Dog undergoing X-ray examination. Photo: Johan Wahlgren
Radiography (X-ray)
Page reviewed:
01/10/2025
At SLU University Animal Hospital, we perform radiography on horses, dogs, cats and other small animals. All examinations are performed at the animal hospital's diagnostic imaging unit.
How an X-ray examination is done
Before a radiographic examination is performed, a clinical examination must be performed to see what may be causing the animal's problems. The examination is conducted by a veterinarian who then sends a referral to the diagnostic imaging unit. For all X-ray examinations of horses, two people over the age of 18 (not pregnant) must accompany the horse at the examination.
During the X-ray examination, a radiographer takes the images that is needed. X-rays are generated in an X-ray tube using electricity. To obtain an X-ray image, we direct the rays through the part of the body to be examined. The radiation that passes through is recorded using an image plate or a detector and developed into a radiograph that we can view on a computer.
Afterwards, a radiologist assesses the X-ray images. With the help of the X-ray examination, the images can then support the veterinarian in further investigating and establishing a diagnosis.
At times, further examinations are necessary to further investigate what is causing the animal's problems. As a pet owner, you can always review the X-ray images with your veterinarian.
Book an appointment
In most cases, a referral from a veterinarian is required to book an radiography examination. The referral should include information about how long your pet has had the issue, the findings from the clinical examination, the type of radiography needed, and the specific questions the referring veterinarian wants answered.
If your referral comes from a veterinarian at another clinic, we will contact you by phone to schedule an appointment, once we get the referral. You are also welcome to contact us directly and book an appointment via phone or e-mail.
As a pet owner, you can book some X-ray examinations yourself where a referral from a veterinarian is not required. For more information, see more under the heading "Examinations you can book yourself".
Payment is made at our Small Animal Clinic's reception or our Horse Clinic's reception before you leave the animal hospital.
Examinations you can book yourself
For small animals
Is your dog expecting puppies? Then you can have a pregnancy check with the help of X-rays at SLU University Animal Hospital. You can easily book an appointment for a pregnancy check yourself by contacting the diagnostic imaging unit. You do not need a referral from a veterinarian for this examination, but you do need to book an appointment.
The examination can be performed at the earliest on the 56th day after the last mating, when the fetus's skeleton has mineralized.
For horses
To have an X-ray examination for breeding evaluation of your stallion, you need to book an appointment at the animal hospital.
The horse will be given sedatives in connection with the examination. The preparations have withdrawal periods for starting, training before starting and euthanasia. For further information, please discuss the matter with us when you book an appointment and we will help you.
The different breed associations have different requirements for what must be met before the stallion can be approved for breeding. Some breeds require X-rays. Read more in the ASVHS and SH stallion regulations.
For all radiography examinations of horses, two people over 18 years of age (not pregnant) must accompany the horse when it is to be X-rayed.
North Swedish Horse (in Swedish: Nordsvenska brukshingstar) stallions needs to be radiographed in their front feet to exclude side-bone formation before they can be approved for breeding.
The North Swedish Horse Association (in Swedish: Föreningen Nordsvenska Hästen) has decided that the research fund managed by the association will also pay for radiographic examination for side-bone formation in the autumn of 2025 for the North Swedish Horse working stallions born in 2023 and intended to be shown at the breeding evaluation for stallions in 2026.
The examination must take place during the period 1 September - 1 December 2025.
The association will only pay for the examination if the images are sent to the diagnostic imaging unit at SLU University Animal Hospital for image evaluation (this is done automatically when the images are taken by us).
For all radiography examinations of horses, two people over 18 years of age (not pregnant) must accompany the horse when it is to be X-rayed.
At SLU University Animal Hospital, we offer screening radiography for "loose bone fragments" in standardbred trotters that are over 1 year old.
During the examination, the fetlock joints and hock joints will be X-rayed. The horse will be given sedatives. The preparations have withdrawal periods for starting and training before starting. See STC's website or the respective association's website. Withdrawal periods are also set for euthanasia. For further information, you are welcome to contact the diagnostic imaging unit.
To do a screening radiography, you need to book an appointment with us. You can easily do this by contacting us via phone or email.
For all radiography examinations of horses, two people over 18 years of age (not pregnant) must accompany the horse when it is to be X-rayed.
