Has your vet booked your pet for a radiograph? You might be wondering what the point of this is or how you can prepare. Here, our Clarksville vets go over everything an owner should know about diagnostic imaging for their cat or dog.
About CT Scans and X-rays On Cats And Dogs
Computed tomographic imaging (or "CT scan") works by producing multiple images of a region of interest in the body through the use of radiation (x-rays) and a computer. A common comparison to an image produced by a CT scanner is individual slices of bread that make up a complete loaf.
An X-ray is a quick, painless test that produces images of the structures inside your cat and/or dog's body mainly your cat's and/or dog's bones. X-ray rays pass through your body, and they are absorbed in different volumes depending on the density of the material that they have to pass through.
What Can A Dog Or Cat X-rays And CT Scans Help Vets Diagnose?
X-rays are one of the most helpful, and frequently used tools in both human healthcare and veterinary healthcare. X-rays can help vets to get a view of your pet's bones, tissues, and internal organs so that they can diagnose issues such as broken bones, bladder stones, swallowed foreign objects, and more.
The high-resolution images produced by the CT machine help us to evaluate your pet's anatomy in great detail - a detail that we would otherwise not be able to see using standard x-rays. CT scanners provide excellent detail of bony and soft tissue structures in the body.
How Can I Prepare For My Dog Or Cat's X-ray Or CT Scan Appointment?
Often an x-ray and CT scans are done when the animal is brought in to have an issue looked at by the vet. For that reason, no preparation is required. Your vet will examine your pet, then if an x-ray or CT is required, they will take some time to explain the procedure and what they will be looking for.
If you have an X-ray or CT scan that was booked ahead of time for your pet, your vet will provide all instructions you will need for the day of the procedure.
Will My Dog Or Cat Be Sedated When They Have Their X-ray Or CT Scan?
Sedation is sometimes required to get a clear x-ray. If your dog or cat is calm, not in too much pain, and able to lay in a comfortable position while the x-ray or CT scan is being taken, sedation will not be necessary.
On the other hand, if your dog or cat is squirmy, edgy, or in pain sedation will be recommended. Other reasons why sedation may be used during your pet's x-ray or scan include if the dog's or cat's muscles need to be relaxed to get a clear image, or when the x-ray is being used on the skull, teeth, or spine.
A CT scan is a very safe procedure. Like an x-ray, CT scans use ionizing radiation, but at doses that are not harmful to pets. Because your pet needs to be still during the CT scan, general anesthesia is required for your pets.
Are X-rays And CT Scans Safe For Dogs And Cats?
While the use of x-rays and CT scanners are generally considered safe for dogs and cats, radiation is involved and so x-rays and CTs are typically used only occasionally and generally as a diagnostic tool. In some cases, vets will use x-ray technology to glean information about a dog's pregnancy however other forms of imaging such as ultrasound could be used in that case.
If you're concerned about the use of x-ray or CT scanner technology and your dog's or cat's health, speak to your vet!
How Much Will My Dog Or Cat's X-rays Or CT Scans Cost?
There is a range of factors that will dictate the cost of your dog's or cat's x-rays including the size of your pet, the area being x-rayed, whether sedation was used, the type of clinic, and where your veterinary clinic is located, and more. If you are concerned about the cost of your cat or dog's x-rays, ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.
CT scans are the same as X-rays, but the cost may vary depending on what exactly your pet needs for the diagnosis and/or treatment process.
The entire process of a pet CT scan takes about 45 minutes to an hour, not including anesthesia so the price can change.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.