One of the top concerns most people have concerning their pets is the cost of pet care, especially unexpected expenses. If your cat was involved in an accident or has been sick and needs diagnostics, your veterinarian may recommend an X-ray, also called a radiograph. This diagnostic test allows your vet to view the solid structures inside of your cat, like their bones.
Based on the color shading in an X-ray, your vet will also know whether your cat has a soft tissue problem, like heart enlargement or a tumor. X-rays are a fantastic diagnostic tool that can be performed at most vet clinics. But what does an X-ray cost for a cat? Cat x-rays can cost anywhere from $75 to $350, depending on the vet and what’s being x-rayed. Keep reading to see what you can expect:
What is the Cost of a Cat X-Ray?
How much your cat’s X-rays will cost depends on the type your cat needs, how many they need, and the cost of living in your area. X-rays of the mouth and individual limbs typically range from $75–150, while X-rays of the chest, abdomen, or chest and abdomen together typically cost $100–250. Whole-body X-rays include the chest, abdomen, limbs, neck, and head and can cost $100–350.
What Factors Impact the Cost of an X-Ray?
Aside from the number and type of X-rays and the cost of living in your area, other factors will impact the cost of X-rays for your cat. If a specialist performs the X-rays, you should expect to spend more. Veterinary specialists and their staff are trained to perform X-rays on delicate areas and get a clear picture of the area. Some specialists who perform X-rays on your cat include neurosurgeons, veterinary dentists, and orthopedists.
Often, X-rays are priced at a lower rate for additional X-rays. You may spend $100 on your cat’s first X-ray, but if the veterinarian needs two X-rays, the second picture may only cost you $50. If your cat is uncooperative during the X-ray, you are unlikely to be charged for failed pictures and will likely only be charged for X-rays that turn out correctly.
What Other Costs Should I Expect?
It’s important to remember that you will likely have additional expenses associated with your cat’s vet visit. An office visit fee will usually apply, which can cost $40 to $150 at most clinics, but if you’re at an emergency veterinarian, you’ll pay more.
Also, remember that an X-ray is a diagnostic test, not a treatment. Additional expenses will apply if your vet finds something wrong with your cat. That can be anything from antibiotics to treat pneumonia to emergency surgery to remove an intestinal obstruction, so your treatment expenses could range anywhere from a few dollars to thousands of dollars.
In Conclusion
X-rays are a great diagnostic tool that can help your vet see what’s happening inside your cat’s body without doing more invasive procedures, like exploratory surgeries. It also allows them to see what’s happening with your cat’s internal organs, from cancer to enlarged organs. They may be a little on the pricey side, depending on the type and number of X-rays your cat needs and who is doing them, but they are well worth the investment when it comes to the health and well-being of your cat.
Featured Image Credit: PRESSLAB, Shutterstock
