NEW!
CT Scanning facility exclusively for pets
What you need to know about your pets CT scan.
Our brand new, state-of-the-art Canon Lightning Aquilion computed tomography scanner offers a dynamic diagnostic tool for all veterinary clinicians.
This advanced technology ensures:
- Minimal radiation dose
- Fast scans to minimise anesthetic time and dose
- High resolution imaging for greater clinical confidence
More commonly called CT or CAT scan, this modality allows us to see the pet’s soft tissue and bones with incredible detail. In fact, we can quickly and non-invasively identify internal structures and see their shape, size, density, and texture.
For instance, if a tumor is found, the CT scan can determine its three-dimensional appearance and location. This is critical for a surgeon to know so that an appropriate treatment plan can be formulated.
Applications for CT include, but are not limited to:
- Elbow dysplasia
- Angular limb deformities
- Complicated fracture planning
- Surgical planning for mass excision
- Evaluation of the skull, nasal cavity and inner ear
- Spinal assessment
- Abdominal diagnostics such as kidney stones and foreign bodies (including contrast studies)
- Ocular disease
- Lung and chest problems
- Diagnose abnormal bloods vessels in the liver
- Oncological (cancer) problems and metastatic disease diagnosis
- Guide biopsies and other minimally invasive procedures
How does CT work?
To achieve a diagnostic CT the patient must remain calm and completely still and your pet will be sedated or anaesthetized to achieve this. The table on which your 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.
Advantages of CT over traditional x-ray
These accurate images allow for more detailed interpretation when compared to a traditional 2D image where problems in visualising a 3D object in a 2D image are common. A 32-slice CT scan provides much more detail than a traditional x-ray. This detail allows for better diagnosis and treatment planning by your vet.
When your vet says that your pet needs a CT scan
Veterinary Imaging Tasmania accepts referrals from all veterinary hospitals in Tasmania. If your veterinarian has recommended that your pet receive a CT scan prior to treatment, take comfort in knowing that this technology is an important and safe step in caring for your pet. If you want more information on CT’s please speak to your vet or you can call us on the number below.
How long does it take to get the results?
The images from the scan will be sent away to a radiologist for interpretation, which will normally take a few days. Where interpretation is required urgently, this can be arranged, and your vet will discuss this with you if appropriate. The results will be sent back to your vet and they will contact you to discuss them.
Is it covered by pet insurance?
Yes. CT scanning is covered, however please check with your individual fund for excess and cover limits.
What you need to do to prepare your pet
You will need to have an appointment for your pet to have a CT performed – this will usually be made after consultation with your veterinarian so that the appropriate examination can be ordered. Your vet will book the appointment direct with us. Your pet will be admitted to Veterinary Imaging Tasmania the morning of the procedure and may need to stay for a few hours or the whole day.
To prepare your pet for their CT examination, please do not feed them after 8 pm the night before the procedure. It is important that your pet is fasted for general anaesthesia. Water is permitted.
The medications used for sedation or anaesthesia are very safe and tailored to your pet – your veterinarian will inform us if there are any additional concerns to consider.