All Creatures Great & Small Veterinary Hospital

Radiology & X-Rays

Diagnostic Imaging

Radiology & X-Rays

When your pet needs answers, imaging tells the story that a physical exam alone cannot. Our digital radiography provides fast, high-quality images to guide accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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Digital Radiography at ACGSVH

We use digital radiography (digital X-rays) to evaluate your pet's bones, joints, chest, and abdomen. Digital X-rays produce high-resolution images immediately — no waiting for film development — and can be easily shared with specialists for consultation. They also use significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays.

When Are X-Rays Needed?

  • Suspected fractures or orthopedic injuries
  • Limping or lameness evaluation
  • Chest evaluation for heart size, lung disease, or masses
  • Abdominal evaluation for organ size, foreign bodies, or masses
  • Bladder stones or urinary tract evaluation
  • Dental radiographs during dental cleanings
  • Pregnancy confirmation and fetal count
  • Pre-surgical planning
  • Monitoring of known conditions (heart disease, cancer, arthritis)

Radiography for Exotic Pets

X-rays are an essential diagnostic tool for exotic species. Rabbits with GI stasis benefit from abdominal radiographs to assess gas patterns. Reptiles with metabolic bone disease show characteristic changes on X-ray. Birds with respiratory disease or egg binding require chest and abdominal imaging. Dr. Davis is experienced in positioning and interpreting radiographs for a wide range of exotic species.

Dental Radiography

Dental X-rays are a critical part of every professional dental cleaning. Up to 60% of dental disease in pets occurs below the gumline — invisible to the naked eye. Full-mouth dental radiographs allow Dr. Davis to evaluate tooth roots, bone loss, and hidden disease that would otherwise go undetected and untreated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my pet need to be sedated for X-rays?
Not always. Many cooperative pets can be positioned for X-rays without sedation. However, sedation or anesthesia is sometimes needed for pets that are painful, anxious, or require precise positioning (such as orthopedic views or dental X-rays). Dr. Davis will discuss the best approach for your pet.
Are X-rays safe for my pet?
Yes. Digital X-rays use very low doses of radiation, and the exposure from a typical diagnostic series is minimal. The diagnostic benefit of accurate imaging far outweighs the negligible radiation risk. We use appropriate shielding and minimize the number of views to what is diagnostically necessary.
Can X-rays detect cancer in pets?
X-rays can detect masses, abnormal organ sizes, and changes in bone that may suggest cancer. However, X-rays cannot definitively diagnose cancer — cytology, biopsy, or advanced imaging (ultrasound, CT) is usually needed for a definitive diagnosis. X-rays are often the first step in a cancer workup.
Do you take dental X-rays during cleanings?
Yes. We recommend full-mouth dental radiographs during every professional dental cleaning. Up to 60% of dental disease occurs below the gumline and is invisible without X-rays. Dental radiographs allow us to identify diseased roots, bone loss, and teeth that need extraction before they cause pain or systemic infection.
Can you X-ray my rabbit or reptile?
Yes. Radiography is available for exotic species including rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, reptiles, and birds. Exotic species require species-specific positioning and interpretation — Dr. Davis has the training and experience to perform and interpret exotic radiographs accurately.

Ready to book an appointment?

Our team at All Creatures Great & Small Veterinary Hospital in San Antonio is here to help. Call or text us today.

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