Does Your Dog Need an X-Ray? Here’s How Much That Might Cost

From broken bones to bowel obstructions, there are many reasons why your dog might need an X-ray. Veterinarians usually suggest an X-ray if they need to evaluate internal damage or some other medical issues that’s not easily identified by a visual examination.

Regardless of the cause, the need for an X-ray can be stressful to pet parents. For one, there’s concern over your pet’s health and well-being. Second, there might be stress over the cost of using a more advanced diagnostic tool, plus the treatment that might go along with it.

But before you break into that piggy bank, we’re here to inform you about the realistic costs of an X-ray — and how to pay for it. Read on to learn more about dog X-rays, costs, and payment options.

Common Reasons to Need a Dog X-Ray

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Veterinarians frequently use X-rays to visualize internal structures and pinpoint problems that may not be apparent from a physical examination alone. X-rays play a crucial role in providing accurate diagnoses and informing the appropriate treatment plans for your dog’s condition.

There are several reasons your vet might suggest an X-ray to evaluate various health issues, such as:

• Breaks, fractures, or bone abnormalities: X-rays can help identify broken bones, fractures, joint problems, or bone abnormalities.
• Abdominal issues: X-rays can identify issues within the abdomen, such as organ enlargement, masses, tumours, blockages, or abnormal gas patterns.
• Foreign object ingestion: Similarly, if an animal has swallowed a foreign object, an X-ray can help determine its location and size. This will inform the best course of action for removal.
• Pregnancy confirmation: X-rays can help confirm pregnancy by visualizing fetal skeletons or changes in the uterus.
• Soft tissue abnormalities: X-rays can sometimes detect abnormalities in soft tissues such as masses, tumours, or fluid buildup.
• Respiratory problems: For dogs experiencing respiratory issues, X-rays can reveal lung abnormalities, fluid in the lungs, or the presence of objects obstructing the airway.
• Dental problems: X-rays can assess dental health by revealing issues like tooth fractures, infections, or abnormalities in the roots.
• Heart and cardiovascular issues: X-rays may aid in evaluating the heart's size and shape, identifying heart conditions, or detecting fluid buildup in the chest cavity.
• Arthritis or joint problems: X-rays are useful in evaluating joint health, detecting arthritis, joint dislocation, or abnormalities in bone structure affecting mobility.
• Spinal issues and nerve compression: X-rays help in identifying spinal problems, such as disc disease, spinal deformities, or nerve compression.
• Preventive care: In some cases, X-rays might be recommended as part of routine health check-ups, especially for older dogs, to catch any underlying issues before they become severe.

Your veterinarian will be able to explain the need for an X-ray as it pertains to your pet’s specific medical issue. Occasionally, multiple X-ray sessions might be needed over the course of treatment. Be sure to ask your veterinarian any questions regarding your pet’s unique treatment plan.

How Much Does a Dog X-Ray Cost on Average?

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At the time of publishing this article, no sources have reported the average cost of a dog X-ray in Canada. However, some numbers have been made available by reputable sources in the United States, so we have converted costs from USD to CAD to provide a general idea of estimated X-ray costs in Canada.

The cost of dog X-rays ranges between $100 to $670 CAD per image, with $200 to $330 CAD being the average. (Source: CareCredit).

Do keep in mind that the cost of a dog X-ray in Canada can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as:

• your location/region
• whether you’re in an urban versus rural area
• the veterinary clinic/hospital
• the number of X-rays needed
• the specific area being examined
• whether additional services or sedation are required to facilitate the x-ray

Additionally, pet insurance coverage or veterinary wellness plans may also impact the final cost. For instance, pet insurance could offset some expenses, depending on the policy and the reason for the X-ray.

More Information About Dog X-Ray Costs 

In veterinary medicine, the costs associated with an X-ray may vary depending on the body part being examined. 

The most common X-ray areas and their associated costs include:

(Sources: Langley Animal Clinic; BCSPCA; National Library of Medicine) 

For the most accurate and current pricing information, contacting veterinary clinics or hospitals in your area and requesting a quote for a dog X-ray would be the best approach. 

Additional costs may include consultation fees, sedation/anesthesia fees, interpretation fees, or any necessary follow-up X-rays.

How to Pay for Dog X-Ray Costs

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If your veterinarian recommends conducting an X-ray to assess or diagnose your dog’s medical condition, you might have some anxiety about paying this vet bill. Fortunately, you have a few options.

Option 1: Pay out-of-pocket

Paying out-of-pocket doesn’t necessarily mean you have to pay in cash. You often have the option to pay for the X-ray procedure directly at the veterinary clinic using cash, debit, or credit cards (which can be paid down later, if need be). However, out-of-pocket payment is typically the most expensive option. You can also ask your veterinarian if they would allow installment payments. 

Option 2: Pet insurance

Pet insurance policies typically reimburse a portion of unexpected and/or emergency veterinary expenses, easing the financial burden. If you have pet insurance, consider using this to cover your pet’s diagnostic tests and X-rays. Please note, that most pet insurance companies won’t cover pre-existing conditions or X-rays associated with preventive care and do have waiting periods to be mindful of. 

Option 3: Ask about a wellness plan

Some veterinary clinics offer wellness plans that include coverage for routine diagnostics, such as X-rays, as part of a package deal. They might also offer this in conjunction with discounted pricing for regular check-ups.

Option 4: Third-party financing

There are also third-party companies, like Fairstone, that specialize in financing veterinary care. They provide loans specifically for pet medical expenses and offer flexible repayment options.

Option 5: HSAs or FSAs

Some people use tax-advantaged accounts such as Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to cover eligible medical expenses for their pets. This can include X-rays. You can learn more about these options here. 

Will Pet Insurance Cover X-rays?

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Most comprehensive pet insurance plans cover X-rays as part of their benefits for diagnostic testing. However, it's crucial to carefully review your policy details, including any exclusions, limitations, waiting periods, and specific terms related to diagnostic procedures like X-rays.

Here are some key points to consider regarding pet insurance coverage for X-rays:

• Many pet insurance policies only cover X-rays that are deemed “medically necessary” to diagnose illnesses, injuries, or conditions, and must come recommended by a licensed veterinarian.
• X-rays needed for pre-existing conditions may not be covered. Any condition that is present before the policy's start date or during the waiting period typically won't be eligible for coverage, including associated diagnostic tests.
• Basic pet insurance plans may not cover routine or preventive X-rays (such as for routine check-ups or pre-existing conditions). 
• Some policies might exclude coverage for certain hereditary conditions that may require diagnostic tests like X-rays.

Looking for a comprehensive pet insurance provider in Canada? Consider Furkin Pet Insurance, one of Canada’s top providers, offering coverage for emergency vet visits, surgeries, and more. 

Get up to 80% of your eligible expenses covered so you can focus on getting your pet the best care possible! Get a free quote today.