I am sorry I am getting here late. But I missed this topic, don't have much time to check the other topics.
I am an xray tech at a people hospital and I can only imagine that for some dogs and for some positioning that they do need to be anesthized. I am only speaking from experience when I took Kylie to work to xray her leg. I wish I could have given her something to knock her out. I would have gotten a much better image. When Jodi and I took Bailey (her new kitty) to xray her leg it was the front, and she was in such pain and was just a baby at the time that holding her was a breeze.
Keep in mind, I don't work at an animal hospital(would love to tho) so I am not familiar with the goings on, just giving my professional opinion. Now in some instances like CAT scans or MRIs the animal obviousley has to be knocked out. There is no other way.
Come to think of it, it would easier to xray some of my patients knocked out!
Especially the little wiggle worms!!I love kids, I love my nephews so much, but I don't like to xray kids!! Its so traumatic for them. But its for their best interest. Good luck!! Keep us posted.