When to Recommend a CT Scan
Sometimes radiographs and/or ultrasound do not provide sufficient imaging information to make a definitive diagnosis, plan surgical treatment, or monitor the efficacy of medical therapies or surgical intervention. That is when a CT scan is invaluable.
CT is an invaluable imaging modality because it provides better differentiation for a wide range of body tissues including bone, cartilage, soft tissue, fat, fluid, and gas/air. Our machines can also minimize the artifact seen with metal implants. CT evaluations are rapid, with most scans taking only minutes to complete. In many cases, an iodine-based contrast agent may be injected intravenously to further enhance tissue definition.
Indications for Using CT in Diagnostic Evaluation and Body Regions That are Best Visualized
CT can provide answers to aid in diagnosing a wide range of conditions and is also a powerful tool for detailed images of your patient. Below are some of the most common veterinary indications for ordering a CT scan by body region and clinical need:
Head & Neck: Chronic Nasal Discharge, Chronic Otitis, Ocular Conditions, Dental Disease, Head & Brain Tumors
Thoracic: Met Check, Pneumothorax, Pulmonary Bullae, Pulmonary Thromboembolism, Complex Pneumonia, Pleural Effusions
Musculoskeletal: Multiple Pelvic or Rib Fractures, Skull and Facial Fractures, Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), Elbow Dysplasia, Angular Limb Deformity for Surgical Planning (3D)
Abdominal: Portosystemic Shunts (PSS), GI Foreign Bodies, Abdominal Masses and their Origin, Ectopic Ureters, Hepatobiliary Disease, Pancreatic Disease, Peritoneal Fluid, Intestinal Disease
Trauma: Comminuted Fractures, Spinal Fractures, Whole Body Scan for Animal Abuse Cases, Penetrating Body Cavity Trauma, Early Evaluation of Intestinal Viscera, Urinary and Gall Bladder Integrity
Other: Migrating Foreign Bodies, Chronic Draining Tract, CT Myelogram
For a complete list of indications and applications by body region, click here for a printable pdf.
For Mobile Animal CT’s “12 Anatomic Regions for CT Imaging,” click here for a printable pdf.
For a more complete list of indications by body region, click here for a printable pdf.
For Mobile Animal CT’s “12 Anatomic Regions for CT Imaging,” click here for a printable pdf.
Questions?
If you have any questions about whether CT is appropriate for one of your patients, please call our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jonnie Quantz, at 888-818-0069 ext. 4.
