Diagnostics are vital to both the diagnosis of health issues as well as monitoring conditions and recovery from injuries. Here, our Clinton Township vets discuss the use of CT scans and X-rays for dogs and cats and what to expect from diagnostic imaging in our laboratory.
Routine Diagnostic Imaging for Dogs & Cats
Diagnostic imaging tools such as CT scans and X-rays for dogs and cats are used to help the vet gain valuable insight into the internal functions and state of their health.
Electromagnetic radiation and other technologies are used in routine diagnostic imaging procedures for dogs and cats. They capture extremely detailed images of your pet's bones, soft tissues, and other internal structures so your vet can offer an accurate diagnosis and plan effective treatments.
What is the purpose of X-rays and CT scans?
Diagnostic imaging like X-rays and CT scans are vital to help meet the medical needs of pets.
X-rays allow veterinarians to see your pet's bones, tissues, and internal organs, allowing them to diagnose problems such as broken bones, bladder stones, swallowing foreign objects, and more. These can assist veterinarians in detecting tumors, pregnancy, and enlarged organs, which may lead to a diagnosis of heart disease or cancer. However, X-ray technology cannot provide a detailed view of organs, tissues, and ligaments.
The CT machine's high-resolution images allow us to evaluate your pet's anatomy in great detail, which we would not be able to see with standard X-rays. CT scanners provide excellent detail of the body's bony and soft tissue structures.
What happens during diagnostic imaging?
While both CT scans and X-rays are a type of diagnostic imaging, and both provide us with a look at your pet's internal systems, they are quite different.
X-rays for Dogs & Cats
X-rays are performed using a low dose of radiation to create an image detailing the internal structures of your dog or cat.
This procedure is used to evaluate organs and bones and to diagnose conditions such as spinal cord diseases, arthritis, broken bones, bladder stones, and some tumors.
You can also rest easy knowing that X-rays are safe for dogs and cats of all ages and in all conditions. The level of radiation is so low that it can even be used on pets that are pregnant.
CT Scans for Cats & Dogs
CT scans, or CAT scans for your pet are useful when assessing the nasal passage, sinuses, lungs, thorax, ears, abdomen, and some orthopedic areas.
Your vet might recommend a CT scan if your pet has any condition ranging from lung disease to pulmonary fibrosis, metastatic cancer (before surgery), tumors or masses in the chest cavity, disease in the nasal cavity, trauma to the spine or pelvis, vascular anomalies or orthopedic developmental disease (elbow dysplasia).
When CT scans are used for diagnosing imaging, your vet can gain a more distinguished view of the bones and soft tissues. For the scan itself, your pet will be placed on a table that will slowly enter the machine and a full image will be produced. These scans can be performed quite quickly.
For these types of scans, an X-ray tube rotates around the patient to record images from several angles (the suspected health issue will determine the number of images captured) to create slices. The slices are then stacked together to produce a 3D image of your pet without superimposition of other tissues or organs.
Preparing Your Dog or Cat for X-rays & CT Scans
Diagnostic imaging performed in our vet laboratory is usually performed when your pet is brought in for an injury or illness. For that reason, no preparation is required.
If you have an X-ray or CT scan that was booked ahead of time for your pet, your vet will provide all the instructions you will need for the day of the procedure.
Will my pet be sedated for diagnostic imaging?
At our veterinary laboratory in Clinton Township, we occasionally use sedation to obtain a clear X-ray. Sedation will not be required if your dog or cat is calm, not in too much pain, and able to lie in a comfortable position while the X-ray or CT scan is being performed.
Sedation may also be used during your pet's X-ray or scan if the dog's or cat's muscles need to be relaxed to obtain a clear image, or if the X-ray is being used on the skull, teeth, or spine.
Is diagnostic imaging safe for pets?
While X-rays and CT scanners are generally considered safe for dogs and cats, radiation is involved. Even though the radiation is minimal, the use of X-rays and CT scans is limited to only being used when necessary.
Speak with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about the use of X-ray or CT scanner technology and the health of your dog or cat. They will be able to explain the risks versus the benefits in your dog's and cat's specific case.
What is the cost of routine diagnostic imaging for dogs and cats?
The cost of your dog or cat's X-rays or CT scans will be determined by a variety of factors, including the size of your pet, the area being viewed, whether sedation was used, the type of clinic, where your veterinary clinic is located, and more. If you are concerned about the cost of your pet imaging appointment, consult with your veterinarian first.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition.