BLOGGING FROM A TO Z
Have you ever needed to have your companion X-rayed?
X-rays are used to determine medical concerns such as but not limited to ACL (Anterior cruciate ligament injury), breathing problems, concerns over a lack of appetite; not eating due to a lodged foreign body, chest infections, the possibility of small or enlarged organs and the fear of cancer.
Although I have not had to book any of my companions in for an X-ray, I spoke with my veterinary clinic here in Ontario, Canada to find out the cost of doing so. The cost of services may vary from Province to Province and State to State.
Our clinic, the Barrie Veterinary Hospital charges:
$107 + tax per consult plus
$80 per view. A second comparative view is often required.
$80 (second view)
If the condition turns out to be chronic, you can expect to be billed for additional X-rays.
Of course, we worry when our pets are not well. Waiting for the results of an exam creates additional stress. The cost of these tests doesn’t have to be part of the equation. Having Pet Insurance gives pet owner’s financial relief.
Trupanion team member Kathryn confides that she has experienced the process of X-rays.
The X-rays could cost $200. Having Pet Insurance means I can say ‘JUST DO IT.’ It’s comforting to know I can pay $20 (vs $200) to be sure the condition is not serious or life threatening.*
*cost of insurance based on age, breed, species, cost of care in members residential area.
Her and Her Dogs have not been compensated for sharing the information in this post. The Parker Park are insured by Trupanion (Canada). As a Pet Parent, I can’t know what medical issues might arise. However, I value the peace of mind Pet Insurance provides.
Erin Clifford says
May 7, 2016 at 1:56 pmXrays are an extremely common and important tool in the toolbox of your vet. With a sick pet, most cases blood work and/or x-rays will be necessary!
Erin Clifford recently posted…Toxic or Non-Toxic: Can Everything Harm Your Pet?
Sadie says
May 11, 2016 at 1:23 pmYes, they can provide helpful information about medical cases. Having insurance will lessen the financial strain in a number of cases. Thanks Erin.
Sarcastic Dog says
May 8, 2016 at 9:37 pmOne of my dogs is currently wearing an orthopedic leg brace to try to heal a small fracture and torn ligament. We’ve already has two sets of X-rays, which totaled close to $500! We go back at the end of May for a new set of radiographs to see if the brace is helping things heal so we can avoid surgery.
I wish we had gotten insurance before hand because now this will most definitely be considered a pre-existing condition 🙁
Sarcastic Dog recently posted…Positive training? Correction training? What works?
Sadie says
May 11, 2016 at 1:17 pmI am grateful to you for sharing this experience. Very sorry to hear you’re having to go through the physical (your dog), emotional and financial challenge. I hope pup heals quickly.
Nichole says
August 26, 2016 at 3:40 pmWe’ve had many x-rays done within our pack over the years. They are such an important tool, especially without being invasive.
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 1:47 pmWe haven’t yet but with four companions it is not unlikely.
Montecristo Travels (Sonja) says
August 26, 2016 at 4:18 pmI always have bulked at the pet insurance because I can’t find one that covers us internationally. I am stuck with just Canada and the US and well .. although we live in Canada and the odds are good that we’d need it here the truth is we need something that will cover us no matter where in the world we are be it France, Croatia, Peru or South Korea. It’s so frustrating!
he’s been x-rayed twice. And one time it was a false result showing a mass that didn’t exist. I fought my vet… wasn’t paying for an x-ray that showed things falsely. I won. 🙂
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 1:49 pmInteresting! Would some of Montecristo’s expenses be covered under your travel insurance? Probably not.
I’m glad you didn’t pay for false tests. Misguidance vs. insight. Wow!
Christine Caplan says
August 26, 2016 at 6:55 pmIn our household of three, we have been REALLY happy we had pet insurance. For one, to your point, making a decision on X-rays, bloodwork, dentals, wellness exams -all covered. We’re so grateful to have it for each as stuff comes up and it’s always unpredictable. I’ve always been happy with what I’ve gotten back too for something that requires a longer hospital stay…
Christine Caplan recently posted…Dogs with Digestive Orders Benefit from Probiotics #sponsored
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 1:51 pmCompletely agree – it’s worth having peace of mind.
Pawesome Cats says
August 26, 2016 at 8:16 pmx-rays can be expensive, but they’re an important diagnostic tool, so the cost is worth every cent in my book.
