Pet X-Ray Services
Pet X-Ray Service in Wolverhampton
Pet X-rays are a valuable tool for diagnosing animal health problems when an external examination is not enough. The process is painless, and when pets are calm and cooperative, it can be performed without sedation, although sedation or general anaesthesia may be needed to get clear diagnostic images.
At Rock House Vets, digital X-rays provide our experienced veterinarians with clear and accurate images immediately for a fast and precise diagnosis of your pet’s health problems and prove to be an essential aspect of routine veterinary examinations.
Radiology is a safe, non-invasive way to observe your pet’s internal physiology
X-rays can be used to diagnose:
Hip and elbow scoring, including formal BVA scoring for breeding assessment
Diagnosing fractures, osteoarthritis, several causes of lameness and congenital limb deformities
Diagnose conditions affecting the chest, like pulmonary disease, pleural effusion, cardiac enlargement, and metastatic tumours
Diagnose conditions affecting the abdomen, like masses, gastric torsion, foreign body ingestion, and bladder stones
Orthopaedic conditions such as fractures, dislocations, arthritis, bone tumours, and congenital limb deformities
Causes of lameness, including ligament injuries and joint abnormalities, in dogs and cats
Looking for trusted pet X-ray services in Wolverhampton?
Contact Rock House Vets to discuss your pet’s symptoms, diagnostic imaging needs and next steps for treatment or care.
BVA Scoring for Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia
Rock House Vets is one of the most sought-after practices in the country for BVA hip and elbow scoring. Owners travel to us from across the Midlands and beyond for our clinical expertise and the precision of our radiographic technique, both of which are essential for achieving an accurate and reproducible score.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme is a nationally recognised programme designed to reduce the incidence of these inherited joint conditions in dogs. A specialist panel of veterinary surgeons evaluates each set of radiographs, and the resulting score helps breeders make informed decisions about which dogs to breed from.
What is Hip and Elbow Dysplasia?
Hip and elbow dysplasia are developmental joint conditions that affect how the hip or elbow joint forms during a puppy’s growth. Rather than sitting snugly in the joint socket, the joint ball moves loosely, causing abnormal wear. Over time, this leads to early-onset osteoarthritis, stiffness, and pain. Sometimes, from as young as six months of age, though milder cases may not show obvious symptoms until a dog is older.
These conditions are partly genetic, meaning affected dogs can pass the traits to their offspring. That is why screening before breeding matters; a dog with a low BVA hip score and a clear elbow score is less likely to produce puppies that go on to develop joint disease.
X-rays for hip and elbow dysplasia
Hip scoring radiographs can be taken from 12 months of age for most breeds, though some breed clubs advise waiting until 18 months. Elbow scoring can begin from 12 months. Both procedures are carried out under general anaesthetic so that your dog is fully relaxed and correctly positioned. Positioning accuracy is critical, as even slight rotation can affect the score.
Once the radiographs are taken and reviewed for quality here at Rock House Vets, they are submitted to the BVA panel. Hip scores are given as a combined figure across nine anatomical features in both hips, with a lower score indicating better conformation. Elbow scores are graded 0 (normal) to 3 (severe). We provide full guidance on what your dog’s score means and how to interpret it in the context of their breed’s average.
Pet X-Ray for Cats. Everything You Need to Know
Cats are just as likely as dogs to need diagnostic imaging, though their smaller size and the conditions they tend to develop mean the approach can differ slightly. At Rock House Vets, our digital radiography equipment is calibrated to produce clear, detailed images of feline anatomy, from the delicate structures of the thorax through to the bones of the spine and limbs.
Cats frequently require X-rays for respiratory conditions, suspected urinary tract stones, trauma following road traffic accidents, and assessment of dental disease. Because most cats are less tolerant of being held still than dogs, sedation is typically recommended to achieve the precise positioning needed for a diagnostically useful image.
Concerned your pet may need an X-ray?
Contact Rock House Vets to book diagnostic imaging and speak with our team about your pet’s symptoms.
Pet X-Ray FAQs
When would my pet need an x-ray?
Your vet may recommend an X-ray when a physical examination alone is not enough to reach a diagnosis. Common reasons we take radiographs at Rock House Vets include:
- Limping, lameness, or suspected fractures after a fall or road traffic accident
- Abdominal swelling, vomiting, or signs of a possible obstruction or foreign body
- Suspected bladder, kidney, or urinary stones
- Coughing, breathing difficulties, or a heart murmur that warrants cardiac assessment
- Monitoring the progression of known conditions, such as arthritis or spinal disease
- Pre-surgical assessment or checking healing after an orthopaedic procedure
- Dental assessment, particularly for tooth root problems, not visible during a mouth examination
Contact us for Pet X-Ray Services at our Clinic in Wolverhampton
Will my pet need to be sedated for an x-ray?
