Cat X-Rays: Why Would Your Cat Need Them?

Cat X-rays are a common diagnostic test used by veterinarians to learn more about health conditions in our furry felines.

X-rays use a small amount of radiation to create images of the inside of the body, allowing vets to see bones, tissues, and organs.

For example, if a cat’s paw is swollen or hurt, an X-ray may be done to determine whether a foreign object is present or if one of the cat’s bones is broken.

Cat X-rays have several benefits and a few small risks that pet parents should be aware of. 

What Is a Cat X-Ray?

Cat X-rays are a non-invasive and painless procedure.

As mentioned, an X-ray creates a picture of the inside of the cat’s body using radiation.

X-rays in cats are common and can be performed on various body parts, including the chest, abdomen, and legs. They are used to help diagnose a wide variety of health conditions, such as congestive heart failure or bone fractures.

To take a cat X-ray, the cat is positioned lying down on an X-ray table. Members of the veterinary team gently restrain the cat to help them remain calm and still during the procedure.

In some cases, light sedation may be given if a cat is particularly rambunctious. Positioning the cat and taking the X-ray usually takes a few minutes.

X-ray machines for cats are typically available at most veterinary hospitals.

Mobile veterinary companies generally refer these services to a nearby veterinary hospital.

Types of X-Rays for Cats

Various types of X-rays are given to cats, depending on the suspected underlying condition.

These include:

• Skeletal. X-rays of bones can detect conditions including fractures, dislocations, arthritis, or cancer. This type of X-ray allows the bone to appear bright white.

• Soft tissue. Soft tissues, such as fat or muscle, appear gray on X-rays. This is helpful if a vet needs to visualize a lump under the skin or swelling, such as in the paw. A collapsing trachea can also be identified using this technique.

• Chest. Chest X-rays provide a good way to visualize the heart and lungs, helping to identify signs of heart disease, collapsed lungs, or abnormal fluid accumulation. 

• Abdominal. Abdominal X-rays allow the veterinarian to see the cat’s internal organs, from the diaphragm to the bladder. These are helpful for detecting foreign objects in the stomach or intestines, cancerous masses, abnormal fluid accumulation, or bladder stones.

• Dental: X-rays of the cat’s teeth can reveal hidden dental disease that may not be visible during an oral exam. This allows the veterinarian to see problems below the gumline and determine if any teeth need to be extracted.

Why Would a Cat X-Ray Be Necessary?

There are many health situations where an X-ray is ideal for diagnosing health issues in cats.

By providing detailed images of a cat’s internal structures, X-rays enable veterinarians to identify the underlying causes of a wide range of symptoms and develop precise treatment plans.

The most common reasons for a cat X-ray include:

• Trauma. If a cat has sustained trauma, X-rays can be helpful in detecting broken bones, dislocated hips, and collapsed lungs.

• Breathing difficulties. A cat having difficulty breathing may benefit from a chest X-ray to check for underlying heart or lung disease.

• Foreign object ingestion. If a cat is suspected of eating something they shouldn’t have, an X-ray can determine whether a foreign object is present and where it’s located in the gastrointestinal tract.

• Pregnancy. X-rays can confirm a cat pregnancy and reveal the number of kittens.

• Urinary issues. Cats having difficulty urinating or having blood in their urine may require an abdominal X-ray to check for bladder stones or signs of cancer.

• Dental disease. Cats undergoing a dental cleaning or potential tooth extraction may need an X-ray to provide a better view of the mouth.

• Tumor. X-rays can help locate lumps or bumps on cats and determine if they are attached to underlying tissues.

• Surgical planning. X-rays provide valuable information for veterinarians prior to surgery. For example, if a cat has a broken leg, an X-ray allows the vet to assess the fracture and decide the best way to repair it based on the bone positioning.

Benefits of Cat X-Rays

X-rays can be highly beneficial for cats because they allow veterinarians to get a detailed view of the internal structures of the body.

They can help identify abnormalities and provide crucial information that veterinarians use to choose suitable treatment options.

X-rays are painless and non-invasive, and in most cases, do not require any special preparation at home or in the veterinary clinic. They can be performed quickly and are readily available in emergencies, such as trauma. 

Additionally, X-rays are more affordable than advanced imaging options like CT scans or MRIs, while still providing valuable diagnostic information.

Without X-rays, certain conditions, like a foreign object ingestion, could be missed, potentially leading to an inaccurate diagnosis.

How Effective Is a Cat X-Ray?

Cat X-rays are highly effective in identifying abnormalities within the body, particularly in visualizing bones and detecting issues such as arthritis or fractures that require veterinary intervention.

However, they are less detailed than advanced imaging options like CT scans or MRIs when it comes to visualizing soft tissue structures.

Cat X-Ray Cost

Cat X-rays typically cost between $150 and $250 each time they are ordered by a veterinarian. The cost varies based on the location of the veterinary hospital and the number of X-rays needed to diagnose the cat’s condition.

If pet parents find it difficult to afford this test, they can consider enrolling in pet insurance for your cat.

Most pet insurance companies cover X-rays, but it’s important to have the policy in place before the need arises to ensure coverage.

Preparation for a Cat X-Ray

Pet parents generally do not need to prepare their cat at home before an X-ray.

The exception is if the veterinarian has prescribed an oral sedative to give the cat prior to their appointment.

Always closely follow all instructions by the veterinarian when giving oral sedation; it may be helpful to disguise the pill in a tasty treat, such as Feline Greenies™ Pill Pockets™.

Cats scheduled for injectable sedation at the veterinary hospital should not eat for at least eight hours before their appointment.

At the veterinary hospital, a few veterinary technicians will gently restrain the cat by holding their legs while the cat is lying down on the X-ray table.

Once the cat is calm and still, the X-ray can be taken.

Cat X-Ray Risks

The primary risk associated with cat X-rays is radiation exposure.

Fortunately, the X-rays used today emit extremely low levels of radiation compared to older technology.

While all X-rays expose the cat to small amounts of radiation, the risk is minimal and the potential benefits of pursuing this testing far outweigh the risks.

Alternatives to Cat X-Rays

Alternatives to cat X-rays include ultrasound, CT scans, and MRIs.

Ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images of the cat’s body. It’s relatively inexpensive, does not use radiation, and is non-invasive.

While a cat ultrasound is effective for visualizing soft tissue, it has limitations when it comes to visualizing bone.

CT scans and MRIs provide more detailed images than X-rays, but they are much more expensive and typically available only at specialty veterinary practices, making them less accessible.