CAT Scan for most precise and rapid diagnostics

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Our new CAT Scan employs the latest and most precise, rapid, and comprehensive diagnostic imaging available for your pet today.

Located on-site in our hospital and available to use for same-day appointments in most cases, we are pleased to offer the best technological diagnostic options available to ensure top quality veterinary care.

What exactly is CT?

Computed Tomography, also referred to computerized tomography and computerized axial tomography (CAT) is an advanced imaging technique used for diagnostic purposes.

An x-ray tube rotates 360 degrees around the patient while emitting a series of x-rays to form an image using computer analysis of the data collected by multiple detectors. From this data, the computer creates an image of a specific thin slice of tissue (1-10 millimeters). Then this process is repeated and the computer reconstructs the images, like putting slices of bread together in a loaf.

Why are CT Scans Important?

CT allows veterinarians to see images of your pet’s internal organs and structures in great detail from many different angles. This gives them information more quickly, and in many cases, more economically than past tests, conventional x-rays, and exploratory surgeries.

Is CT Like an X-ray?

Yes. CT uses x-rays in conjunction with computer technology to generate images of your pet’s internal organs and structures.

What is involved in a CT Study?

Because CT requires many x-ray beams to penetrate the body at various angles to create an individual image slice, it is crucial that the patient not move during the procedure.

Sedation, or sometimes anesthesia, is therefore necessary. If anesthesia is required, your pet must be fasted overnight prior to the CT scan (no food or water after 10:00 pm). A catheter will be placed in your pet’s leg to be used in the administration of anesthetic drugs, fluid therapy, and occasionally for contrast agents needed for the study. You will be contacted by our staff veterinarian supervising the case once the CT scan is completed, and your pet has recovered from anesthesia.

 

Test Interpretation

The information provided by CT allows for informed decisions to be made about a pet’s treatment by its owner and regular veterinarian. All CT images will be read by our board certified radiologist. The results will be forwarded to your regular veterinarian.

 

Some Common CT Applications

Brain Imaging

Diagnosis of seizure disorders, brain tumors and head trauma

 

Inner Ear

Otitis media/internal

 

Nasal Cavity

Persistant sneezing, nasal discharge, nasal masses

 

Spinal Cord

Intervertebral disk disease, neoplasia, trauma, diskospondylitis

 

Extremities

Lameness, fragmented coronoid processes, joint abnormalities, lytic lesions

 

Thorax

Lung masses, pneumothorax, subtle lymphadenopathy

 

Abdomen

Neoplasia/pathologies of adrenals, pancreas, spleen, liver and kidneys

 

Special Contrast Procedures

Includes ectopic ureters and portosystemic shunts

 

Biopsy Procedures

CT can be used to provide guidance to lesions requiring biopsy. This is particularly useful for lesions that cannot be reliably imaged by ultrasound.

 

Clinical Indications

 Nasal Disease

  • Differentiate neoplasia from fungal rhinitis from inflammatory rhinitis
  • Help locate possible foreign bodies
  • Identify invasion of the calvarium
  • Aid in radiation planning

 

Periorbital Masses

  • Identify retrobulbar abscesses and tumors
  • Evaluate soft tissue swellings and trauma

 

Dental Disease

  • Oral tumors
  • Periodontal disease
  • Tooth fractures
  • Associated sinusitis/abscessation

 

Intracranial and CNS Disease

  • ID Hydrocephalus/Intracranial cysts
  • ID Brain tumors or abscesses
  • Acute hemorrhage
  • Pituitary disease (Macroadednomas)
  • Vascular events/Ischemia
  • Cerebellar/Brainstem lesions
  • Occipital malformation

 

Middle and Inner Ear

  • Otitis media/ Evaluate bullae
  • Auditory tumors/neuromas
  • Otitis Interna/Epidural abscesses

 

Cervical Soft Tissues

  • Thyroid Neoplasia and Hyperplasia
  • Pharyngeal Polyps
  • Lymph Node Involvement/Metastasis (i.e. Retropharyngeal)
  • Salivary neoplasia/psialocele formation
  • Carotid Body Tumors
  • Vascular Anomalies

 

Reproductive

  • Uterine tumors
  • Uterine stump abscesses/granulomas
  • Vaginal wall tumors
  • Ovarian neoplasia
  • Cystic ovaries
  • Prostatic neoplasia and prostatitis
  • Prostatic and Paraprostatic cysts
  • Perineal neoplasia
  • Medial Iliac Lymph node involvement

 

Musculoskeletal

  • Fragmented Medial Coronoid processes
  • Expansile and lytic bone lesions
  • Intramuscular masses/abscesses
  • Body wall/rib involvemement
  • Fracture evaluation
  • Osteochondrosis lesions
  • Immune mediated arthropathies

 

Interested in learning more? Give us a call at (512) 288-1040 or come by for a CAT Scan tour. Our CAT scan is on-site and available for same-day appointments in most cases. We look forward to seeing you!