Not always, but often. Sedation or a short general anaesthetic is recommended in most cases because keeping a pet completely still during radiography is essential for image quality. Even a small amount of movement causes blurring that can make the image diagnostically unusable, meaning the procedure would need to be repeated.
Very calm, cooperative pets having a straightforward limb x-ray may be imaged with gentle manual restraint, but this is assessed on a case-by-case basis. For thoracic (chest) and abdominal imaging, precise positioning is harder to achieve without sedation. For BVA hip and elbow scoring, a general anaesthetic is always required as standard.
How long does a pet x-ray take?
The X-ray itself takes only a few seconds once your pet is correctly positioned. However, the total appointment time depends on whether sedation or anaesthesia is involved. If your pet requires sedation, you should allow approximately 60 to 90 minutes in total, which includes the time for the sedation to take effect, positioning, imaging, and monitoring your pet through recovery before they are ready to go home.
If no sedation is needed, appointments are considerably shorter. Our team will give you a time estimate when you book.
How should I prepare my pet for an x-ray appointment?
If sedation or a general anaesthetic is planned, your pet must be fasted beforehand. We recommend withholding food for at least six hours before the appointment, though water can generally be left down until a couple of hours prior. We will confirm fasting requirements specific to your pet when you book.
If no sedation is required, there is no special preparation needed; simply bring your pet in at the appointed time. For BVA scoring X-ray appointments, please ensure your dog is registered with the Kennel Club if the score is intended to contribute to official breed records.
Are veterinary x-rays safe for my pet?
Yes. Digital veterinary radiography uses a very small, carefully controlled dose of radiation. The exposure involved is brief and targeted, and modern digital systems require significantly less radiation than older film-based equipment. For the vast majority of pets, the diagnostic benefit of the X-ray far outweighs any minimal risk from the radiation involved.
Pet X-rays are not something we recommend routinely; they are used when there is a clear clinical reason. If your pet is pregnant, we will discuss this with you, as we take additional precautions in those circumstances.
How quickly will I get the results?
One of the significant advantages of our digital radiography system is speed. Images are processed instantly and can be viewed on-screen by our vets within seconds of being taken. In most cases, your vet will be able to discuss the findings with you at the same appointment.
For BVA hip and elbow scoring, the radiographs are submitted to the BVA panel after your appointment, and the official score is usually returned within a few weeks. We will contact you as soon as the result comes through.
Can you x-ray cats as well as dogs?
Absolutely. We routinely carry out radiographic examinations on cats for a wide range of conditions, including respiratory disease, urinary stones, trauma, spinal problems, and dental assessment. Our equipment is suitable for animals of all sizes, from small cats through to larger dog breeds.
My dog isn't from a breed known for hip problems, do they still need BVA scoring?
Hip and elbow dysplasia can affect dogs of any breed, though the prevalence varies. Larger and giant breeds, including Labradors, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Rottweilers, are historically at higher risk, but medium-sized and even some smaller breeds are not exempt. If you are breeding from your dog, many kennel club breed standards and breed-specific registries require or strongly recommend BVA scoring regardless of size.
Even for pet owners with no intention of breeding, a BVA score provides a useful baseline for monitoring joint health over your dog’s lifetime. Speak to one of our vets if you are unsure whether scoring is advisable for your dog.
Will my pet insurance cover an X-ray?
In most cases, yes, provided the condition being investigated is covered under your policy and you have not already claimed for that condition up to your policy limit. X-rays and associated anaesthetic costs are typically included as part of a diagnostic investigation claim under comprehensive pet insurance policies.
We recommend contacting your insurer to confirm cover before your appointment. Our reception team can assist with paperwork and provide itemised invoices to support your claim.
What aftercare should we expect post surgery?
We offer a dedicated BOAS nurse who keeps in daily contact via WhatsApp throughout recovery.
How Much Does a Pet X-Ray Cost?
The cost of a pet x-ray at Rock House Vets depends on the complexity of the examination, the number of views required, and whether sedation or anaesthetic is needed. A single-view radiograph for a straightforward assessment will typically fall within a lower price range. While a BVA scoring procedure, which includes anaesthesia, multiple positioning, and submission to the BVA panel, carries an additional fee for the scoring process itself.
We are transparent about costs and will always provide you with a clear estimate before proceeding. If your pet is covered by insurance, X-rays and associated anaesthetic costs are routinely covered under most comprehensive policies. We recommend checking your policy details before your appointment.
For a specific price estimate, please call us on 01902 271 757 or use our online contact form.