Average cost
£200–£300
Typical range
£150–£400
Species
Dog & Cat
Category
Diagnostics
Anaesthesia
Not required
How much does x-ray cost?
X-Ray typically costs £200–£300 in the UK, though prices can range from £150 to £400 depending on your location, the practice, and your pet's individual circumstances.
Costs are UK averages based on publicly available data. Actual prices vary by practice, location, and animal size.
What affects the price?
| Factor | Impact on cost | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Number of views | Each additional X-ray view adds £40–£80 to the total | A single chest view (£150–£200) vs four views of a limb (£300–£400) |
| Sedation requirement | If your pet won't stay still, sedation adds £50–£150 | A calm Labrador lying flat vs an anxious Spaniel needing light sedation |
| Location | London and the South East are typically 20–40% more expensive | £250–£400 in London vs £150–£250 in the North |
| Out-of-hours timing | Emergency X-rays taken outside normal hours can cost 50–100% more | £200 during the day vs £350+ at 2 a.m. |
What's included in the price?
- Radiographic imaging (typically 2 views)
- Interpretation by the veterinary surgeon
- Written report of findings
- Positioning and restraint of your pet
- Digital image storage for future comparison
What to expect
An X-ray (radiograph) uses a small dose of radiation to create images of your pet's bones, chest, and abdomen. It is one of the most common diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine, helping vets identify fractures, joint problems, foreign bodies, and organ abnormalities. Most X-rays take only a few minutes and results are available almost immediately.
When is it needed? Your vet may recommend an X-ray if your pet is limping, has swallowed something unusual, is coughing or struggling to breathe, or has suffered a traumatic injury. X-rays are also used to monitor conditions such as arthritis and to check for tumours or bladder stones.
Recovery time: X-rays are non-invasive and your pet can go home straight away. If sedation was used, allow 2–4 hours for it to wear off fully.
