Digital X-ray (Radiology) for Dogs and Cats in St. George
When something is wrong beneath the surface, a clear picture changes everything. Digital radiography (X-ray) lets our veterinarians look inside your dog or cat in minutes — bones, joints, the chest, and the abdomen — without surgery and without guesswork. At Agave Animal Hospital in St. George, digital imaging is one of the first tools we reach for when a pet is limping, coughing, straining, or just “not themselves.”
What digital X-ray shows us
X-rays are especially good at revealing structure and density. For pets across Washington County, that often means answering questions like:
- Bones and joints — fractures, arthritis, hip and elbow changes, and luxating patellas, common in active desert dogs that hike the red rock.
- Chest — the heart and lungs, helpful when a pet is coughing or breathing hard.
- Abdomen — the bladder, intestines, and signs of obstruction or stones.
- Foreign objects — swallowed items, and many of the rocks, sticks, or toys curious pets find on the trail.
Why digital, and why in-house
Digital radiography produces images in seconds rather than developing film, often using a lower dose of radiation. The images can be enlarged, adjusted, and shared instantly — so your veterinarian can study fine detail and, when a second opinion helps, send the file to a board-certified radiologist for review.
Because we capture and read images right here, you usually get answers during the same visit instead of waiting days. For an anxious pet (and a worried owner), that speed matters.
A calm, careful experience
Most X-rays take only a few minutes and are completely painless. We gently position your pet for the clearest view; for pets who are uncomfortable or won’t hold still, your care team may recommend light sedation so we get a diagnostic image safely and with as little stress as possible.
What’s included
- In-house digital radiographs of bones, chest, or abdomen
- Same-visit review with your veterinarian
- Optional referral to a specialist radiologist when needed
- A clear explanation of what the images mean and the next steps
Worried about a limp, a cough, or a pet who swallowed something they shouldn’t have? Request an appointment through our contact page and we’ll help you get answers.
Frequently asked questions
Is a digital X-ray safe for my pet?
Yes. Digital radiography uses a low dose of radiation, and a typical imaging session involves only a few exposures, so the risk to your dog or cat is very small. The diagnostic information we gain almost always far outweighs that minimal exposure, and our team follows safe handling practices for every study.
Will my pet need to be sedated for X-rays?
Often no. Many pets hold still well enough for clear images while gently positioned by our team. If your pet is painful, anxious, or won't stay in position, we may recommend light sedation so we can capture a diagnostic image safely and comfortably. We'll always talk through the options with you first.
Can I get X-ray results the same day?
In most cases, yes. Because we capture and review digital images in-house at our St. George hospital, your veterinarian can usually discuss findings with you during the same visit. If a case calls for extra input, we can send the images to a board-certified veterinary radiologist for review.