What You Need to Know About Computed Tomography (CT)

CT scan is the most accurate imaging diagnostic tool for blood vessels, soft tissues, and internal problems. At Magnolia Animal Hospital in Raleigh, we provide safe and fast CT scanning services for proper pet diagnosis and treatment.

What Is Computed Tomography (CT)?

CT imaging is a diagnostic tool that creates detailed images of soft tissue, blood vessels, bones, and internal organs. These images are more accurate than those of conventional x-rays. Radiologists utilize the CT to diagnose problems like blood vessel abnormalities, cancer, musculoskeletal disorder, and trauma. 

Also known as CAT (computerized axial tomography), CT is a noninvasive and fast method of identifying internal structures and observing their size, shape, texture, and density. For instance, the vet can determine the location and exact size of a tumor. Such information is critical in formulating the right treatment plan for your pet.

How a Veterinary CT Scan Works

You are probably wondering what will be happening to your furry friend if the vet refers you out for a CT scan. When you visit Magnolia Animal Hospital for a CT scan, your pet will not eat for a night. The vet will take his/her blood work and prepare them for anaesthetization. 

After your pet is under anesthesia, our veterinary technologist positions him/her. The technologist and anesthesiologist go into a separate room to do the scan. The table where the pet is lying is moved slowly into the machine part that performs the scan. 

An x-ray tube revolves 360 degrees throughout the pet patient's body recording the x-rays from different angles. The recorded data is then transferred to a computer that constructs 3D cross-sectional images of the specific body part displaying it on the monitor.

Advantages of Pet CT scans

Detailed Images

CT scans display a detailed image of the tissue and organs. While an x-ray can show the edges of several soft tissues stacked up, the CT scan provides you with a picture of their relationship (the edges). Thus CT scan helps the vet to make a proper diagnosis on soft tissue and blood vessels.

3D Images 

CT diagnostic tool provides three-dimensional images of the pet's internal body. These images allow the veterinarian to see inside the pet's body; hence they can detect and treat conditions, injuries, or diseases affecting your animal companion. For example, the veterinarian can see internal bleeding or injuries, thus save the pet's life.

Noninvasive and Painless

The CT scan is a non-surgical process, so you do not have to worry about losing your pet or dealing with the surgery aftermath. Also, your furry friend will not have any discomfort since it is painless.

Fast and Accurate

If you visit your Raleigh veterinarian for a CT scan, expect to be done in 45 minutes. Our specialists can take 30secs to perform the scan, and the rest of the time is for setting up and waking up the animal. 

Visit Us Today for Pet CT Scans in Raleigh

Are you in need of a veterinary CT scan for your furry friend in Raleigh? Magnolia Animal Hospital offers safe and accurate CT scans for pets for proper diagnosis. Call us today at (919) 873-9190 to book an appointment with us.