VEC has a 64-slice CT scanner, this means that for every revolution of the X-ray tube head, up to 64 slices of imaging information are obtained. Each slice can be varied in thickness and can be as little as half a millimeter in width. Using a 64-slice scanner with a fast rotation speed, a large amount of information can be obtained in a very short space of time. A scan of a large dog’s chest for example, can be performed in as little as eight seconds. It also means that very detailed information about certain parts of the body can be obtained in a way that is unparalleled by any other imaging modality. The speed of CT means that many patients have their scans performed under sedation, rather than requiring a general anesthetic.
CT scans are computer-enhanced pets' x-ray procedures most often used to evaluate the body's complex parts, such as the head, chest, joints, and internal organs.
CT scans show different levels of tissue density and produce more detailed images than x-rays. Unlike MRI's, CT scans for cats do not use magnetic field waves, so they cannot compare changes in fluid levels due to inflammation or bleeding. Therefore, CT scans for cats are used when an MRI is considered unnecessary, but a traditional x-ray is inconclusive or insufficient.
CT scans for Pets usually proceed as follows:
- Pets must be sedated for this procedure because they cannot be restrained by humans and must remain still during the procedure.
- The Pets is placed on a motorized bed inside of a CT scanner, a machine that takes a series of x-rays from various angles*
- When one series, or scan, is completed, the bed moves forward, and another scan is taken.
- A computer uses these scans to create cross-sectional images of the body part under investigation and then display the images on a monitor (An x-ray dye may be injected intravenously to make it easier to see abnormalities)
- By sequentially scanning an entire body area, an organ or other structure can be imaged without invasively penetrating the body or disrupting neighboring structures.
Our veterinarians most often use CT scans for cats to detect structural changes deep within a cat's body, including:
- Tumors
- Deep abscesses or foreign body presence
- Fractures