Computed tomography
Computed tomography (CT) of dogs and cats is an advanced imaging diagnostic method used to assess the condition of internal organs, bones, blood vessels and other structures in pets accurately. Computed tomography allows for the creation of detailed, three-dimensional images providing much more information than conventional X-ray examinations.
When is a computed tomography examination performed?
Computed tomography is performed in cases where other diagnostic methods, such as ultrasound or X-ray, do not provide enough information or a more accurate image is required. This examination is often used to diagnose various diseases, injuries, and abnormalities accurately.
In what cases you should bring your pet for a CT examination?
1. Head and spine problems:
• CT scan helps diagnose neurological problems such as brain tumours, inflammation, hernias, or spinal cord injuries. This examination is especially recommended in cases of head injuries, seizures, or back pain.
2. Nose and sinus problems:
• In case of chronic nosebleeds, difficulty breathing, or tumours in the nasal area, CT allows for accurate assessment of these structures and detection of possible pathologies.
3. Bone and joint diseases:
• CT is excellent for evaluating bone fractures, joint dysplasia, osteoarthritis, or tumours. It allows the Veterinarian to detect lesions in detail that may not be visible on X-ray images.
4. Tumours and other formations:
• If tumours are suspected in internal organs (lungs, liver, spleen) or other parts of the body, CT helps determine their size, location, and spread. It allows for more accurate planning of surgical operations or other treatment methods.
5. Chest and abdominal cavity examinations:
• CT scan is used to evaluate organs in the chest and abdominal cavity, such as the lungs, heart, liver, spleen, and kidneys. It helps identify diseases of the lungs or other internal organs, including tumours, inflammatory processes, or foreign bodies.
6. Injuries:
• CT is used to evaluate bone fractures, internal organ damage, or bleeding for pets with serious injuries, such as traffic accidents or falls. This allows for a quick and accurate assessment of the extent of the injury and planning for further treatment.
7. Dental and jaw diseases:
• CT is excellent for detecting root infections, dental tumours, jaw fractures, or other oral cavity problems.
What you should know before performing CT examination?
- General anaesthesia: in most cases, general anaesthesia is necessary for CT scans to keep the pet calm and still during the examination. It is necessary to obtain high-quality and accurate images.
- Preparation for examination: before the examination, your Veterinarian may advise that your pet be fasted for twelve hours due to applied general anaesthesia. Veterinarian will give you detailed preparation instructions.
- Examination duration: CT scan takes between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the area being examined and the patient’s condition, but the procedure may take longer due to preparation for anaesthesia and recovery after it. A pet may need some time to recover from anaesthesia after the examination.
When to see a Veterinarian for CT examination?
If your pet has persistent, unexplained health problems, such as:
- Pain of unknown origin.
- Seizures or neurological symptoms.
- Nose bleeding, breathing problems.
- Chronic cough, shortness of breath, or abdominal pain.
- Swellings, formations or suspected tumours.
- Serious injuries or acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders.
- Unclear haematological changes.
In these cases, your veterinarian may recommend a CT examination to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment.
Computed tomography is an extremely valuable diagnostic tool providing detailed information about your pet’s health status. Timely examination helps to identify diseases at an early stage and allows for targeted treatment that can save your pet’s life and improve their quality of life. This procedure is performed at our veterinary clinic only by experienced and trained imaging specialists.
Register for consultation by phone +3701288788
Head of Computed Tomography Department Veterinarian Vytautas Stankus
Doctors of Department:
Veterinarian Tomas Viselga
Veterinarian Doc. Dr. Vytautas Sabūnas
Veterinarian Simonas Monkevičius
Veterinarian Tadas Juozelėnas
Veterinarian Emilija Venckutė