My Vets Irrawang & Thornton

Diagnostic imaging allows us to look beneath the surface and understand what’s happening inside your pet’s body. At My Vets Irrawang & Thornton, we provide advanced pet X-rays and ultrasound in Raymond Terrace and Thornton, helping us diagnose illness, assess injuries, and guide treatment with accuracy and confidence.

Imaging is safe, non-invasive, and often essential for getting clear answers about your pet’s health.

🩺 Why Diagnostic Imaging Matters

Because pets can’t tell us where it hurts, diagnostic imaging plays a crucial role in identifying underlying problems that may not be visible during a physical examination.

❤️ What Conditions Can Imaging Detect?

Our X-ray and ultrasound services help diagnose a wide range of conditions, including:

• Fractures, joint issues, and bone abnormalities
• Heart and lung disease
• Abdominal problems (blockages, organ enlargement, fluid buildup)
• Tumours and abnormal masses
• Pregnancy and reproductive concerns
• Bladder stones and kidney disease

Early diagnosis allows us to begin appropriate treatment sooner, improving outcomes for your pet.

🐾 When Might My Pet Need X-rays or Ultrasound?

We may recommend diagnostic imaging if your pet is showing signs such as:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Coughing or difficulty breathing
• Lameness or signs of pain
• Abdominal discomfort or swelling
• Sudden behavioural changes
• Trauma (e.g. falls, accidents, injuries)

Imaging is also commonly used for:

• Monitoring chronic conditions
• Pre-surgical planning
• Ongoing health assessments

If you’re unsure whether your pet needs imaging, our team is always happy to assess them and guide you.

🏥 Preparing for Your Pet’s Imaging Appointment

Most X-rays and ultrasounds are performed as day-stay procedures at our clinic.

Before imaging, we will:

• Perform a thorough physical examination
• Conduct in-house blood testing (if required)
• Advise if fasting is needed (especially for abdominal ultrasound)
• Offer fear-free calming medication for anxious pets

Some pets may require light sedation or general anaesthesia to ensure they remain still and comfortable for accurate imaging.

🩻 What Happens During Imaging?

Your pet will be cared for by our experienced veterinary team throughout the entire process.

🩻 X-rays (Radiography)

• Your pet is gently positioned on a padded table
• Sedation may be used for comfort and accuracy
• Multiple images are taken from different angles

X-rays are particularly useful for assessing bones, lungs, and abdominal structures.

🖥️ Ultrasound

• A small area of fur may be clipped
• A handheld probe is used to create real-time images
• We can assess organ structure, movement, and blood flow

Ultrasound is especially helpful for examining soft tissues and internal organs.

🩺 Results & Specialist Collaboration

Once imaging is complete:

• Our veterinarians review the images
• We discuss findings with you on the same day

For more complex cases, we may consult with specialist veterinary radiologists to ensure the most accurate diagnosis. These collaborative reports are usually returned within a few days.

🐾 After the Procedure

Most pets go home the same day once they are fully awake and comfortable.

If sedation or anaesthesia was used, your pet may be slightly sleepy for the remainder of the day.

🏡 What We Provide

After your visit, you will receive:

• A clear explanation of imaging findings
• Recommendations for treatment or further testing
• Any relevant blood test results
• Home care and monitoring instructions

Our team is always available if you have any questions or concerns.

📍 Local Diagnostic Imaging You Can Trust

We proudly provide pet X-rays and ultrasound in Raymond Terrace, Thornton, and surrounding areas, including:

• Medowie
• Salt Ash
• Fern Bay
• Seaham
• Port Stephens region
• East Maitland
• Beresfield
• Woodberry
• Ashtonfield

Our goal is to deliver accurate diagnostics with compassionate care at every step.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is diagnostic imaging safe for my pet?

Yes — X-rays and ultrasound are safe, non-invasive procedures. We take every precaution to ensure your pet’s safety.

Will my pet need to be sedated?

Not always. Sedation is only used if needed to keep your pet comfortable and still for accurate imaging.

How long does imaging take?

Most procedures are completed within a few hours as part of a day-stay appointment.

When will I get the results?

In most cases, results are discussed with you on the same day. Specialist reports may take a few additional days.

Do I need a referral for pet imaging?

No — you can contact us directly to book an assessment, and we will determine if imaging is needed.

🐾 Book a Diagnostic Imaging Appointment

If your pet is unwell or you have concerns, early diagnosis is key.

📞 Call My Vets Irrawang & Thornton today
💻 Or book online to arrange an assessment