Pet Diagnostic Imaging in Far North Central San Antonio, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Far North Central is a vet in San Antonio, TX, with digital x-rays and basic ultrasound on site for dogs and cats. Imaging lets the vet see what an exam can't, such as a cracked bone, fluid in the belly or a toy stuck in the gut.

The vet picks the test that answers your pet's question and explains the choice before anything starts.

Call (726) 600-3009 or book online. Walk-ins are welcome.

Which imaging test will my pet need?

It depends on the problem. A quick guide:

• Limp, back pain or a possible break: x-rays, which show bone clearly.

• Cough or breathing changes: chest x-rays to look at the heart and lungs.

• Vomiting after chewing something up: belly x-rays first. Some objects show up well, and others need a second set of views later.

• Straining to pee or blood in the urine: x-rays to look for stones, plus a urine sample collected with ultrasound.

• Sudden weakness or a swollen belly: a focused ultrasound to check for free fluid.

Results from the in-house lab often go with imaging, because the two together tell a fuller story. See blood work and lab testing in Far North Central.

What can imaging miss?

Pictures show shape and density, not everything. Chocolate, grapes and most plant toxins don't show on an x-ray at all, so the history you give matters as much as the image. Soft things, like a sock, can be hard to spot on the first views. If the answer isn't clear, the vet may suggest repeat views later or a specialist scan.

Getting a second look

Across Petfolk, more than three-quarters of x-ray studies (78%) also go to a specialist radiologist for review (Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026). When a pet needs something the clinic doesn't offer, such as a full abdominal ultrasound or a CT scan, the team helps you find a specialist and shares the images.

They were able to get X-rays for my senior dog and stressed the importance of taking care of the mass.

Stephie M., Google review

For older dogs and cats, chest x-rays are often taken before a lump is removed, to check that nothing has spread to the lungs. That one picture can change the plan, so the vet will explain what it shows before you decide on surgery.

What happens on imaging day?

1. The vet examines your pet and asks what you've noticed at home.

2. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.

3. Your pet goes to the imaging area with a team member. Fear Free handling is standard at every Petfolk clinic, so the team moves slowly and uses treats when it's safe.

4. The vet shows you the images and explains the next step: treatment, more tests or a referral.

How much does pet imaging cost?

At Petfolk Far North Central, the cost depends on the test, the number of views and whether sedation is needed. Nothing is added without your OK. PetfolkCare membership starts at $199 a year.

Helpful things to bring along

• The packaging, or a leftover piece, of anything your pet chewed or swallowed.

• Older x-rays, ultrasound reports or lab results from another clinic.

• A short note on when the problem started and whether it's getting worse.

• An empty stomach, if the team asks. When sedation is possible, they may ask you to skip breakfast.

When imaging can't wait

If your pet can't breathe easily, has collapsed, or has a tight belly and keeps retching without bringing anything up, don't wait for an appointment. Go to a 24-hour hospital such as BluePearl Pet Hospital Stone Oak, at 503 E Sonterra Blvd. For a limp, a cough or a suspected swallowed toy, Petfolk Far North Central can usually see your pet the same day. Read more about pet x-rays and pet ultrasound at the clinic.

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Far North Central is at 18206 Blanco Rd, Suite 104, San Antonio, TX 78258, on Blanco Road. Call (726) 600-3009 with questions.

Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Far North Central, or see all veterinary services in Far North Central.