Pet X-Rays

Veterinarian positioning dog's leg for X-ray in Midlothian animal hospital imaging room

X-rays show bones, the chest, and the outline of the belly in seconds. Our Midlothian clinic, on Steam Avenue off Midlothian Turnpike, takes digital X-rays on site, so the doctor can often go over the images with you during the same visit.

Call (804) 603-9509 or book online.

When it's an emergency: Go to a 24-hour emergency hospital after a fall or car accident, if your dog has a swollen belly and is retching without bringing anything up, if your pet can't stand or breathe comfortably, or if a male cat is straining with no urine. Our Midlothian clinic is open 8 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week, and we don't provide overnight care.

When X-Rays Help

Limping, especially after a fall or a twist.
Coughing or breathing changes.
A possible swallowed object.
Vomiting that keeps coming back.
Bladder stones.
Checking a heart that sounds abnormal.

Technician restraining tabby cat gently for pet X-rays in Midlothian veterinary clinic

What X-Rays Can and Can't Show

X-rays show bone, the size and shape of organs, gas patterns, fluid, and dense objects like rocks, metal, and many stones. They don't show the inside of soft tissue in detail. Fabric, plastic, and some foods may not show at all. When that matters, the doctor may add an ultrasound. The Merck Veterinary Manual's overview of veterinary radiography covers how X-rays are taken and read.

"My dog was seen right away, and I could tell the doctor was compassionate and took my concerns to heart."
— Jamie R., Petfolk client.

Veterinarian reviewing dog's chest X-ray results with owner in Midlothian clinic

At the Visit

Your pet is gently positioned on the table while the images are taken, usually in two or more views. Each image takes seconds. Sedation may be used if your pet is in pain, anxious, or can't hold still. Every X-ray gets an AI-assisted review, and the doctor can send images to a board-certified radiologist for an added fee, with findings usually back within a few days.

Owner checking senior dog's leg at home after a pet X-ray visit in Midlothian

When the Exam Comes First

A mild limp that's improving after a day of rest, or a pet with a clear soft-tissue strain, may not need X-rays right away. The doctor will tell you if imaging would change the plan, and if it wouldn't, skip it.

Summer Cookouts: Corn Cobs and Peach Pits

Virginia's summer sweet corn and peaches show up at cookouts all over Midlothian, and both leave behind pieces dogs love to steal. Corn cobs and peach pits are a classic cause of intestinal blockage, and corn cobs often don't show clearly on X-rays, so the doctor may need repeat views or an ultrasound.

Bag cobs and pits and put them in a lidded trash can right away.
Tell guests not to share.
If your dog may have swallowed one, call now instead of waiting for vomiting.

What Drives the Cost

The cost depends on the number of views, whether sedation is needed, whether a radiologist reviews the images, and the type of visit. PetfolkCare members save 10% on X-rays. You get an estimate before images are taken.

Get the Picture

Book a visit at our clinic on Steam Avenue. Call (804) 603-9509 or book online.