Trusted by Jacksonville pet families since 1988. On-site digital imaging with specialist interpretation. No outside imaging center referral needed for most cases.
Imaging That Doesn't Send You Across Town
The moment a vet says your pet needs X-rays or an ultrasound, most owners brace for a second appointment at a specialty imaging center across town. That's how a lot of practices handle it. They don't have the equipment on-site, so they refer out.
SJB does it differently. Digital X-ray, dental X-ray, and ultrasound are all handled inside our building on St. Johns Bluff Road. Your pet gets imaged during the same visit as the exam, results get interpreted, and treatment decisions happen without an added trip.
For the reads themselves, we combine AI-assisted radiology review with board-certified radiologist interpretation. The AI review flags common findings quickly, and the board-certified radiologist reviews the final images to catch what an in-house team might miss. That combination gives you the speed of on-site imaging with the accuracy of specialist interpretation.
When Pet Imaging Matters Most
Imaging isn't for every visit, but when it's needed, it's often needed urgently. Situations where on-site imaging changes the outcome:
Suspected orthopedic issues. A limping dog, a cat that landed wrong, a senior pet showing early arthritis. Digital X-rays confirm what's going on with bones and joints in minutes, not days.
Suspected foreign body ingestion. Sock, string, corn cob, small toy. Dogs and cats swallow things they shouldn't. X-rays and ultrasound help identify what's in there and where, guiding whether it can pass, be induced, or needs surgery.
Chest and heart concerns. Coughing, exercise intolerance, or heart murmur workups often start with chest X-rays. Cardiac ultrasound gives a more detailed view of heart structure and function.
Abdominal pain or masses. A tender belly, a palpable lump, unexplained vomiting. Ultrasound provides real-time images of organs that X-rays can't see clearly.
Pre-surgical planning. For surgical cases, pre-op imaging confirms the diagnosis and helps plan the procedure. Handled during the same visit as the surgical consult.
Dental evaluations. A dog with bad breath or a cat that stopped eating may have dental disease invisible on visual exam. Dental X-rays show what's happening below the gum line where most disease actually lives.
Pregnancy and reproductive care. Ultrasound confirms pregnancy and counts fetuses. Pre-breeding evaluations often include imaging.
Trauma assessment. Hit by car, fall from height, dog fight injury. FAST scans and full-body X-rays give the vet a rapid picture of internal damage that guides the treatment plan.
Imaging We Handle On-Site
Digital X-Rays (Radiographs):
Dental X-Rays:
Ultrasound Diagnostics:
Interpretation:
How an Imaging Appointment Runs at SJB
A typical medical appointment at SJB follows a consistent flow:
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1. Exam and imaging decision
The vet examines your pet and identifies which type of imaging fits (radiographs, dental X-rays, ultrasound, or a combination).
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2. Positioning and capture
Your pet is gently positioned on the imaging table. Digital capture takes seconds per image. Most pets tolerate the process well; sedation is available for anxious or fractious pets when needed.
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3. AI-assisted preliminary review
Digital images run through AI-assisted radiology review for immediate preliminary findings.
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4. Board-certified radiologist read
Final interpretation comes from a board-certified veterinary radiologist. Stat and priority reads are available for time-sensitive cases.
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5. Discussion of findings
The vet reviews the images and the radiologist's report with you, explaining what the imaging shows in plain language.
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7. Digital records
Images and reports are saved in your pet's chart and available through the DaySmart Vet portal.
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7. Treatment or next steps
Based on findings, treatment begins, follow-up is scheduled, or additional workup is ordered.
Why SJB's Imaging Is Different
- On-site digital equipment. Full-body and dental X-ray plus ultrasound handled in our building. No referral to an outside imaging center for routine cases.
- AI-assisted radiology + board-certified radiologist reads. Speed plus specialist accuracy.
- Same-visit imaging. Imaging happens during the exam, not at a separate appointment. Findings inform the treatment plan before you leave.
- Ultrasound-guided procedures. Cystocentesis, fine needle aspirates, and other guided procedures use ultrasound for precision and safety.
- Dental X-rays as part of routine dental care. Full-mouth dental imaging is standard for our dental procedures, not an upsell.
- Digital records. Images are stored digitally and shareable with specialists or new vets if needed.
How Imaging Fits with Complete Care Wellness Plans
Imaging is typically not bundled into Complete Care Wellness Plans because it's condition-specific rather than a routine annual service. But plan members still see benefits when imaging comes into the picture:
- Member discounts on any procedure or follow-up care that comes out of an imaging appointment
- 10% off boarding through the Healthy Stay Advantage program if your pet needs to stay for hospitalization after an imaging finding
- Priority scheduling for same-day sick appointments where imaging may be needed
For pets that need frequent imaging (chronic conditions, senior monitoring, orthopedic follow-up), talk to us about how the plan integrates with your specific situation.
Related Services
Wellness exams, same-day sick visits, chronic disease management, and the doctor time your pet actually needs to get diagnosed properly.
In-house bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal, cytology, and rapid diagnostics with same-day results.
Mass removals, wound repair, C-sections, enucleation, hematoma repair, and general soft-tissue procedures.
Professional cleanings, dental X-rays with full-mouth imaging, tooth extractions, periodontal disease treatment, and dental pain management.
Common Questions About Preventative Pet Care
Answers to the questions Jacksonville pet owners ask most about preventative care.
Book Pet Imaging in Jacksonville Today
If your vet has recommended X-rays or ultrasound for your pet, book here at SJB and get imaging plus expert interpretation without a separate trip to an outside center.