Imaging & X-Ray

Veterinary Imaging and X-Ray in Dubai

When something is wrong with your pet and you cannot see it from the outside, imaging is how we look inside. At Aura, our in-house digital radiography and ultrasound capabilities mean that in most cases, we can complete diagnostic imaging the same day, without referring you elsewhere.

Book an appointment What's involved

Digital X-ray results available within the same appointment

Ultrasound performed in-house with no referral needed

Same-day imaging available for urgent cases

When to come in

Book an appointment if any of the following apply to your pet.

Suspected fracture, joint disease, or bone abnormality
Respiratory symptoms including coughing or laboured breathing
Abdominal pain, distension, or unexplained vomiting
Urinary symptoms or blood in the urine
Assessment of a mass before surgical planning
Pre-surgical imaging as part of a surgical plan

What it covers

Imaging services at Aura

We offer digital radiography (X-ray) for skeletal assessment, chest evaluation, and abdominal screening. Our ultrasound service covers abdominal organs including the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and gastrointestinal tract, as well as pregnancy scanning and guided sampling procedures. All imaging is reviewed by your attending vet with specialist input available for complex cases.

When imaging may be needed

• Suspected fracture, joint disease, or bone abnormality

• Respiratory symptoms including coughing, laboured breathing, or exercise intolerance

• Abdominal pain, distension, or unexplained vomiting

• Urinary symptoms including straining, blood in urine, or frequent urination

• Assessment of a mass or lump before surgical planning

• Cardiac evaluation in combination with an ECG

• Pre-surgical imaging as part of surgical planning

• Pregnancy confirmation and monitoring

What to expect

Before your appointment

For abdominal ultrasound, fasting for 4 to 6 hours before the appointment improves image quality by reducing gas in the digestive tract. Your vet will let you know if fasting is required. For X-rays and chest imaging, no fasting is needed. We will explain in advance exactly what preparation is needed for your specific appointment. During imaging Most X-rays are completed in under 10 minutes. We use calm, low-stress handling techniques and appropriate positioning aids throughout. Where sedation would make the procedure less stressful and produce better diagnostic images, we recommend it without hesitation. Fear Free principles support appropriate sedation as a kinder, more accurate option in many cases, rather than placing unnecessary physical demands on a patient that is already uncomfortable or frightened. Ultrasound is non-invasive and painless, performed with the patient lying comfortably on a padded surface. We ask you to wait in a calm area while imaging is carried out. After imaging Your vet will review the images with you and explain the findings in plain language. In most cases, results are available immediately or within the same appointment. If further specialist interpretation is needed, we aim to provide that within 24 hours. Next steps, whether medical treatment, further diagnostics, or surgical referral, are explained clearly with your input.

Our approach

We believe that a diagnosis should be explained, not just delivered. When we show you an image, we show you what we are looking at and why it matters. Pet owners who understand what has been found are better equipped to make good decisions about treatment. We do not rush this part of the process.

Frequently asked questions

Is X-ray safe for pets?

Yes. Digital X-ray equipment emits very low levels of radiation, and for most animals the exposure involved in a diagnostic study is minimal. We use the minimum number of views needed to answer the clinical question and take appropriate radiation safety precautions for our team.

Does my pet need to be sedated for an X-ray?

Some pets benefit from sedation for radiography and we recommend it when it will reduce stress and improve diagnostic quality. Sedation is not something to avoid for the sake of it. A relaxed, correctly positioned patient produces far better images than one that is stressed or in pain, and the procedure is a significantly better experience for them. Your vet will advise you based on your pet's temperament and clinical condition.

What is the difference between X-ray and ultrasound for pets?

X-ray is best for evaluating bone, the chest cavity, and identifying foreign objects or calcified masses. Ultrasound is better for assessing soft tissue organs including the liver, kidneys, spleen, and bladder, as well as fluid accumulations and blood flow. Often both are used together for a complete picture. Your vet will recommend the most appropriate modality for the clinical question at hand.

How quickly will I get the results?

Digital X-ray results are available within the same appointment. Ultrasound findings are also reviewed in real time during the scan. In cases requiring specialist radiologist review, we typically receive a written report within 24 to 48 hours and will contact you as soon as it is available.

Can you see soft tissue on a pet X-ray?

X-ray provides limited detail of soft tissue structures compared to ultrasound or more advanced imaging. It can show the silhouette of organs, identify gas patterns in the abdomen, and detect calcifications, but for detailed evaluation of the kidneys, liver, bladder, or gastrointestinal wall, ultrasound is the preferred modality.