Fast, Accurate, and Immediately Available Images
Veterinary Urgent Care Center uses a digital radiology (X-ray) system to deliver sharp, high-resolution images as soon as possible. With the lowest dose of radiation available in veterinary medicine, we prioritize your pet’s safety.
Our veterinarians can interpret some of your pet’s radiographs immediately. If further expertise is needed, we will send your pet’s images to a board-certified veterinary radiologist for review and return their results quickly after. Our team communicates with you throughout the process to ensure you understand every aspect of your pet’s care.
Digital radiology is fast, vividly accurate, and returns immediate results, making it the most effective way to get your pet a quick and informed treatment plan.
What We Offer:
Digital radiology (X-ray) to assess:
- Broken bones or fractures
- Arthritis and joint issues
- Foreign objects
- Tumors or abnormal growths
- Lung, heart, or abdominal issues
What We Can’t Do:
We can’t keep your pet for overnight stays. We are not equipped to handle cases that require hospitalization or advanced surgical care. If we diagnose a serious condition, we’ll discuss other options with you, including the possible need for an immediate transfer to a 24-hour emergency hospital.
How It Works:
Register and Book Online: Book by visiting the online scheduler, which will also help you identify your closest hospital location.
Come In for Your Appointment: Bring your pet to your scheduled VUCC location at the time of their appointment. The procedure will take approximately 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the image positioning and the cooperation of your pet.
Receive Results and Treatment Suggestions: After your pet’s imaging is taken, their images will be interpreted immediately by a veterinarian, or soon after if additional consultation by a specialist is needed. Your provider will then inform you of the diagnosis, recommend further testing, and discuss treatment plan options for your pet.
FAQs:
What is digital radiology?
Digital radiology, also known as digital X-ray, is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses digital sensors instead of traditional photographic film to create detailed images of your pet’s internal structures.
Is digital radiology safe for pets?
Yes. Digital X-rays use minimal radiation and are considered very safe. The exposure levels are low and your pet is only exposed briefly. Additionally, the procedure is non-invasive and painless. Your pet may feel some brief discomfort only during positioning, especially if they are injured.
Does my pet need to be sedated for an X-ray?
It depends on the situation. Most basic X-rays can be done without sedation or anesthesia, but they may be used if:
- Your pet is anxious or in pain.
- Precise positioning is required (e.g., for spinal or dental X-rays).
- The procedure is prolonged.
How is digital radiology better than traditional X-rays?
Digital X-rays offer several advantages:
- Faster results (images appear immediately)
- Clearer image quality for better diagnosis
- Easier storage and sharing with specialists
- Less radiation than film X-rays
- Eco-friendly (no chemicals needed to develop film)
How long does the procedure take?
Most digital radiographs take only 10–30 minutes, depending on the number of images needed and the cooperation of the pet.
Are digital X-rays used in emergency situations?
Yes. Digital radiology is often used in emergency care to quickly assess trauma, internal injuries, or acute pain. The speed and clarity of digital imaging make it ideal for urgent cases.
Can digital radiology detect cancer in pets?
It can help identify masses or abnormalities, but it may not confirm whether a mass is cancerous. Further testing (like ultrasound, biopsy, or bloodwork) is usually needed for a definitive cancer diagnosis and will be recommended if necessary.
Urgent Care for Your Pet’s Urgent Needs
Cookies on this website are used to both support the function and performance of the site, and also for marketing purposes, including personalizing content and tailoring advertising to your interests. To manage marketing cookies on this website, please select the button that indicates your preferences. More information can be found in our privacy policy here.
