CT (Computed Tomography)

What is CT?

CT stands for computed axial tomography. This technology uses a rotating x-ray tube to acquire a “slice” through a desired location in the patient.

How is C.T. different from regular x-ray?

X-ray is one image of tissue superimposed over another. It is easy to see objects in an x-ray but CT provides three dimensional information that x-ray can’t provide.

What will happen during my pet’s CT appointment?

You will be greeted by our receptionist and asked to fill out a consent form. Then a veterinary technician will check you in and explain the CT procedure. Your pet will then be brought to our CT suite and prepared for anesthesia.

How long will it take?

Most exams take about an hour to complete.

Why do we need anesthesia?

It is crucial for the patient to remain completely still during a CT exam because any motion can blur the images. Therefore it is impossible to perform a CT scan on an animal without anesthesia, unless the patient is comatose.

What are the risks?

Patients can have a life threatening reaction to anesthesia but this is extremely rare with modern anesthetics. While under anesthesia, patients are constantly monitored to detect and immediately address any change in their condition.

Will my Pet be radioactive after the procedure?

Your pet will not be radioactive after the study.

Is the C.T. painful?

No there is no feeling associated with having a C.T.

When will I get the results of the CT?

Hundreds of images and a large amount of information are obtained during one CT exam. Once the CT exam is completed, a radiologist reviews the images to confirm that the study is complete and to determine whether a biopsy or CSF tap is indicated. All images are reviewed in detail a second time and the radiologist’s report is typed and faxed to your referring veterinarian within 24 hours. Please contact your referring veterinarian for the CT results. We will send you home with a CD containing a copy of the entire CT study. This CD should be given to your referring veterinarian to view the images collected.

What if I go to another clinician?

Call our office and let us know, we will have another disc made and mail it for you. If it needs to go out FedEx, that can be arranged as well for a few additional dollars.

Why would my pet need a biopsy?

CT provides an excellent look inside the body but several diseases can have a similar appearance (e.g. tumors and abscesses). Determining the type of cells present within a lesion by obtaining a very small sample with a small needle allows us to make a final differentiation in most cases. We strongly recommend ultrasound-guided needle biopsies when we need to know the type of cells present to obtain a final diagnosis. If this is the case with your pet, the veterinary technician or radiologist will discuss it with you. A biopsy is never performed without your consent.

What is the biopsy procedure? Are there any risks? Will I have biopsy results today?

In most cases we shave the hair at the location of the biopsy, the skin is cleaned with surgical soap, and a small needle is inserted with ultrasound guidance into the area of concern. An average of four samples are taken to ensure that a diagnosis is obtained. The samples are transferred to a glass slide, prepared, and read by another specialist (cytopathologist). The biggest risk of needle biopsies is internal bleeding, but it is rare. If any significant bleeding is detected during the procedure, we will notify you and your referring veterinarian immediately. Fine-needle biopsy results are faxed to your referring veterinarian within 24 hours (except weekends). Please contact your referring veterinarian for biopsy results.

What payment options do you offer?

We accept all major credit cards as well as cash and check. However, if you would like to spread your payments out, you can apply for CareCredit® which offers a 3 month same as cash option. For more details, click the link below or call our office.