Pet Diagnostic Imaging in North Hills, Raleigh, NC, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - North Hills is a vet in North Hills, Raleigh, that offers diagnostic imaging for dogs and cats. The clinic has digital x-rays and basic ultrasound on site, so the vet can often look inside your pet during the same visit. Imaging helps find broken bones, swallowed objects, bladder stones, fluid and other problems an exam alone can't confirm.

Imaging is one tool among several. The vet usually pairs it with an exam and lab tests to get a full picture.

Call (984) 983-4900 or book online. Walk-ins are welcome.

Which imaging test will my pet need?

The vet at Petfolk North Hills picks the test that fits the question:

• X-rays (radiographs) show bones, joints, the chest and the outline of organs. They are best for limping, coughing, swallowed objects and bladder stones.

• Ultrasound uses sound waves to show soft tissue in real time. It helps look at the bladder and belly organs, and can guide a needle to collect a clean urine sample.

Some pets need both. The vet will explain why before anything is done. For details, see pet x-rays in North Hills and pet ultrasound in North Hills.

When does a vet order imaging?

Common reasons at Petfolk North Hills include:

1. A limp that does not improve, or pain when a leg is touched.

2. A cough or breathing that sounds different.

3. Vomiting that keeps happening, especially if a toy, sock or bone is missing.

4. Straining to pee, or blood in the urine.

5. A swollen or tender belly.

6. Checking the heart and lungs before anesthesia in an older pet.

Across Petfolk, about 1 in 5 suspected poisoning or swallowing visits (20%) includes x-rays to look for a swallowed object (Oct 2025 to Sep 2026).

They always try to save you money while figuring out what is going on with your pet, and they are very transparent with their prices, recommendations, and tests!

Kaitlyn V., Google review

Who reads the images?

The vet at Petfolk North Hills reviews the images with you on the screen, often during the visit. Across Petfolk, more than three-quarters of x-ray studies (78%) also get a review from a specialist radiologist, a vet trained only in reading images (Oct 2025 to Sep 2026). That second read can catch subtle findings and helps guide the next step.

Getting ready for an imaging visit

You don't need to do much. A few things help:

• Tell the team if your pet may have swallowed something, and bring the wrapper or a matching item if you have it.

• Ask whether to hold food that morning, in case sedation is needed.

• For a urine check by ultrasound, ask whether your pet should skip a bathroom break before you come.

• Bring a short video of a limp or cough that comes and goes.

What does pet imaging cost?

Cost depends on the type of imaging, how many views are needed and whether a specialist review is added. Petfolk North Hills quotes imaging before it is done. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit. Imaging is added to an exam, and a sick or urgent exam starts at $135.

Keeping pets calm for pictures

Pets need to lie still for clear images. Every Petfolk clinic uses Fear Free handling, so the team uses soft positioning aids, treats and patience. If a pet is in pain or very nervous, the vet may suggest light sedation to keep the pet comfortable and the images sharp. You'll hear about that option and its cost first.

Beyond basic imaging

Basic imaging answers many questions, but not all. Advanced tests like CT or MRI are done at specialty hospitals. BluePearl Pet Hospital in Raleigh, on Paragon Park Road, offers 24-hour emergency care and specialty services, and the vet can talk through a referral if your pet needs more. If your pet collapses, can't breathe well or has a hard swollen belly, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital right away.

Get your pet seen

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - North Hills is at 631 E Six Forks Rd, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27609, with free parking. Call (984) 983-4900, book online or walk in.

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