Are you wondering how much a cat x-ray costs? Have you been told your cat needs to have an x-ray? It is important you know all the facts about the price.
There are many reasons why your cat may need an x-ray, they may have a suspected fracture or a possible lung condition. Due to the many reasons a radiograph of a cat may be taken, it is hard to give an exact cost.
However, in this article, I am going to share the estimated price you may incur when having x-rays taken at the Vet, as well as everything else you can expect. This is based on my 10 years of knowledge working in Veterinary practice.
How Much Does a Cat X-ray Cost? Everything you need to know
While the cost to x-ray a cat will vary depending on the Veterinary practice you visit, there should not be a massive variation in the price. The price to X-ray a cat will more depend on which part of the body is being x-rayed, how many views are needed, and potentially the time of day.
For example, if your cat needs an emergency x-ray during the middle of the night, you can expect this fee to be higher than a booked procedure during the day.
On average, you will be looking at £300-£700 as the price to x-ray a cat. This cost may vary on the area of the country you are in, for example, the price may be higher in Central London than it is in rural England.
Why does my cat need an x-ray?
Your cat may need to have an x-ray for a number of reasons. Radiographs are taken to view the inside of the body, mainly bones, however, it is also useful for looking at other areas such as the lungs, the intestines, and some other organs.
Therefore, an x-ray may be required if your pet has a suspected bone fracture or if there is a concern they may have swallowed a toy, which may now be causing an intestinal blockage.
A list of common reasons why your cat might need an X-Ray:
- To diagnose a fractured bone
- To look for a fractured tooth or abscess
- Your cat is expressing signs of pain
- To visualise any foreign objects in the digestive tract
- To diagnose Osteoarthritis
- To search for bladder stones within the bladder
- To search for any potential growths within the chest or abdomen
- To diagnose fluid in the lungs
- To measure the size of a cat’s heart
This list is not exhaustive, there are many reasons why a radiograph of your cat may be suggested. Whatever the reason, your vet should explain to you the reasoning and what they are looking for.
Does my cat have to be sedated for an x-ray?
Yes. Unless it is a life-threatening emergency, such as breathing difficulties, it is not allowed in the UK for a Veterinary Professional to hold an animal for an x-ray.
As you can probably imagine, the majority of cats will not stay still for an x-ray to be taken, especially in the various views which will be required. Therefore, it is kindest, quicker, and safest, to either sedate or anesthetize for the procedure.
The price of the sedation is usually included in the price of the radiograph, however, you can ask your vet to ensure this is included in the estimate.
Can I hold my cat for an x-ray?
Again, due to health and safety regulations in the UK (and much of the rest of the world), this is a big no and your vet will not allow this.
How many x-rays will be needed?
The number of x-rays taken of your cat will affect the price. However, the number of x-rays needed will depend on what is being looked for.
In general, the minimum number needed will be two. This allows the area to be examined from two different views, allowing for the best results and most information.
So what does the price of a cat x-ray include?
We have established the price you are looking at is roughly £300-£700. But what does this include?
- Sedation or general anesthetic (GA) drugs
- A Veterinary Nurse to monitor your cat while under sedation or GA as well as in recovery
- The X-ray to be taken, with various positions recorded.
- Your Vet to interrupt the x-ray and provide a diagnosis based on the findings.
- +/_ blood tests (discussed below)
Is it safe for my cat to be x-rayed?
All radiographs come with a degree of risk with regard to radiation exposure. However, this risk is small, much the same with us, and your Vet will always weigh up the risks to ensure your cat is safe.
Much like we will have two or three x-rays in our life, your cat will too, and should not suffer any ill side effects.
As your cat will need to be sedated for the procedure, this again will come with small risks. However, during this time they will be constantly monitored with their vitals recorded.
If your cat is at high risk for sedation, for example, if they have pre-existing kidney disease, a blood test may be recommended beforehand to ensure the correct drugs are chosen to support them. This additional blood test would increase the price of an x-ray for a cat.
Will I get the results straight away?
The majority of Veterinary practices now have digital x-ray machines – meaning the pictures are instant.
However, it may take more time for the Vet to interpret the x-rays of your cat and come to a diagnosis. Generally, you should get the results on the same day. This is normal procedure, unless, a specialist opinion is required.
Am I allowed to see my cat’s x-ray?
Yes, often your Veterinary Surgeon will show you the x-rays to help explain their findings and diagnosis.
Once you have paid for them, you are also allowed to receive a copy of them by email.
Are radiographs and an x-ray the same thing?
Yes, they are just different ways of saying the same thing.
However, a radiograph/x-ray is not the same as a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound. These are different forms of diagnostic imaging used for looking at different things. The price of these is generally a lot higher than the cost of an x-ray, this is because the skill needed to use these machines are more specialised and not all veterinary practices will have this equipment.
So, how much does a cat X-ray cost?
As we have discussed, this is not a simple question, lots of factors need to be taken into consideration.
However, your Vet should be able to give you an estimate before you agree to the procedure taking place and discuss any concerns you may have regarding the costs.
Remember, your Vet will only recommend an x-ray if it is actually needed and will help to provide a vital diagnosis.
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