When your dog isn’t feeling well, it can be tough to figure out what’s wrong. Luckily, veterinary medicine has come a long way! Advanced diagnostics, like imaging, help vets pinpoint the source of complex health problems in our canine companions.
One of these advanced imaging techniques is the CT scan. A CT scan for your dog uses X-rays to create detailed, cross-sectional images of your pet’s body. These images let vets see things they might miss with regular X-rays.
This article will give you a complete overview of CT scans for dogs, including how they’re used and what to expect if your vet recommends one for your furry friend.
What is a CT scan?
Computed tomography, or CT scanning, uses X-rays to create detailed, three-dimensional images of your dog’s body.
During the scan, the X-ray tube rotates around your dog, capturing images from many different angles. A computer then puts these images together to create cross-sectional slices.
Advantages over traditional X-rays
CT scans are better than traditional X-rays at helping veterinarians see complex structures. Because CT scans give a cross-sectional view, vets can better interpret what they’re seeing. CT scans can also show tiny abnormalities that other imaging methods might not reveal.
The three-dimensional image gives surgeons a better view of the surgical site, which can be helpful when planning a surgery.
Why Might Your Dog Need a CT Scan?
CT scans have become an essential tool in veterinary medicine because they allow vets to see what’s going on inside your dog’s body in a non-invasive way. They’re used in a variety of situations, including:
- Lameness investigations
- Nasal issues
- Urinary problems
- Spinal disease
- Brain diseases
- Suspected cancers
CT scans are particularly useful in diagnosing conditions like elbow osteochondrosis in young dogs, destructive rhinitis caused by a fungus, and collapsed lungs with pneumonia. They’re also helpful in assessing traumatic injuries, such as a torn kidney from a car accident.
For example, a Springer Spaniel named Penny was recently brought to a veterinary hospital with a limp. The vet suspected an elbow fracture, and a CT scan confirmed the diagnosis, allowing for prompt treatment.
The CT Scan Procedure: What to Expect
If your vet has recommended a CT scan for your dog, here’s a look at what you can expect during the process.
Preparing for the Scan
Your vet will explain that your dog will need to be sedated or put under general anesthesia. Although the CT scan itself is painless, dogs need to remain perfectly still for the images to be clear.
If your dog is going to receive a contrast agent, the vet will want to do some pre-screening to make sure your dog’s kidneys are functioning properly.
During the Scan
During the scan, your dog will lie on a table that slides into the CT scanner. Modern CT scanners are very fast. In fact, a scan of a large dog’s chest can be completed in a matter of seconds.
Contrast agents are sometimes used during CT scans to make blood vessels and internal organs more visible. The contrast agent is usually injected through an IV line.
After the Scan
After the scan, your dog will need to recover from the sedation or anesthesia. Your vet will monitor your dog closely during this time.
One of the benefits of a CT scan is that the results are often available almost immediately, so your vet can quickly begin to formulate a treatment plan.
Understanding the Results and Working with Your Veterinarian
Once the CT scan is complete, the images need to be interpreted. Here’s how that process works:
The role of teleradiology
In many cases, your veterinarian will send the CT scan images to a teleradiology specialist. These specialists are trained to analyze the images and provide a detailed report, ensuring an accurate and timely diagnosis.
Discussing the findings with your vet
It’s important to have an open and honest conversation with your veterinarian about the CT scan results. Ask questions and make sure you understand the findings. The CT scan results will help your vet determine the best course of treatment, which could include surgery, medication, or other therapies.
The value of a second opinion
If the case is complex, or if you just want more reassurance, it’s always a good idea to seek a second opinion from another veterinary specialist. A fresh set of eyes can sometimes catch something that was missed or provide a different perspective on the diagnosis and treatment options.
How much does a CT scan for dogs cost?
CT scans for dogs can be pretty expensive. You can expect to pay somewhere between £1,250 and £2,000.
The final price depends on a few things:
- Complexity of the case: A straightforward scan will cost less than one that requires a lot of detailed imaging.
- Contrast agents: If the vet needs to use contrast dye to get a better view, that will add to the cost.
- Location: Veterinary facilities in bigger cities or specialized centers may charge more.
If you’re worried about the cost, talk to your vet about payment plans or financing options. Pet insurance might cover some of the cost, so it’s worth checking your policy.
In Closing
CT scans offer a fast, non-invasive way to diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems in dogs. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, talk with your veterinarian about whether a CT scan is right for your canine companion.
Thanks to advancements in veterinary medicine, pets can live longer, healthier lives than ever before.