CT Scanning Service For Your Pet

A CT scan for dogs & cats and small animals  is an incredibly useful piece of equipment, for both diagnosis and treatment. It allows trained professionals to see soft tissue and bones with impressive detail. This can help identify injuries such as ligament damage, which can lead to an effective treatment plan, or diseases such as tumours, which can increase the probability of a successful surgery. Being able to see internal issues so clearly, is a vital tool for diagnosis and effective treatment. The non-invasive nature of a vet CT scan means that the animal is not subjected to unnecessary procedures which can be costly and distressing.

How does a CT Scan for Dogs & Cats work?

The pet or small animal is sedated and put under general anaesthesia during the CT Scan procedure, since he or she must remain completely still. The table on which the pet is lying is slowly advanced into the part of the machine that performs the scan. An X-ray tube rotates 360 degrees around the patient to record the X-rays from many angles. This data is transmitted to a computer, which builds up a 3D cross-sectional picture of the part of the body and displays it on a computer monitor.

When do We Use a CT Scanner?

It remains a general consensus that a Computed Tomography Scan is the application better suited to bone imaging, whereas MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) gives us more information about soft tissue structures; however, it is also well-accepted that a Veterinary CT scan can do a good job with certain soft tissue applications, and that MRI can be adjusted to evaluate bone. We are privileged to have both and when the need to image neurological structures, such as the spinal cord and brain we use the veterinary MRI scanner and can choose the best modality for your pet.

Why Would We Recommend a CT Scan for Your Pets?

It can be difficult to identify the root of an internal injury or ailment. Whilst external examination can tell a veterinary surgeon a lot, often a CT scan can help to confirm or clarify a diagnosis. Knowing where there is ligament damage in a limb, can help to create a coherent and tailor-made rehabilitation plan. Being able to see the precise location and size of a tumour will help a surgeon carry out effective surgery. A CT scan is non-invasive so will not cause your pet any further distress. Your vet will recommend a CT scan where they feel that clarity will help with diagnosis or delivery of treatment.

Common Health Conditions Affecting Dogs & Cats

CT scanning is a widely used tool, which can be used for a vast array of presenting conditions in small animals. It can be used for conditions such as nasal disease or ear disorders, suspected foreign bodies, liver masses, shoulder issues, spinal trauma following an accident, and unresolved pleural effusion. The list of conditions that can be investigated using a CT scanner is comprehensive, but if you have any further questions about whether a referral for a CT scan is the best decision for your client, please contact our helpful team for further advice.

Ready to Schedule a CT Scan For Your Pet?

We are ready for your referrals. If you need a CT scan or an MRI scan scheduled swiftly, please use our referral form today to ensure a quick transition for your clients. We are experienced and professional, and you can rest assured that we will look after your clients so that they receive excellent continuity of care throughout their time here at Northwest Referrals. For more information regarding our Vet CT Scanning services, or to book your referral today please give us a call at 01942 242001.

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