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 1:52 pmIt’s a great way to have an initial look without opening up our companions for an exploratory surgery.
The Daily Pip says
August 26, 2016 at 9:08 pmRuby has not had x-rays, but several other of our pets over the years have had them. They are expensive, but oh so worth it.
I am looking forward to participating in the a-z blogging challenge next time around
The Daily Pip recently posted…Celebrating National Dog Day
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 1:53 pmThey are helpful.
I will look for you next year!
Jana Rade says
August 27, 2016 at 12:07 pmEach of other guys had x-rays at least once. It’s not cheap but cheaper than other imaging techniques. Of course, one needs to choose an imaging technique based on what they’re trying to see and not on the cost.
Jana Rade recently posted…Wordless Wednesday: Construction Supervisor
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 1:54 pmVery good point, Jana!
Beth | Daily Dog Tag says
August 27, 2016 at 5:17 pmWow, what a difference in cost between paying for it yourself and having it covered by pet insurance. ! I don’t have pet insurance, but I know it can really help lower the stress of having a sick pet.
Beth | Daily Dog Tag recently posted…In Loving Memory: Lulu My Favorite Pug
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 1:54 pmI felt a huge sense of relief as soon as I put down the phone from registering.
Sally Hummel says
August 27, 2016 at 6:47 pmWhat a great reminder to check into pet insurance! It’s never fun to have to consider costs for procedures, but that’s life and the world that we live in. Your “Let’s do it” comment was perfect!
Sally Hummel recently posted…In Celebration of National Dog Day!!
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 1:55 pmThanks Sally!
Tonya Wilhelm says
August 28, 2016 at 3:01 pmWe are a pet insurance family too. It has more than paid for itself time and time again. Certainly peace of mind.
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 1:56 pmI never like to hear that people have had to use insurance. But, it’s better than learning about others that didn’t have it and wished they had.
Jessica Gibson says
August 28, 2016 at 5:16 pmI didn’t know that pet insurance existed until a few years ago, by them both my dogs had already been pre diagnosised with some issues and with a big saint bernard the monthly fees for insurance were outrageous. So we got care credit card for their expenses. We are no strangers to X-rays, between kodas IVDD back issues and two acl tears and ossian hip dysplasia we have lots of great time with the xray!!
so the next puppy we get….will have insurance from the start!
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 2:23 pmGreat suggestion for those in a similar situation. Thanks for sharing (care credit card).
Talent Hounds says
August 28, 2016 at 9:47 pmKilo has not needed x-rays yet but several other vet visits have been over $200 each and my cat Nala had an accident and requited over $5,000 in treatment. Just looking for insurance.
Talent Hounds recently posted…National Dog Day Celebrates All Dogs
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 1:57 pmYikes! Yes, most surgeries start in the thousands. That’s worth insurance……just in case.
Michaela says
August 28, 2016 at 9:58 pmI’ve been thinking about getting pet insurance for this reason. I live in the U.S. … I imagine it’s even more expensive here to treat your pets?? Thank you for the great article. 🙂
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 2:21 pmThe cost of treatment seems to vary more than the premiums for insurance. Worth getting a quote!
Sweet Purrfections says
August 28, 2016 at 10:14 pmBrulee had x-rays last Fall when she was so sick. Unfortunately, they were very expensive because it was at the emergency clinic.
Sweet Purrfections recently posted…Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day – Sunday Selfies
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 1:59 pmAnother good point. Thank you. These things can’t always be scheduled with our family vets. Some insurance companies will pay 90-100% of that expense.
FiveSibesMom says
August 28, 2016 at 11:20 pmWe have had to have X-rays for several of our FiveSibes for CCL (ACL) injuries, a large growth, two dentals, and for internal bleeding that turned out to be cancer. We’ve had them at our own vet hospital, a few have been at the Emergency clinic (which is ridiculously expensive), and a few at the orthopedic surgeon.
FiveSibesMom recently posted…What a Fantastic Friday! An Anniversary, A #Book Trilogy #Giveaway & Flashbacks All on National Dog Day!
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 2:00 pmOh my goodness! I’m sorry to hear you’ve had so many concerns.
Ruth Epstein says
August 28, 2016 at 11:37 pmLayla has not yet to be X-rayed and hopefully it will stay that way. I am fortunate that Layla is a client of PAWS so we have a certain annual credit at the vet which helps a lot phew
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 2:01 pmI’m curious to learn more Ruth….
