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What is Mobile Animal CT (MACT) Imaging?

A new era has arrived in Veterinary CT Imaging. Veterinarians now have access to economical, high quality CT images in the convenience of their own hospitals. It is no longer necessary to transfer your patients to a distant facility when they need advanced imaging.

Mobile Animal CT is able to bring a state-of-the-art CT scanner directly to your veterinary hospital, primary care or referral facility. Your clients and patients will enjoy the convenience of having the CT scan done in a familiar setting. No investment in advanced imaging equipment is necessary.

Mobile Animal CT utilizes the latest and most modern 8-slice helical scanner available, the Ceretom, by Samsung/Neurologica. This FDA approved CT scanner is the same one used in ‘Stroke Ambulances’ across the Country. The Mobile Animal CT staff performs the requested study with little to no interruption of your busy schedule. Your patients stay under your care and in your hospital.

How it works…

Mobile Animal CT comes to your Veterinary Hospital and performs CT scans on site in a specially designed and equipped truck. Mobile Animal CT trucks are built on a 24-foot Ford Econoline chassis/box truck that fits in just over 1 parking space. Veterinarians can order their patient’s CT scan and can continue to perform their daily work flow while the scan is performed.

Veterinarians and their staff are always welcome on the truck scanning unit. Mobile Animal CT will have a physical presence at the requesting hospital for about 1 to 1 ½ hours – from set up to break down. The actual scan times take about 30 – 40 seconds per pass.

Images are available for viewing immediately upon completion of the CT scan. All CT scans are read by a boarded Veterinary Radiologist, usually within 24 hours. Stat readings are available.

Logistics usually allow us to schedule scans next day, with some availability for same day scans on an emergency basis. The care of the patient remains with the referring veterinarian. Mobile Animal CT does not work directly with individual pet owners. Mobile Animal CT only scans at the request of the referring veterinarian.

When should CT scans be utilized?

There are many indications for using CT scans for diagnostic evaluations in animals.

  • Chronic nasal discharge
  • Chronic otitis
  • Retrobulbar masses
  • Oral masses
  • Suspected neoplasia of the retropharyngeal space
  • Herniated thoracolumbar IVD
  • Cervical disc disease
  • Lumbosacral disease
  • UAP/FC
  • Pneumothorax/Pleural effusion
  • Heart base and mediastinal masses
  • Pre-surgical mass evaluation
  • Evaluation for metastasis
  • Ectopic ureters
  • CT angiography for PSS and other vascular anomalies
  • Facial and pelvic fractures
  • TRAUMA

Some regions best visualized using a CT include the:

  • Head: Brain/Pituitary, Nasal Cavity, Osseous Bulla and ear canal, Orbit/Retrobulbar Space, TMJ, dental disease, feline inflammatory polyps and facial fractures
  • Spine: Cervical, Thoracolumbar, Lumbosacral Space
  • Brachial Plexus
  • Extremities: Elbow, Shoulder, Tarsus, Stifle
  • Thorax:  Pneumothorax/Pulmonary Bulla, Pyothorax, Metastatic Disease, Pneumonia
  • Abdomen: Ectopic Ureter, IVU/IVP, Adrenal Glands, Kidneys, Pancreas, Liver, Gall bladder, Spleen, Pelvic canal, Peritoneum, Vascular anomalies