Pet Diagnostic Imaging in Sandy Springs, GA, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Sandy Springs is a vet in Sandy Springs, GA, with digital x-rays and basic ultrasound on site for dogs and cats. The vet chooses the test based on the question: x-rays are best for bones, lungs and swallowed objects, and ultrasound is best for looking inside soft organs.

Imaging is usually done the same day as the exam, so your pet doesn't need a second trip for the first look.

Call (678) 673-3977 or book online.

When does a pet need imaging?

At Petfolk Sandy Springs, the vet suggests imaging when the exam and history point to something hidden, such as:

• Limping that doesn't improve, or a possible fracture

• Coughing or fast breathing

• Vomiting, especially if your pet may have swallowed a toy, sock or bone

• A swollen or painful belly

• Trouble peeing, or blood in the urine, which can mean bladder stones

• Checking the heart size in a pet with a murmur

• Looking for spread before removing a lump

Bring a list of symptoms with the dates they started, and any videos of a limp, cough or odd breathing. They help the vet decide which pictures to take first.

X-rays or ultrasound: what's the difference?

X-rays and ultrasound answer different questions at Petfolk Sandy Springs. X-rays take a flat picture that shows bones, the outline of the heart and lungs, gas patterns in the gut and many swallowed objects. Ultrasound uses sound waves to show soft tissue in motion, so it can look inside the bladder, liver or belly in real time.

Often the vet starts with x-rays and adds ultrasound if the first pictures raise a question. Learn more on the pet x-rays and pet ultrasound pages.

Who reads my pet's images?

The vet at Petfolk Sandy Springs looks at the images first, often with you in the room. Across Petfolk, more than three-quarters of x-ray studies (78%) also get a review by a board-certified veterinary radiologist, a specialist in reading images (Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026). When the answer is needed quickly, that review can be rushed.

Calm handling during imaging

Lying still on a table can be hard for a pet in pain. Fear Free handling is standard at every Petfolk clinic, and the team uses soft padding, gentle positioning and short breaks. Some pets need mild sedation to get clear pictures without stress; the vet will explain why before giving it.

What does imaging cost?

Cost depends on the test, how many views are needed, sedation, and whether a specialist review is added. At Petfolk Sandy Springs you'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit, for example if the first x-rays show something that needs a closer look.

Advanced imaging and referrals

Basic ultrasound is available at every Petfolk clinic; advanced ultrasound, such as detailed heart studies, varies by location. CT and MRI scans aren't done at Petfolk Sandy Springs. If your pet needs one, the vet will refer you to a specialty hospital and send the records and images ahead. BluePearl Pet Hospital on Abernathy Rd NE in Sandy Springs has CT and MRI and runs a 24-hour emergency service.

When it can't wait

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has a bloated, hard belly while trying to vomit, or can't stand, skip the imaging appointment and go to a 24-hour emergency hospital right away. For limping, coughing or vomiting that is worrying but stable, Petfolk Sandy Springs offers same-day appointments.

Book the exam first

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Sandy Springs is at 6223 Roswell Rd, 365A, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Call (678) 673-3977. Imaging starts with an exam, so the vet can choose the right test.

Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Sandy Springs, or see all veterinary services in Sandy Springs.