Sedation is not always necessary for a digital full body X-ray for pets, but it may be necessary depending on the specific circumstances and your pet’s temperament. Factors influencing this decision include:
If your pet is particularly anxious, restless, or uncooperative, sedation might be used to help them remain still enough to capture clear and useful images. Movement can blur X-rays, making them less effective for diagnostic purposes.
For certain types of X-rays, especially those requiring precise positioning (such as of the spine or joints), sedation may be needed to achieve the necessary positioning without causing stress or pain to the pet.
If the X-ray is being conducted to assess an area where the pet is experiencing pain, sedation may be recommended to ensure the comfort of the animal during the procedure.
Veterinarians strive to use the least amount of sedation necessary to safely complete the procedure while ensuring the pet’s comfort.