Tenacious Little Terrier says
August 29, 2016 at 12:00 amMr. N had a leg fracture as a puppy so he’s been x-rayed before but it was before I had him.
Tenacious Little Terrier recently posted…Mirror Lake
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 2:02 pmAnother good point. Often times, rescue organizations will provide cover for their dogs and you have the option to continue with the coverage. It’s something to consider when looking to rescue a companion.
Marjorie and the Dash Kiitten Crew says
August 29, 2016 at 12:12 amAll of ours who can be insured are. No it’s not cheap but it means, as you say, that you can push ahead with a decision with little or no hesitation. People are happy to spend a fortune on premium cat food but hesitate about insurance – DON’T!!
Marjorie and the Dash Kiitten Crew recently posted…Remembrance Sunday Selfies
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 2:02 pmThank you Marjorie!!!
Robin says
August 29, 2016 at 1:01 amI haven’t had an x-ray done on my kitties. My cats’ veterinarian prefers to do ultrasounds rather than x-rays. However, my dad will be getting an x-ray on his kitty Stormy in the next couple of weeks to determine what can be done for her leg. She was attacked by 2 dogs and almost died. Now she is expected to live but has little function in her left rear leg. These things can be very expensive. If you can manage pet insurance, it is a good idea.
Robin recently posted…Funny Cat Picture: Victory!
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 2:03 pmI am so sorry to hear that. Will be thinking of this poor kitty. Please keep us posted.
Annette @PetsAreFound says
August 29, 2016 at 3:13 pmWe have never needed Xrays thankfully. We’ve been very lucky, & I hope it stays that way!!!
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 2:04 pmKeeping our paws x’d for you!
Carol Bryant says
August 29, 2016 at 5:15 pmWe have had many x-rays. And my pup blew both ACLs with surgical repair so we are oh too aware of that condition. Vet pet insurance is very handy to have and we have for many many years.
Carol Bryant recently posted…$100 Amazon or PayPal Giveaway
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 2:05 pmIf you don’t use it, it still pays for peace of mind. I’m sorry Dexter has had bad luck with BOTH his ACLs 🙁
Cathy Armato says
August 29, 2016 at 8:03 pmThanks for sharing this information about X-ray costs. It’s probably much different here in NY where the cost of everything is ridiculous. It’s interesting to see that there are additional costs for a second view. I’ve been considering Pet Insurance lately. My cousin just told me that to clean her dog’s teeth the Vet’s estimate was $3,000 !! That is so outrageous I can’t even believe it, so these x-ray costs don’t seem like much at all to me.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 2:08 pmPrices definitely do vary. However, $3000 for a cleaning does seem extreme!
Lola The Rescued Cat says
August 29, 2016 at 8:18 pmI don’t have pet insurance for my girls, but it’s something I’ve been thinking about. The peace of mind would be worth it.
Lola The Rescued Cat recently posted…Pate, Shredded, Morsels… Wet Food Options for Your Cat
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 2:09 pmI believe it is. I felt a sense of relief after signing up.
Kia says
August 29, 2016 at 9:20 pmThankfully Simba has not had to have X-rays yet. I have a wellness plan for him…not sure that X-rays are covered in that…I need to look into it.
Kia recently posted…Find Dog Deals with Groupon!
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 2:10 pmit’s always worth comparing and reviewing coverage. You don’t want to find out at the time.
Lindsay Pevny says
August 30, 2016 at 9:55 pmPhew, sounds like those diagnostic costs add up quickly, not even counting towards the cost of treatment. Definitely makes sense to get pet insurance, something I want to do in the near future. I’ll be sure to check out Trupanion!
Lindsay Pevny recently posted…Join My Google Plus Community!
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 2:20 pmI highly recommend doing so. You never know what can happen – and when. It is worth peace of mind.
Jenna Hughson says
August 30, 2016 at 11:05 pmI actually have never yet had to have xrays on my pets!
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 2:11 pmNeither have we. Although, we’ve paid for several other tests and treatments.
Christy Paws says
August 31, 2016 at 4:18 pmWhen I was rescued, I had a broken leg and tail. I had lots of x-rays then. Fortunately, I haven’t needed any since mom adopted me.
Christy Paws recently posted…If They Won’t Give You Bacon, Get Your Own
Sadie says
September 1, 2016 at 2:15 pmThankfully, you found a safe and loving home <3