New England Animal Medical Center
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
A CT scan is a non-invasive and painless procedure used to create detailed images of your pet's internal structures. During the scan, your pet will lie on a movable table that is advanced into a tube-like scanner. The X-ray beam rotates 360 degrees around your pet, capturing multiple images. A computer then assembles these images into a three-dimensional view of the area being examined.
Reasons for a CT Scan
CT scans are particularly useful for diagnosing various conditions, including:
Lung diseases and metastasis screening
Nasal and ear diseases
Abdominal conditions
Spinal diseases (such as ruptured discs)
Orthopedic issues
The advanced 360-degree rotation technology of CT scans provides clearer images by eliminating the overlap of organs and tissues common with conventional x-rays. In certain cases, an intravenous iodine contrast may be used to further enhance image detail.
Procedure and Recovery
The CT scan itself is completed in just a few minutes. However, preparing your pet, including administering anesthesia, may take 30-60 minutes. After the scan, your pet will be closely monitored until they wake up and will be placed in the ICU for recovery.
Benefits of CT Scanning
CT scans offer a precise diagnosis by providing high-resolution images, which aids your veterinarian in determining the most effective treatment options for your pet.
Ultrasound
Many of our veterinary colleagues refer patients to the New England Animal Medical Center specifically for ultrasound exams. Ultrasound examinations provide a safe and painless method for viewing tissues inside the body.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is the name of an ultrasound examination of the heart. A veterinarian trained in this diagnostic procedure can visualize the size and shape of the heart, view the heart valves, measure pressures within the heart chambers, and discover fluid or growths around the heart. Echocardiograms are an invaluable tool in identifying heart-related problems.
Abdominal Ultrasound Exams
Abdominal ultrasound exams are used for a wide variety of diagnostic procedures. They can find foreign bodies caught in the gastrointestinal tract, discover tumors or other growths in abdominal organs, document enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen, and guide the positioning of biopsy instruments. Ultrasounds can also help doctors determine the cause of bloating and stomach pain as well as kidney stones and liver disease.
