My cat had three X-rays today. Is that safe for her health?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! X-rays are performed using relatively low doses of radiation. Though frequent exposure can be harmful to embryos/fetuses, one or two x-rays throughout the pregnancy of a dog should not harm the puppies.

She doesn't need to be under anesthesia for xray, just a sedation that can be reversed in seconds, an xray is a MUST at this point, lung cancer needs to be ruled out as well as asthma, heart failure and other respiratory diseases, this cannot be done without an xray.

I do not see any bony abnormalities within the vertebrae of the lumbar region. The area of the pelvis is not properly aligned and the technique of the radiograph is a little burnt out, so I am not able to see the proper structures of the sacrum. Some types of spinal cord injuries are possible and can have completely normal x-rays. A proper neurologic exam will determine that. Some spinal cord injuries can heal with time and proper veterinary care.

It sounds like poor Nin Nin has been through a lot lately.! From your description, it appears to me that she is definitely in pain, which would cause her to be lethargic, cry when she is picked up, and trembling why laying down. I'm glad her x-rays were fine, but I can she how that would be frustrating for you to not have a definitive. Please know that without seeing her in person, I can't say this for certain, but I wouldn't be surprised if she did have a pulled muscle or maybe have torn one. That won't show up on x-rays, and would explain her symptoms. These can be very painful, and it can take weeks for it to heal. I would keep in touch with your vet about her level of pain, and if she doesn't appear to get any better over the next week or two, gets more painful, stops eating and drinking, and/or stops using her littler box, I would get her back into her vet asap. Best of luck, I hope she feels better soon!

If symptoms have changes, Leo should be re-evaluated again by your veterinarian prior to any procedure. A repeat abdominal xray may be indicated after a physical exam. You vet may also administer some contrast media, usually barium, to confirm and locate any intestinal blockage.

Interesting question. I would follow your doctors recommendations about exposure to people and stick to those guidelines. I think that there would not be enough radioactive exposure to harm the cats. Their lifespan is so much shorter than people’s the effects of radiation would not develop for many years when they would be already gone. Again please be cautious and follow your doctors recommendations. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your cats.

Hello. I am wondering if your cat has been given any medications or received any type of anti inflammatory injection on the day if the sedation and X-ray? If so, was it a “steroid” type of drug. These types of drugs commonly cause a period of increased thirst, increased urination. Other than medication-related, there wound not be any direct correlation. Thank you