How Much Does a Dog X-Ray Cost?

Dogs tend to fall often and get injured. Sometimes, it could be more serious than a mere fall and could cause fractures as well.

Just like how as parents we go to any length to take care of our children, the same we should do for our fur children too. After all, they are completely dependent on us and give us all their love and affection.

As such it is hard to deal with a sick dog. His lack of movements and pain affects us emotionally and we want to give him help right away to make him feel better.

When you take the dog to a vet, there is a high chance that the vet will ask you to take an x-ray to know if there is any injury to the bone, which part of the bone, how big is the injury and to get answers to other pertinent questions.

How Much are Dog X Rays?

X-rays for your pet dogs can range anywhere from $80 to $400. However, this is only an approximate number, as the cost could depend on a host of factors. Let’s look at some aspects that could determine the final cost of your x-ray.

Single or Multiple X-rays

This cost of $80 to $400 is for a single X-ray. In some unfortunate cases, your dog could have broken its bones in multiple locations across its body, and this may require more than one x-ray, especially if the investigating areas cannot be covered in a single x-ray.

Location of X-ray

In addition, the area of x-ray and the location can also determine the fees. For example, injuries in the hip bones are more expensive and average about $150 because it is a larger area. Generally speaking, German shepherds are prone to hip injuries and this could cost you more.

Size of the Dog

The size of the dog has a big bearing on the cost of the x-ray. Dogs that are bigger in size tend to have bigger bones, so the x-ray naturally costs more. For smaller dogs, the cost would be less.

Place of X-ray

The place where you take the x-ray could determine how much it will cost you. X-rays that are conducted within an emergency animal clinic will cost a lot more money than doing the same procedure at a vet’s office.

That said, don’t let cost be the only factor for this decision. If your dog is in pain and needs help right away, never hesitate to take it to the emergency animal clinic, even if it costs more there. On the other hand, if you think your dog can wait for a much longer time, take it to a regular animal clinic or your vet’s office. This could help you save money, but again, make the choice of keeping the dog’s condition in mind.

Sedation

Another important aspect that will determine the cost is sedation. If your dog is under sedation or if you have to give it anesthesia to reduce its pain, this could cost you a lot more money. The average of giving sedation ranges from $50 to $200, depending on the size of the dog and the strength of anesthesia that has to be given.

Before putting your dog under sedation, check with your vet. This is important, especially if your dog is allergic to certain components.

Cost of Living

If you thought the cost of living was only for your living, well, you’ll have to think again. In fact, the cost of living in your city could determine the cost of your dog’s x-ray too. For example, if you live in major cities like Los Angeles or New York City, the cost of x-rays would be almost twice as much as what you would pay in smaller cities such as Akron or La Crosse.

Thus, there are some aspects that could determine the cost of X-rays for your dogs.

You might also be curious to know how dog’s X-rays compare with that of human’s X-rays, considering that the cost of human X-rays could end up being much higher.

Dog’s X-rays vs Human’s X-rays

From the standpoint of the procedure involved, a dog’s X-ray will not be that much different from that of a human’s X-ray. At the same time, there are a few differences in terms of how the tech is applied between dogs and humans. There also tends to be some differences in the way the results from the X-ray are interpreted.

X-ray Machine Settings

The X-ray settings tend to have different kilovoltage. In general, a higher kilovoltage produces more beams and tend to be stronger. Alongside higher beam penetration, there is equally a reduced amount of tissue absorption that in turn, gives a much clearer image. A higher kilovoltage setting is used in dogs, especially those with thick skins as this is how they can be penetrated deep into the animal’s bones.

X-ray Readings

The readings from the X-ray are also interpreted differently between vets and doctors for humans. Though the anatomy of both dogs and humans are similar, there are still many differences and this is best addressed with variances in readings. This is why vets have a different set of training, so they can interpret the X-ray readings accordingly.

Another major difference is that X-rays for animals cannot be had at hospitals that treat humans and vice-versa. Each needs specialized settings, though the X-ray machine may be similar.

In short, the cost of your dog’s X-rays depends on a host of factors such as the size of the dog, number of X-rays, the place where you take, the city where you live, and more. On average, it can cost anywhere between $40 to $200, to give you an idea.

It is best you take an insurance policy that would cover these costs, so you don’t have to worry about individual costs and trips to the vet.

Above everything, let cost not be a determinant when it comes to your dog’s health.