CT Scans at the Clinic

Computed Tomography (CT) has been one of the most important recent advances in diagnostics to become available in veterinary medicine, offering unparalleled resolution and ability for tissue density characterization. We’re proud to offer this powerful imaging tool at The Sams Clinic as well as a range of other excellent diagnostic tools.

In contrast to regular x-ray, a CT scanner uses a sensitive array of detectors to measure the x-ray energy rather than just exposing a sheet of film. The images shown on the TV monitor are shades of grey with each pixel representing a part of the anatomy through which the beam has passed. Because these pixels contain digital information, they can be displayed in various ways in a selective fashion. This ability to vary the display and review the images in alternate anatomic planes coupled with its great sensitivity to different tissue densities is what makes CT truly unique as a diagnostic tool.

Indications for CT Scan

Below are some indications for CT scanning. However, this list is not exhaustive so if you have any questions about whether CT imaging is the best option for your pet, consult your veterinar

Skull

  • Nasal cavity and para-nasal sinuses. To assess nasal discharge, stage patients with suspected or confirmed nasal neoplasia, polypoid disease, etc.
  • To evaluate chronic ear infections and/or suspected mass lesions involving the external ear canals also the tympanic bullae for infection or neoplasia as well as clinical signs of head tilt, vertigo or vestibular disease
  • Orbital lesions: retro bulbar masses, abscesses or lesions of the zygomatic arch
  • Suspected brain tumors or lesions involving the calvarium

Joints

  • To evaluate elbow arthrosis, elbow dysplasia (fragmented coronoid processes), elbow joint congruity, fractures not evident on plain radiographs etc.
  • Erosive or proliferative lesions of the joints; assess for intra articular or peri-articular lesions

Bone

  • To evaluate areas of suspicion for bone lesions or neoplasia

Spine

  • Adjunctive study in animals with spinal cord lesions combined with myelography
  • To assess lytic or proliferative lesions of the spine
  • Staging cats in fibrosarcoma to determine whether spinal or other osseous involvement exists

More Diagnostics Tools

  • Digital X-Rays
  • Joint Taps
  • Bone biopsy
  • Tissue biopsy
  • Blood Analysis
  • MRI (available offsite)*