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We see what your pets can't tell you.

If your veterinarian has mentioned diagnostic imaging or a radiology referral, you probably have questions. This page explains what specialist veterinary imaging involves, how it can help your pet and what to expect.

Just like people, pets need good scans to get the right treatment.

What is a veterinary radiologist?

A veterinary radiologist is a qualified veterinarian who has completed at least three to four additional years of advanced specialist training specifically in all diagnostic imaging modalities such as X-rays, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, CT, MRI and nuclear medicine.

After completing their veterinary degree, a specialist radiologist undertakes a supervised residency programme, publishes research and passes rigorous board certification examinations. This level of training means a veterinary radiologist brings a depth of expertise to interpreting your pet’s images that goes well beyond what is available in most general practices. They are specialists in both acquiring and reading images, which can be the difference between identifying a condition early or missing it altogether.

When to get a referral

In most cases, your regular veterinarian will recommend a radiology referral when they feel a specialist opinion would benefit your pet’s diagnosis or treatment plan. Common situations include:

  • When current diagnostic tests do not fully explain your pet's clinical signs and further screening is needed.
  • When laboratory results suggest an abnormality in an organ or body system that requires imaging to investigate further.
  • When your pet has a complex or unclear condition that would benefit from advanced imaging such as CT or MRI.
  • When your pet would benefit from a specialist performing an ultrasound, taking a biopsy or performing another interventional procedure.
  • When your veterinarian would like a specialist to review X-rays, ultrasound or other images they have already taken.
  • When your specialist team requires additional imaging support that is not available at their practice and that may benefit your pet.
  • When you or your veterinarian would like a second opinion on an existing imaging study.
If you think specialist imaging could help your pet, the best first step is to speak with your veterinarian. They can assess whether a referral is appropriate and arrange it on your behalf. You can also contact us or one of our partner hospitals to request a second opinion on existing imaging.
Request a Second Opinion

Specialists in all imaging modalities

Diagnostic imaging provides multiple non-invasive ways to explore your pet’s anatomy. Different imaging modalities are suited to different clinical questions.

In all cases, having a board-certified veterinary radiologist guide the modality choice and interpret the images means your pet benefits from the highest level of diagnostic expertise available.

Often the first step, providing a clear picture of bones, the chest and the abdomen. Useful for identifying fractures, heart and lung conditions, foreign objects and many other conditions.
Uses sound waves to create detailed images of soft tissues and organs. Particularly helpful for assessing the abdomen, heart, neck, musculoskeletal and reproductive systems. Can also guide needle biopsies and fluid sampling.
Combines three-dimensional X-ray images to create detailed cross-sectional views of your pet. Used for complex medical conditions, surgical planning, cancer staging and evaluating complex conditions of the head, spine and chest.
Uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce highly detailed images of soft tissues. Especially valuable for neurological conditions including the brain and spine, joint problems and certain tumours.
Real time x-rays to show dynamic problems typically associated with airways and swallowing disorders. This is also used to guide interventional procedures in real time.
Used to identify molecular function and dysfunction. It is a very sensitive modality for the detection of endocrine disorders, small cancers, early metastases and infections.

Getting a second opinion

If your pet has already had imaging performed and you would like an independent specialist review, Radiology for Pets offers a second opinion service for pet owners.

Our radiologists will review the existing images and provide a detailed written report, which is sent to your regular veterinarian so they can discuss the findings with you and plan the next steps in your pet’s care.

Requesting a second opinion is straightforward.

Request a Second Opinion

Supporting you and your veterinarian

We get it. Seeing a specialist can feel like a big step, but we are here to help. Here is what sets Radiology for Pets apart:

  • Our radiologists are board-certified specialists with years of advanced training in veterinary diagnostic imaging.
  • We work closely with your regular veterinarian, providing clear and practical reporting that helps guide your pet’s treatment.
  • We cover all imaging types, from X-rays and ultrasound through to fluoroscopy, CT, MRI and nuclear medicine.
  • Our approach is personal and collaborative. We care about your pet. We treat every patient as an individual and are always available to discuss a case.
  • Getting expert imaging interpretation early can save time, reduce unnecessary procedures and ultimately save money in the long run.

Understanding the cost of specialist imaging

We understand that cost is an important consideration. The cost of specialist veterinary imaging varies depending on the type of imaging required, the complexity of the case and whether the study is performed on-site or reviewed remotely (by a teleradiology service).

In most cases, your veterinarian will be billed directly and the cost forms part of your overall veterinary account. For second opinion requests made directly by pet owners, we offer clear pricing provided upfront, based on the imaging modality and the number of regions reviewed.

