarcoma in her right leg, and it had to be treated quickly. I didn’t have any pet insurance at all, as I always keep a large emergency fund for these kinds of unexpected costs.
The x-ray and the anesthetic ended up costing me a total of $500, before we started any treatment for the cancer.
Are there low cost dog x rays?
First of all, the cost of dog x-rays depends on the dog size, the body part, and whether or not the dog is sedated for it. Then, there seems to be a large variation in charges according to the vet that you go to. Before you get an x-ray, it is a good idea to compare prices. Probably the best way to lower the cost of the x-rays is to get pet insurance that covers radiology services. Some animal welfare services like the RSPCA may have veterinary services which could be cheaper than going to a private vet service. You should still check the cost before you take your dog there.
Do the cost of dog x rays vary according to the part of the body that is being x-rayed?
Different problems require different treatment and x-rays. They will vary according to the body part being x-rayed, but there are also other factors to consider. For example, if your dog has hip problems the vet will probably need to take x-rays from the side as well as from the front, so that will increase the cost. For a simple problem, one x-ray should be enough. There are other factors for different costs. Because the cost of sedation is included in the cost of the x-ray, it will be more expensive to x-ray a large dog such as a rottie or a doberman, since they require more of the sedative.
How long does it take to give a dog an x-ray?
X-rays don’t take very long. The main part may be ensuring that the dog is in the right position and stays in it. Your dog might have to be repositioned if it moves. On average, the x-ray will take about 10 minutes. If your vet uses digital imaging, the x-rays will be ready for viewing immediately. Developing the film for an x-ray can take up to half an hour. For more information see this article.
What can I expect from an x-ray on a dog?
Dog x-rays are used to detect a variety of problems. Obviously, they are used to detect fractures and other problems relating to bones. But x-rays can also be used to detect whether your dog has swallowed something he shouldn’t. Like us, dogs can have x-rays on their teeth to check for problems. And x-rays can also be used to check internal organs and for some forms of cancer.
The vet will not allow the pet owner to be present for the x-ray since that would expose the owner to unnecessary radiation. Luckily x-rays only take a short time so your dog will not be away for long. It may be necessary to sedate your dog, so he might be a little groggy after the procedure, but the effects wear off pretty quickly.
Can all vets perform dog x-rays?
Vets need to have a qualification in radiology in order to perform x-rays. They will also need to have x-ray equipment. Some small vet practices do not have x-ray machines. Vets generally have some training in performing x-rays, but they may not be experts in reading the images and if the problem is not a simple one, then they may prefer to send the x-rays to a radiologist for checking. Read this article to find out why your vet wants to send your pet’s x-rays to a radiologist.
“Because radiologists have so much experience and training in order to do their job properly, they charge a lot of money for their time. The time a radiologist spends looking at your x-ray images and discussing options with you is reflected in the bill you receive from your medical facility.”
wikidoggia.com/post/how-long-do-dog-x-rays-take
Do vets inform you of the x-ray cost upfront?
When your vet suggests that your dog may need an x-ray you would expect to be told how much it will cost. A reputable vet will always give you a quote before performing an x-ray, but things may not always turn out the way that we expect and you may end up paying more than the quoted cost.
In my experience, I was given a price range of how much the x ray and anesthetic might cost for my rottie, and then the final price was given to me after the procedure.
Conclusion
Having a pet can be expensive. When your dog is sick or hurt, part of the treatment may involve getting an x-ray. Many dogs require sedatives and that can increase the cost of the x-ray quite a bit, especially if your dog is a larger breed. The cost can also depend on the body part that is being x-rayed and the vet. Vets can decide on how much to charge so there is a wide variation in the costs of x-rays. Pet insurance can help, but doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, and don’t forget that pet insurance costs can add up over time too. The best way to reduce dog x ray costs is to compare the price of local vets to get the best price.
Reference List:
- ‘How Much Does a Dog X-Ray Cost in 2023?’. Hally Roddy. 6 Jan, 2023. Accessed online at https://www.hepper.com/how-much-does-dog-x-ray-cost/ on 28 Jan, 2023.
- ‘Vet Prices for X-Ray Dog’. May, 2022. Accessed online at https://www.whatprice.co.uk/prices/vet-prices/x-ray-dog.html on 28 Jan, 2023.
- ‘Dog Sedation and Anaesthesia: Everything You Need to Know’. Accessed online at https://pawsandmorevet.com.au/dog-sedation-and-anaesthesia/ on 28 Jan, 2023.
- ‘RSPCA Veterinary Services’. Accessed online at https://www.rspcansw.org.au/what-we-do/veterinary-services/#1500602646477-e31c26ac-8102b on 28 Jan, 2023.
- ‘How Long Do Dog X-Rays Take?’. 17 Oct, 2022. Accessed online at https://wikidoggia.com/post/how-long-do-dog-x-rays-take on 28 Jan, 2023.
- ‘Why Your Vet Wants to Send Your Pet’s X-Rays to a Radiologist’. Dr Deborah Lichtenberg. 12 Sep, 2018. Accessed online at https://www.petful.com/pet-health/send-pets-xrays-radiologist/ on 28 Jan, 2023.
