Digital Radiography
Digital radiography (X-rays) and dental X-rays are essential, non-invasive tools that allow our veterinarians to see what’s happening inside your pet’s body—both above and below the gumline. These advanced imaging techniques help us diagnose problems early, guide treatment, and keep your pet healthy and comfortable.
Why Digital Radiology
Unlike traditional film X-rays, digital radiography produces high-resolution images almost instantly—no chemical processing, no waiting. The images can be zoomed, enhanced, and adjusted in real time, which means our veterinarians can examine fine details that film might miss. Digital X-rays also use significantly less radiation than conventional film, making them a safer choice for your pet. Because everything is processed on-site at Animal Medical Center, we can review results immediately and discuss next steps with you the same day.
When X-Rays Are Recommended
X-rays help us look deeper when something isn’t quite right—or when we want to confirm that everything is. We may recommend imaging if your pet is limping, coughing, having difficulty breathing, vomiting, or showing signs of dental pain. X-rays are also used to screen for foreign body ingestion, confirm pregnancy, assess heart and lung health in senior pets, and prepare for surgical procedures. Dental X-rays are a routine part of dental cleanings here, giving us a complete view of tooth roots and bone that’s simply not visible to the naked eye.
What to Expect
For most pets, an X-ray is a quick, low-stress procedure. Our team positions your pet carefully to get the clearest images possible, and most appointments take only a few minutes. Sedation isn’t always needed, though we may recommend it for pets who are anxious, in significant pain, or when a particular imaging angle requires your pet to stay very still. We’ll talk through what to expect before we begin, so there are no surprises.
What We Can Evaluate
Digital X-Rays (Full Body Imaging):
- Musculoskeletal system – bones, joints, spine
- Cardiovascular system – heart and lungs
- Gastrointestinal system – stomach and intestines
- Reproductive system
- Urinary system – kidneys and bladder
Dental X-Rays (Oral Imaging):
- Tooth roots and surrounding bone
- Hidden infections or abscesses
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Tooth resorption (common in cats)
- Retained or impacted teeth
Whether your pet is showing signs of illness, dental discomfort, or just due for routine care, X-rays give us a clearer picture of their health—helping us provide the best care possible and keep them happy, healthy, and pain-free.
Animal Medical Center provides digital radiology and dental X-rays on-site in Foley, AL, serving pets throughout Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Elberta, and South Baldwin County. If your pet needs imaging—or if you have questions about whether X-rays are right for your pet’s situation—our team is here to help.
FAQ About Digital Radiology for Pets
Yes—digital X-rays use a very low level of radiation, significantly less than traditional film X-rays, and the exposure during a single imaging session is minimal. The benefit of the diagnostic information we gain far outweighs the very small radiation dose involved. We take appropriate precautions for all pets, including limiting the number of images to what’s diagnostically necessary.
Not always. Many pets can be positioned comfortably and imaged without sedation. However, if your pet is anxious, in significant pain, or if we need a very specific angle that requires them to stay completely still, we may recommend light sedation for their comfort and to get the clearest images possible. We’ll discuss this with you before the appointment.
Because we process digital X-rays on-site at Animal Medical Center, results are available almost immediately. In most cases, our veterinarian will review the images with you during the same appointment and walk you through what we found.
Digital X-rays can reveal a wide range of conditions including broken bones and joint problems, heart and lung abnormalities, intestinal blockages or foreign objects, bladder and kidney stones, reproductive issues, and signs of cancer. Dental X-rays specifically can detect hidden infections, tooth root disease, periodontal bone loss, and tooth resorption—conditions that are completely invisible without imaging.
Yes—dental X-rays are a standard part of dental care at Animal Medical Center. They allow us to evaluate the full structure of each tooth including the roots and surrounding bone, which is where most serious dental disease occurs. Without dental X-rays, we’d only be seeing a fraction of what’s actually going on in your pet’s mouth.
Traditional film X-rays require chemical processing and take longer to produce results. Digital radiography captures images electronically, producing high-resolution results almost instantly. The images can be magnified and adjusted for contrast on-screen, which improves diagnostic accuracy. Digital X-rays also use less radiation than film, making them a better option for your pet overall.