While specialist imaging does involve an additional investment, it often pays for itself by providing a faster, more accurate diagnosis. This can reduce the need for repeated tests, unnecessary treatments and prolonged uncertainty about your pet’s condition.

If you have questions about costs, please speak with your veterinarian or contact our team directly.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a veterinary radiologist, my regular vet and a non-radiologist specialist?

Your regular veterinarian is trained to provide a broad range of medical care. A veterinary radiologist is a vet who has completed years of additional specialist training specifically in diagnostic imaging. Even compared to other veterinary specialists, a radiologist brings a focused depth of expertise in acquiring and interpreting X-rays, ultrasound, CT, MRI and other imaging studies.
Not necessarily. In many cases, your veterinarian will take the images at their clinic and send them to us electronically for specialist interpretation. This is called teleradiology. For certain studies, there may be a requirement for your vet to refer your pet to one of our partner hospitals in Sydney, where our radiologists perform the imaging on-site.
For urgent cases, our radiologists can provide a verbal STAT report as required, usually within an hour depending on the complexity of the study. Standard written reports are typically delivered within two to four business days. Your veterinarian will receive the report and discuss the findings with you.
Yes. While most referrals come through veterinarians, pet owners can request a second opinion directly through our website. We will review the images and send a detailed report to your regular veterinarian.
Diagnostic imaging is generally very safe. X-rays and CT involve small doses of radiation, similar to human medical imaging. Ultrasound and MRI do not use radiation at all. Your veterinarian will discuss any specific considerations with you before proceeding.
Some imaging studies require sedation or anaesthesia to ensure your pet remains still and comfortable during the procedure and maintain a diagnostic quality study . In some cases, our radiologists can also perform interventional procedures such as ultrasound-guided biopsies during the same appointment. Your veterinarian will discuss what is required before the study.
Costs vary depending on the type of imaging and the complexity of the case. Your veterinarian can provide specific pricing. For second opinions requested directly by pet owners, we offer clear pricing based on the modality and regions reviewed, communicated upfront before we proceed. Getting specialist input early often reduces overall costs by avoiding unnecessary repeat testing.

Talk to your vet about a radiology referral

If you think your pet could benefit from specialist imaging, speak with your veterinarian. They can arrange a referral to Radiology for Pets, or you can contact us directly for a second opinion.

Request a Second Opinion
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Dr Juan Podadera

Med. Vet. FANZCVS (Radiology)

Juan is a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Radiology Chapter) and one of the specialist radiologists behind Radiology for Pets. He graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from La Plata University, Argentina in 1999, and has spent the decades since building expertise across the full breadth of veterinary diagnostic imaging.

His clinical interests include small animal and equine musculoskeletal imaging, MRI, and nuclear medicine, all areas where precision in both acquisition and interpretation can make all the difference to a patient’s outcome. Juan is equally committed to integrating novel imaging techniques into practice, so the diagnostic options available through RFP stay current with the field.

Beyond clinical work, Juan holds a teaching appointment at the University of Sydney, where he supervises pre- and postgraduate students in veterinary diagnostic imaging, and remains actively involved in clinical and academic research. It is a career built on curiosity and a love of what diagnostic imaging can reveal.

Dr Joanna Pilton

BE(Hons) BVSc(Hons) PGCVetClinStud MVetStud/MVetClinStud(Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging) MANZCVS(SAMed, Radiology) DipECVDI

Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging | Co-founder, Radiology for Pets

Jo co-founded Radiology for Pets with a vision to create a specialist radiology group built on genuine collaboration with the veterinary community. She is passionate about the power of diagnostic imaging to uncover answers and to support veterinarians in delivering the very best care for their patients.

Jo is a registered specialist in veterinary diagnostic imaging, having graduated from the University of Sydney in 2007. She gained extensive experience in both general and emergency practice across Australia and the United Kingdom before completing a small animal rotating internship at the University of Sydney in 2011.

In 2019, Jo completed her residency training and Masters of Veterinary Clinical Studies at the University of Sydney Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and in the same year became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging. During her specialist training she also spent time at leading referral institutions in Australia and internationally, including the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh.

Jo has published internationally and is a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in both Small Animal Medicine and Radiology. Prior to pursuing veterinary medicine, she completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics) with Honours, reflecting her longstanding interest in the intersection of technology and medicine.

Through Radiology for Pets, Jo is committed to providing high-quality diagnostic imaging and specialist interpretation while working closely with referring veterinarians and pet owners to support informed clinical decision-making and optimal patient outcomes.