An unexpected trip to the emergency vet can leave you with a lot of questions. Our team helps you make sense of what’s happening, with gentle care for your pet and clear explanations for you.
Emergency Veterinary Care Centers (EVCC) offers in-house digital cat and dog X-rays across northern Indiana and southern Michigan. Imaging gives us a closer look at bones, organs, and other internal structures to help investigate an illness or injury. As we review the images, we’ll explain what they tell us and discuss the next steps together.
When Might Your Cat or Dog Need an X-Ray?
Your veterinarian may recommend X-rays when an examination alone cannot explain your pet’s symptoms or reveal the extent of an injury. Imaging can help us investigate concerns such as limping, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, or changes in breathing.
X-rays may help us identify or evaluate:
- Broken bones, dislocated joints, and other injuries after trauma
- Arthritis and changes in the hips or other joints
- Certain swallowed objects and signs of an intestinal blockage
- Some types of bladder stones
- Changes in heart size or lung appearance
- Fluid in the chest or abdomen
- Enlarged organs or certain masses
X-rays provide part of the picture. Depending on your pet’s condition, we may recommend additional veterinary diagnostic testing to better understand what is happening.
How Do Digital X-Rays Help During a Pet Emergency?
Digital X-rays produce images our veterinarians can review on a computer during your pet’s visit. Having this equipment in-house helps us evaluate urgent concerns and make decisions about care without sending your pet elsewhere for initial imaging.
Our team can enlarge images and adjust their contrast to examine specific areas more closely. We interpret those images alongside your pet’s examination findings, medical history, and other test results. Throughout the process, we’ll keep you involved. You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the recommended next steps.
Why Choose EVCC for Pet X-Rays?
Quick Results for Peace of Mind
Our digital technology provides images in the same visit, enabling faster diagnoses and treatment. By visiting one of our emergency hospitals, you won’t be stuck waiting for results.
Accurate and Advanced Diagnostics
We don’t just see the big picture—we zoom in. Our tools allow for enhanced image manipulation, such as zooming and adjusting contrast, to catch even the subtlest of issues.
Versatility Across Pet Needs
From dental and orthopedic evaluations to detecting lung or heart conditions, our digital X-rays can detect a wide range of medical conditions.
Clear Communication About Your Pet’s Health
At EVCC, we ensure clarity with every diagnosis. We’ll explain X-ray results and treatment options in a way that keeps you informed and confident in your pet’s care plan.
What Happens If My Pet Needs X-Rays at EVCC?
We understand that emergency situations can be stressful. Here's how we make the X-ray process smooth and reassuring for you and your pet:
Our team assesses your pet when you arrive and prioritizes care based on medical urgency. Your veterinarian will examine your pet and determine whether X-rays can help evaluate their condition. Pets who need immediate stabilization may receive treatment before imaging.
We gently position your pet to capture the views your veterinarian needs. Some pets need sedation to ease discomfort or help them remain still. Your veterinarian will consider your pet’s condition before recommending sedation.
Once results are generated, we will immediately review the X-rays with you to help you understand the diagnosis and next steps, whether it’s surgery, laser therapy, or something else. If needed, we will promptly share results with your primary vet to ensure continuity of care.
If your pet needs care beyond our emergency services, we can help coordinate a referral. We can also share imaging and visit information with your primary veterinarian to support follow-up care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat and Dog X-Rays
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Will My Pet Need Sedation for X-Rays?
Some pets need sedation, while others do not. The decision depends on your pet’s comfort, condition, and the positioning needed for clear images. Our veterinarian will discuss the recommendation with you.
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Can X-Rays Show Every Injury or Illness?
No. X-rays are useful for evaluating bones, the chest, and the abdomen, but they do not show every problem. Soft tissue injuries and certain diseases may require other diagnostic tests. Your veterinarian will explain whether further testing could help.
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Will I Receive Results During My Pet’s Visit?
Our in-house digital equipment allows our team to review images during your pet’s visit. The time needed to discuss findings depends on your pet’s condition, the complexity of the images, and whether additional evaluation is necessary.
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A Clearer Picture With Our Team by Your Side
When your pet needs X-rays, you deserve clear explanations and a caring team to turn to. We’ll walk you through the findings, talk through your options, and help you feel more prepared for the decisions ahead.