Our clinic's tools and offerings allow for efficient and in-depth diagnosis and treatment of many conditions affecting pets. Our Ankeny vets discuss CT scans for dogs and cats, what they are, and how our veterinary diagnostic laboratory and pet pharmacy help care for your pet.
What are CT scans for animals?
Diagnostic imaging significantly impacts the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in both humans and pets. With the advancements in technology and imaging in recent years, doctors have been able to diagnose and treat various conditions that were previously difficult to identify. At Creature Comforts Veterinary Hospital, just like in human hospitals, a CT scanner is an essential diagnostic tool that helps us in our day-to-day operations.
How do CT (computed tomography) scans work?
Computed tomographic imaging, commonly referred to as a "CT" or "CAT scan", uses radiation and a computer to produce multiple individual images, or slices throughout a specific region of the body. The machine produces two-dimensional slices of a section of your pet’s anatomy, which are assembled into a complete image. These images can also be used to create three-dimensional reconstructions useful for surgical planning. Once the images are created, they are sent to a radiologist to review and interpret. The advantage of a CT scan is that we can now localize lesions in three dimensions!
What are the benefits and uses of veterinary CT scans for pets?
The high-resolution images produced by the CT machine help evaluate your pet's anatomy in great detail, which we would otherwise not be able to see with just standard X-rays. CT scanners provide excellent detail of the body's bony and soft tissue structures.
The most common areas of the body we image here at Creature Comforts Veterinary Hospital with the CT include the spine, the nasal cavity, the inner ear, the bones/joints, and the chest/lungs.
We can also use the CT machine to assess lymph nodes, the thyroid gland, the abdominal organs, the skull/brain, and the vascular structures.
A CT scan can also be combined with a contrast agent given to your pet intravenously (IV), allowing us to see increased areas of blood flow in the body. This aids in the detection of cancer and areas of inflammation.
What can you expect if your pet needs a CT scan?
To obtain high-quality images from a vet CT machine, it is crucial for the patient to remain as still as possible during the scan. In human medicine, patients are usually instructed to avoid movement and hold their breath occasionally, but this approach is not feasible for dogs and cats. Hence, sedation or general anesthesia is required to keep them still. During the entire CT scan, your pet's vital signs are closely monitored while under anesthesia.
What is the cost of CT scans for dogs and cats?
Various factors can impact the cost of a CT scan. These may include whether your pet requires emergency care or a scheduled appointment, as well as its size and geographical location. It is important to note that due to these variables, the only way to obtain an accurate estimate of the cost of your pet's CT scan is to consult with your veterinarian.
Most animal hospitals are more than happy to provide clients with a detailed cost breakdown and answer any questions they may have regarding the fees or their pet's care.
In-House Veterinary Diagnostics Lab & Pet Pharmacy in Ankeny
In our in-house veterinary diagnostic lab, we perform tests and get results quickly so that we can diagnose your dog or cat's symptoms and begin treatment as soon as possible.
Our veterinary pharmacy in Ankeny is stocked with a range of prescription diets and medications, providing us with quick access to any prescriptions your pet may need to treat an illness or to improve their overall health.
Note: The advice in this post is intended for informational purposes. Creature Comforts Veterinary Hospital does not currently offer CT Scans.