X-Ray

X-rays for dogs are taken with the same kind of machines as X-rays for people. The dog lies on a table, and an X-ray machine aims electromagnetic energy (X-rays) at the area being imaged onto a film that is sensitive to X-rays. The image that comes out is a flat, two-dimensional image of the body that shows hard and/or dense body parts, like bones, very well. Other structures may also be seen. Typically X-rays are taken from two 90˚ angles to make sure that the veterinarian gets a complete image of the interior of the body. In the case of chest X-rays, three angles are usually taken: one while lying on the right, one while lying on the left, and one lying on the back. Because dogs must stay still for X-rays, sedation, sometimes twilight anesthesia, might be used. Most veterinarians have an X-ray machine in their practice.