When you take your dog to the local animal clinic for its regular checkup, it's unlikely that the veterinarian will recommend that the pet has an X-ray. A pet may go years without needing this procedure, but there can be times when an X-ray is a highly valuable tool for helping the vet diagnose a problem. Lots of animal clinics have X-ray equipment on site, so it's easy for your pet to receive this scan when there's a need. Depending on the part of the pet's body that the vet needs to see, and the animal's temperament, some form of sedation may be necessary. Here are some times that your veterinarian will need to X-ray your dog.
Suspected Broken Bones
Dogs can suffer broken bones from all sorts of incidents. A dog that stumbles while running could break its leg, a dog that is hit by a car could suffer a broken hip, and a dog that is involved in a fight with another animal could get a broken rib. There are all sorts of indicators that can suggest your pet has a broken bone, but your veterinarian will need to take an X-ray to not only confirm whether the bone is indeed broken but also determine the severity of the break. For example, it could be a simple hairline fracture or a compound break.
Tumors
Veterinarians also rely on X-rays to look for tumors in dogs and other animals. In some cases, a tumor that is close to the animal's skin will be evident to the naked eye and discernable by touch. However, many tumors can also grow deep in the animal's body and be difficult to identify without a scan. If there are some indicators that your pet could have a tumor — a concerning blood test, for example — the veterinarian will use an X-ray to learn more.
Foreign Bodies
Your veterinarian will also use an X-ray to determine if your pet has swallowed a foreign body. Common examples are rocks, sticks, children's toys, and other similar items. Dogs can sometimes swallow foreign bodies, leading to various health issues. When the item appears on the X-ray, your veterinarian will be able to see the exact size of the item and learn where it's currently situated in the pet's body. This will allow the vet to decide how to best treat the issue, whether it's scheduling surgery or simply allowing the item to pass through the pet's digestive system.
For more information, contact a company like Marquette Animal Hospital.
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