Sedating For X-Rays

[Guest quietstorm]

I got the call today from the vet re: Ranger's x-ray interpretations from the radiologist (see thread re: compressed discs).

 

So the vet's interpretation was that there was a compressed disc and possible calcification of 2 discs further down. Radiologist's interpretation is that there are no abnormalities with the intervertebral disc spaces, however - she qualifies her statements saying that because I didn't have him sedated for the x-rays, she doesn't know how straight he was for them and so she can't be 100% sure.

 

Do you have your greys sedated for x-rays?? Ranger was barely moving because of his neck and he's a docile dog anyhow. When I picked him up the girls were going on about how good he was for the x-rays. The sedation was almost $100 and I really thought it was unnecessary drugging. I'm not against drugs, but I also don't want to give him any that really aren't necessary.

 

Any thoughts?

[Guest spider9174]

sometimes it is very necessary. if they don't hold still, the xray will be fuzzy. for some xrays you have to position them in a certain way, but the techs can't exactly hold them in place without being "in" the xray. i had a pup that needed an xray of her leg (foster with a repaired break) they couldn't position the leg in the way they needed it to properly evaluate the repair.

 

it really depends on the situation.

[Guest KennelMom]

depends on the dog and the xrays they are getting and the positions the dog needs to be in - some can be painful if the dog is awake.

 

$100 sounds steep. Its usually a light sedation that can be reversed quickly...i forget the name of the drug thats usually used.

[Guest Energy11]

depends on the dog and the xrays they are getting and the positions the dog needs to be in - some can be painful if the dog is awake.

 

$100 sounds steep. Its usually a light sedation that can be reversed quickly...i forget the name of the drug thats usually used.

 

 

Yes, that DOES sound steep. Domitor is the induction drug, and Antesedan is the reversal drug for some sedations. Goldie does HORRIBLY with it, though. Most greyts do well with it, and they are up within five minutes of the reversal injection. For Goldie, it took AN HOUR! They also use a Valium and Ketamine combo.

 

As everyone has said, if the dog has to be manipulated a lot, and there is pain, sedation sometimes is the only way.

 

Sending hugs and good luck!

[Guest ss556]

When Alan had xrays - I gave him 10 mg. of valium about one hr. before the appointment. It relaxed him enough to get a full set of xrays.

[Batmom]

Have never had sedation for x-rays, and we have had to get some doozies over the years. Don't see it being necessary for a calm dog. Here, it's never been necessary for the NON-calm dogs either.

[Guest quietstorm]

 

 

$100 sounds steep.

 

Everything about this place is steep - I got 2 pictures and a radiologist's interpretation for $440. Needless to say they are my backup vet because they are local - I didn't want to drive Ranger the 1 hour for x-rays as he isn't very good in the car on the best of days.

[RobinM]

depends on the dog and it depends on the type of x-rays. If they need to twist them into pretzels, sedatiion is necessary.

 

Mine usually have to be sedated.

[Guest greytpets]

We never would do a completely conscious orthopedic radiograph, sedation is definately necessary but more often than not we would use general anaesthetic. The slightest movement will greatly affect the final result, not to mention it can be painful when theres an ortho injury especially a disc compression and positioning for the radiograph can make them more uncomfortable resulting in the patient moving before or during the image being taken.

 

We'd usually estimate $500-$600 for radiographs with general anaesthesia, about $150 less for rads and sedation.

[Batmom]

I'm amazed that so many sedate. 30+ years using veterinary services, including OFA-quality hip shots, spines, the works. Have never had to sedate.