 Veterinary medicine is adapting to rapid advances in technology.
In many ways, veterinarians can now provide care to animals once
available only to humans. The major force behind these changes
is the increase of advanced training in veterinary medicine, and
increased demand for higher standards of care by pet owners for
their special family members. As in people, advanced diagnostic
imaging technology in veterinary medicine is often required for
confirmation or diagnosis of certain diseases, and before specific
treatments or delicate procedures can be recommended.
Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scans are now performed more routinely in animals. Veterinary radiologists are trained to interpret CT scans in animals. The reasons that this advanced technology is not more available are due to the costs of the equipment and the limited number of veterinarians qualified to interpret the images. This technology is now available for your pet. Although high tech procedures can be frightening, this type of
imaging may help avoid invasive procedures. In contrast to humans,
animals always require anesthesia for CT scans. As with many other
x-ray procedures, the patient must be absolutely still to avoid
producing artifacts, which can make interpretations difficult
if not impossible. However, in many instances the requirement
for anesthesia is beneficial. Associated tests can be performed
simultaneously and recommended tests or procedures can be performed
following the CT scan thus avoiding additional anesthetic episodes.
Because a CT scan is a more sophisticated type of X-ray, providing
three dimensional viewing of the body, this imaging technique
may be recommended routinely for diagnosing certain diseases,
or as an advanced procedure in difficult to diagnose cases. Common
areas requiring advanced imaging include, but are not limited
to, the head (nose, sinuses, orbits containing the eyes, brain,
middle ear), chest (lungs, esophagus, heart), abdomen (stomach,
intestines, kidneys, liver, spleen, urinary Once a trained technical staff performs the CT scan, a board certified veterinary radiologist will review and interpret the images. As opposed to human radiology, the cost of the anesthesia, CT scan, and the interpretation is all inclusive so that more pet owners can elect such advanced testing, and provide the best possible care for their family member. You will be advised of the diagnosis so that any invasive test, surgery, or treatment can be performed. You may refer your client to a veterinary specialist for the indicated treatment. |
bladder, adrenal glands), spine, and limbs.