The Complete Guide to CT Scans for Pets
Everything You Need to Know - Plus 5 Reasons Why High Slice Count Matters for Your Dog or Cat
Sage Veterinary Imaging is an outpatient diagnosing imaging center for your pets. We perform CT, MRI, and Ultrasound services in-house.
In the vast world of veterinary medicine, it can be confusing and overwhelming when there are so many options out there. Worst of all, when your pet has a health crisis, you just want a solution - as fast as possible.
In some cases, a CT scan is needed to get to the heart of the matter. But don’t panic when you hear the words “CT scan” come out of your veterinarian’s mouth! We’re here to help you through the process and provide you with info on what it all means.
Keep reading to get to the bottom of what a CT scan for your pet is and why a high slice count matters. All you want is top-quality care for your pet. And Sage Veterinary Imaging gets you the answers you need.
What is a CT scan for pets?
One day you notice that your pet is having trouble walking or maybe even breathing. It’s distressing, to say the least. You take your furry friend to your vet seeking answers, and they order a CT scan. Ok…now what? What is a CT scan? Is it even necessary?
CT is an abbreviation for computer tomography (aka a CAT scan). It is a type of advanced diagnostic imaging that produces 3D models and images.
CT uses x-rays to grab information from different angles and provides cross-sectional images of the body. This gives your veterinarian the ability to see a very detailed picture of the structure of what's going on inside your furry friend.[2]
Why would a dog need a CT scan?
Common signs and symptoms may require a CT scan to find the answer to your pet’s pain.
Similar to humans, there are many reasons a dog or cat will need a CT scan. Most of these are emergencies, and a visit to an outpatient imaging center is the next step.
One of the most common reasons a dog needs a CT scan is to determine if nasal cancer is present. Nasal tumors in pets are uncommon, accounting for only 1% of all cancers in dogs. Yet they are the most common tumors found in the respiratory tract. This type of cancer is around 60-80% of reported respiratory tumor cases in dogs and cats.[6]
Other common findings are:
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Head trauma
Lung diseases
Middle and inner ear disorders
Tumors
Orthopedic conditions, such as joint degeneration
Brain or spinal conditions
Dental diseases, such as abscesses[7]
There are more health concerns that make a CT scan from Sage Veterinary Imaging necessary. Ultimately, your vet will know the best next step after your initial visit.
What does a high slice count mean?
You may notice there’s a lot of lingo in the vet world. You hear “diagnostic imaging”, “radiologist”, and of course, “slice counts”. You feel like you need a dictionary! So what is a slice count anyway? And why does it matter?
CT scanners come in several different slice counts: 4, 16, 32, 40, 64, and 128 - and they go even higher than that! 16-slice CT has been the gold standard in veterinary medicine for some time. But Sage Veterinary Imaging is changing that because we have the power of a 128-slice CT scanner.
In short, the higher the slice count, the more data a CT scanner can pull from a scan. A high slice count scanner has more detectors and can produce super clear images.
There is some debate about high slice counts in pet CT scans and whether they have any benefits. But we know that a 128-slice count is superior to lower slice counts regarding CT scans for pets.[1] The benefits include:
High-quality, research-grade images so you get the most accurate results
Increased diagnostic capabilities, including advanced 3D modeling, so our radiologists and your veterinarian can get a complete picture of your pet's health
Faster scan times that save you time
Lower exposure to radiation for your pet
Better long-term outcomes for your pet
Another benefit of a 128-slice CT scan is that pets don’t often need anesthesia. With MRI and also the older, slower, 16-slice CT scanners commonly used in veterinary medicine, animals need to be fully anesthetized to keep them completely still for the scan. In contrast, our 128-slice CT scan takes only a few seconds to acquire many slices (pictures), which means we can use light sedation to calm your pet for the study. Because scan times are shorter with Sage Veterinary Imaging, your pet is in and out in the least possible amount of time.
In summary, a high slice count scanner goes a long way to making that process easier for everyone involved.
Do CT scans hurt dogs?
Because CT scans are like an x-ray, some people wonder if a CT scan will harm their pet. But no need to worry! CT scans are completely safe and pose no harm to animals (or humans for that matter). It’s official–there are no documented side effects of a CT scan for dogs or cats.[3] For three decades, veterinary medicine has used CT technology to find underlying causes of pain in animals.
What to expect at your CT scan appointment
Sage Veterinary Imaging in Sandy, Utah
Having your pet go to a CT scan appointment brings up a lot of questions. We let you know what to expect and will be there every step of the way.
First things first: 12 hours before the scan, your pet will need to hold off on food. While this may feel hard for your pet, it allows the scanner to see more of what’s going on with your pet. If food is present, it runs the risk of creating unclear images.
When your pet arrives at its appointment, skilled technicians conduct bloodwork to ensure your pet is ready for the scan. When cleared, your pet goes under anesthesia. This is recommended because any movement during the scan will disrupt the procedure.[8] This also helps keep your pet calm and comfortable.
Once your pet is under and positioned on the scanner, the technicians enter a separate room to begin the scan. Don’t worry, though – there is a large window where you can watch the whole procedure and keep an eye on everything! We understand the need to be close to your pet during this experience, so we ensure you have visibility into the process.
After the scan, images are available fast and sent to your vet immediately. At Sage Veterinary Imaging, our panel of experts works with your vet to discuss the best treatment plan available for your pet.
How much do CT scans for dogs cost?
Depending on the nature of the patient (age, weight, diagnosis), the cost can range anywhere from $1,200-3,000. Several other factors play into the final cost, including but not limited to: biopsies, contrast injections, the complexity of the scan, and geographic location.
If cost is a concern, speak with one of our knowledgeable client service representatives. They can discuss payment options or provide a more accurate estimate before your pet’s appointment.
Where to find CT scans for dogs in Texas or Utah
Dr. Jaime Sage, founder and owner of Sage Veterinary Imaging
When your pet is acting differently and showing signs of distress, it may need a CT scan. And we know you only want the best for your animal. With a higher slice count scanner like the 128-slice CT at Sage Veterinary Imaging, the radiologists, surgeons, and veterinarians can see more of your pet’s complete health profile. Our goal is to make the most informed decisions to help your pet.
Sage Veterinary Imaging has been operating in Round Rock, Texas for eight years. With a new location in Sandy, Utah, and more on the way, we are here to help get answers for your pet.
For more information on where to find a CT scan for dogs in Texas or Utah, go to our Contact Us page to learn more.
References:
https://www.neurologica.com/blog/slice-of-ct-scanners#:~:text=In%20summary%2C%20the%20higher%20the,do%20the%20job%20within%20seconds.
https://www.ovrs.com/blog/ct-scans-for-pets/#:~:text=CT%20imaging%20is%20safe%20and,their%20safety%20and%20well%2Dbeing.
https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/ct-scans-pets-everything-you-need-know
https://firstvet.com/us/articles/nasal-tumors-in-dogs-and-cats#:~:text=Nasal%20tumors%20in%20pets%20are,cases%20in%20dogs%20and%20cats.
https://bluegrassregionalimaging.com/ct-scans-in-pets/#:~:text=CT%20scans%20are%20often%20performed,dogs%20that%20cause%20chronic%20issues.
https://www.ovrs.com/blog/ct-scans-for-pets/#:~:text=CT%20imaging%20is%20safe%20and,their%20safety%20and%20well%2Dbeing.
