Non-invasive imaging designed for your pet’s comfort and health.
When something’s not quite right with your pet, it’s our job to find out why.
At Nova Vets, we have a range of state-of-the-art on-site vet diagnostic imaging facilities, letting us take a deeper look inside your pet’s body, making diagnosis faster and letting us tailor the right treatment to your pet.
From digital X-rays to ultrasound scans, our imaging services are non-invasive, quick and designed with your pet’s comfort in mind.
Veterinary diagnostic imaging refers to a range of non-invasive techniques that allow us to visualise your pet’s internal organs, bones, and tissues.
These tools help us detect issues that aren’t visible from the outside – like fractures, internal bleeding, soft tissue damage, or problems with the heart and lungs – without the need for surgery.
At Nova Vets, we offer a full suite of imaging options to help get to the root of your pet’s problem quickly and accurately.
Digital X-rays allow us to view your pet’s bones and joints in high detail — ideal for spotting fractures, arthritis, or foreign objects. They’re also helpful in assessing internal organs like the lungs, liver and bladder.
Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce real-time images of your pet’s internal organs. It’s a great tool for investigating soft tissue, monitoring pregnancies, or assessing conditions affecting the liver, kidneys, or bladder.
For pets with suspected heart conditions, echocardiography provides a moving image of the heart in action. This helps us assess heart function, valve performance, and evaluate and monitor heart disease.
Diagnostic imaging may be recommended if:
Your vet will advise on the most appropriate imaging method based on your pet’s condition.
When you arrive, we’ll get your pet settled and comfortable. Depending on the procedure, your pet may need to lie still or be gently restrained. Some pets may require light sedation or general anaesthetic to reduce stress or movement (particularly for X-rays), but many imaging appointments are quick and stress-free.
Our team will talk you through each step, and we’ll always prioritise your pet’s wellbeing throughout the process.
This FAQ section answers common questions about the diagnostic imaging services we offer at Nova Vets. Whether you’re wondering if imaging is safe or whether your pet will need sedation, you’ll find clear, helpful information below to guide you through the process and give you peace of mind.
It depends on the procedure and your pet’s temperament. Many ultrasounds can be done without sedation, but X-rays often require pets to lie completely still — so sedation or general anaesthetic may be used for comfort and safety.
Yes, absolutely. These techniques are widely used, non-invasive, and carried out by trained professionals. We use the lowest effective doses of radiation where needed and follow strict safety protocols at all times.
Most patients who require diagnostic imaging will be admitted for the day, or part of it. This is to ensure they are settled and comfortable before we begin, and to give us time to monitor them once the procedure is complete. This is particularly important if they have had a sedation or general anaesthetic. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
In many cases, we can provide initial findings on the same day. If results need to be reviewed by a specialist (e.g. a cardiologist or radiologist), we’ll let you know when to expect a full report.
In general, we admit our patients for the day with most of our imaging tests are performed away from their owners. That’s because for certain procedures such as X-rays, safety regulations mean we are not allowed to perform these tests with owners present. You can rest assured that we will always do everything we can to keep your pet comfortable and at-ease throughout their stay as well as keeping you updated throughout.
Diagnostic imaging is a crucial step in understanding your pet’s health and creating the best treatment plan. At Nova Vets, we combine state-of-the-art technology with gentle, compassionate care to ensure your pet is safe and supported throughout the process.
© 2026 Nova Veterinary Centre.
