CT machines are often found only at referral and specialty practices in the veterinary world. Computed Tomography (CT) is a diagnostic tool that takes hundreds of x-rays of the patient in a 360degree view and creates “cross-section” views of the desired body part. The software can also compile all these images and provide a 3D model of the target zone. These scans are much more detailed than a traditional x-ray and provides excellent visualization of bone, soft tissue and organs.
Because of the detail in which the CT is done, the patient must be completely still. In the majority of cases, this requires the patient be sedated or anesthetized. The CT procedure does not take much time, so the sedation/anesthesia time is minimal as well.
CT Imaging is used for:
- Diagnosing cancer
- Diagnosing abnormalities in abdominal organs
- Diagnosing bone or joint disorders
- Plan and perform localized radiation of tumors
- Plan surgical procedures
- Aid in performing biopsies of internal organs
Creekside Animal Hospital now has a CT unit in house. We are excited to be able to provide this advanced imaging procedure to our clients and offer the service to our surrounding veterinary community. In addition to utilizing this unit for diagnosing, we have decided to offer skull CT’s for all of our dental procedure patients. Instead of full mouth radiographs, which depending on the patient could take up to 30 minutes, we can now have detailed imaging of the full head in a matter of 5-10 minutes.