Digital X-Rays & Veterinary Radiology in Traverse City, MI
At Omnivet in Traverse City, MI, advanced digital radiology is a core part of how we diagnose illness and injury quickly. X-rays let our veterinarians look inside your pet’s body non-invasively and gather critical information that a physical exam alone cannot provide, so treatment can begin sooner.
The Advantages of Digital Radiography
Digital radiography produces high-resolution images of your pet’s bones, chest, heart, lungs, and abdomen. Compared to traditional film, digital images can be enhanced, magnified, and adjusted to reveal fine detail, and they are ready for review within minutes. Faster, clearer images translate directly into more accurate diagnoses and more targeted treatment plans. Digital files are also easy to share with your family veterinarian or a specialist when a second opinion is needed.
What X-Rays Help Us Diagnose
- Fractures, dislocations, and joint disease in pets that are limping or in pain
- Cruciate ligament injuries and pre-surgical planning for our TPLO surgery program
- Bladder and kidney stones in pets with urinary obstructions or straining to urinate
- Swallowed foreign objects and intestinal blockages in pets with vomiting or suspected ingestion
- Pneumonia, fluid in the chest, and other lung changes in pets with coughing or breathing trouble
- Heart enlargement and signs of heart disease
- Masses, tumors, and organ changes in the chest or abdomen
- Retained quill fragments after porcupine quill removal
- Puppy and kitten counts during late pregnancy and difficult labor
What to Expect During Your Pet’s X-Rays
Most X-rays take only a few minutes. Our team gently positions your pet to capture the views your veterinarian needs, and we follow strict radiation safety protocols for your pet and our staff. When precise positioning is required, or when your pet is painful or anxious, mild sedation may be recommended for comfort and image quality.
Once images are taken, your veterinarian reviews them right away and explains the findings. X-rays are often paired with bloodwork as part of a complete medical workup, and may guide next steps such as emergency surgery or endoscopy. Learn more about our imaging on our radiographs page.
Fast Imaging When It Matters Most
Because our radiology is in house, pets seen for emergency care, urgent care, or walk-in visits can be imaged and diagnosed in the same visit. Call Omnivet at (231) 244-4860 with questions about whether your pet needs X-rays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet X-Rays
What can an X-ray detect in pets?
X-rays can detect fractures, arthritis, bladder and kidney stones, foreign bodies, lung problems like pneumonia, heart enlargement, intestinal changes, spinal issues, and masses in the chest or abdomen.
Are X-rays safe for my pet?
Yes. The radiation dose from a veterinary X-ray is very low, and our team follows strict safety protocols. The diagnostic benefit far outweighs the minimal exposure.
Will my pet need sedation for X-rays?
Many pets do not need sedation. It may be recommended when precise positioning is needed or when a pet is painful or anxious, for both comfort and image quality.
How quickly will I get results?
Digital X-rays are available within minutes, so your veterinarian can usually review and discuss the images with you during the same visit.
Can X-rays find everything?
X-rays are very useful but cannot show every condition. Some problems require additional tests such as bloodwork, ultrasound, or endoscopy.
Can you share my pet’s X-rays with my regular vet?
Yes. Digital images are easy to share with your family veterinarian or a specialist.
Do I need an appointment for X-rays?
X-rays are performed as part of an exam. You can be seen through our walk-in, same-day, or urgent care appointments.