At Village Veterinary Clinic, we’re proud to offer digital radiology (digital X-rays) for dogs and cats in Houston, TX. X-rays are a fast, non-invasive way for our veterinary team to look “inside” your pet—helping us evaluate bones, joints, the chest (heart/lungs), and the abdomen (stomach/intestines) when your pet is sick or injured.
We’ve served Memorial, Memorial Villages, Spring Branch, and surrounding Houston communities since 1963, and we believe modern diagnostics are a key part of delivering high-quality veterinary care.
If your pet is limping, painful, coughing, vomiting, or “just not acting right,” radiographs may help us identify the next best step—whether that’s medication, a monitoring plan, additional diagnostics like ultrasound, or a referral.
Call: (713) 468-7955
What Is Digital Radiology for Pets?
Digital radiology is the process of capturing X-ray images electronically rather than on traditional film. In veterinary medicine, these images are commonly used to evaluate:
- Orthopedic issues (limping, suspected fractures, arthritis, hip/knee concerns)
- Chest concerns (coughing, breathing changes, certain heart/lung patterns)
- Abdominal concerns (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, suspected foreign material)
- Bladder and urinary issues (some stones can be visible on radiographs)
Because X-rays create a “snapshot” of internal structures, they’re often a first-line diagnostic tool—especially when we need answers quickly and your pet may be uncomfortable.
Why Your Veterinarian May Recommend X-Rays
Many illnesses and injuries look similar from the outside. Digital radiology helps us narrow down possibilities and make more informed decisions about care.
- Lameness or pain: To evaluate bones and joints and check for injuries.
- Coughing or breathing changes: To assess the chest and lung fields.
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or bloating: To look for abnormal gas patterns, masses, or foreign material.
- Trauma: If your pet was hit, fell, or had another injury, X-rays can help identify internal concerns.
- Pre-surgical planning: In certain cases, radiographs help guide treatment decisions.
If your pet needs prompt evaluation, we also offer urgent care during business hours through work-in appointments—please call us first so we can guide you.
Questions? Call: (713) 468-7955
What to Expect During Your Pet’s Digital X-Ray Appointment
We aim to make every imaging visit as calm, gentle, and efficient as possible. While each case is different, most digital radiology appointments follow a similar process:
- Physical exam and history: We’ll discuss symptoms (when they started, what you’ve noticed, and any relevant medical history).
- Positioning for images: Your pet is carefully positioned to capture the views we need. Some studies require more than one view to be useful.
- Comfort-focused handling: Many pets do fine with calm restraint. If your pet is very painful, anxious, or unable to hold still, we’ll talk with you about options.
- Review and next steps: Your veterinarian will review the images with your pet’s symptoms in mind and recommend a plan.
Our goal isn’t just to take a picture—it’s to use radiology as part of a bigger diagnostic plan so we can better understand what your pet needs.
Is Radiology Safe for Dogs and Cats?
When medically indicated, X-rays are considered a safe diagnostic tool. As with any medical imaging that uses radiation, our team focuses on minimizing exposure and obtaining only the views needed to properly evaluate your pet.
We also prioritize your pet’s comfort and stress level. If you’re worried about how your pet will handle X-rays, let us know—our team will talk you through what to expect and help you make the best decision for your pet.
If radiographs don’t fully answer the question, your veterinarian may recommend additional diagnostics—such as ultrasound—depending on what we’re seeing and what your pet is experiencing.
FAQs About Digital Radiology (Pet X-Rays)
Do pets need sedation for X-rays?
Not always. Many pets can be positioned safely and comfortably without sedation. If your pet is in pain, very anxious, or unable to stay still for clear images, we’ll discuss whether sedation may be helpful and what that would involve.
How long does a pet X-ray appointment take?
Timing varies depending on how many views are needed and how your pet is feeling. In general, radiographs are designed to be an efficient diagnostic step, and we’ll keep you updated throughout the visit.
What can X-rays show (and what can’t they show)?
X-rays are excellent for evaluating bones and can provide helpful information about the chest and abdomen. Some conditions may require other tests (for example, lab work or ultrasound) for a more complete assessment.
Will I get results the same day?
In many cases, your veterinarian can discuss initial findings with you during the visit. Some cases may require additional review or follow-up recommendations depending on what the images show and what symptoms your pet has.
Can I stay with my pet during X-rays?
For safety reasons, pet parents are not always able to be present during radiographs. If you have questions or concerns, please call ahead and we’ll explain what to expect for your specific situation.
How do I schedule digital radiology for my pet?
Please contact us to schedule an appointment. If your pet is sick or injured and you’re unsure what to do next, call (713) 468-7955 and our team will help guide you.
Visit Village Veterinary Clinic in Houston, TX
Village Veterinary Clinic is located at 8785 Gaylord Dr, Houston, TX 77024.
To schedule an appointment or ask whether X-rays may be appropriate for your pet’s symptoms, please contact us or call (713) 468-7955.