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Computed Tomography What is CT? A digitally advanced diagnostic modality that transects images into cross-sections of a selected body cavity or extremity, and relays it to a computer terminal. Considered a form of radiology, Computed Tomography allows us to create greater depths of pathology within the animal, and provides a way to transect deeper into the body, through soft tissue, bone, and even gaseous regions. The technology behind Computed Tomography has made tremendous progression within the last 36 years. CT scanners have gone through three generations of consistent, progressive, change, finally leaving us with today’s fourth generation “Helical” machine. Such a machine, available at New England Veterinary Imaging Center is able to allow for continuous rotation of the x-ray tube, improving not only the quality, and quantity of images, but conveniently the speed of the test.  (Courtesy of Veterinary Imaging Partners, LLC) Contrast-Enhanced CT: Currently, contrast agents are being used intravenously, and intraarterially to allow for more specific contrasts to be viewed in the computed images. These contrast agents, which may or may not contain Gadolinium as a base agent, allow for highlighted areas of increased vascularization. This would primarily indicate inflammation and/or pain. Benefits of Computer Tomography: Due to CT’s production of top-quality images, with contrast ability, veterinarians are able to delve deeper internally, which in turn can produce a more determined diagnosis of the animal’s condition. This can not only improve the diagnosis specifically, but can also allow for better surgical or treatment plans to be followed. Diagnostic modalities, such as radiographs, ultrasounds, and nuclear scintigraphy, mainly illustrate through outlines and shades. Whilst such modalities have proved invaluable in veterinary medicine, it is proven that CT images have allowed us ways of more “sharpened” determination. Such precision can help us determine sizes, and/or locations of tumors/lesions/swellings, etc. The CT images transect into slice measurements between 1mm and 10mm thick, and can also determine differences in body tissues with such improvement as 20 times more effective.
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 Fig. 1a Fig.1b (Courtesy of Veterinary Imaging Partners, LLC) Figure 1a illustrates a cranial radiograph of a canine with cranial swelling. Such a swelling is defined, yet Fig. 1b truly identifies the exact size and location of the tumor.  Fig. 2a Fig. 2b (Courtesy of Veterinary Imaging Partners, LLC) The radiograph in Figure 2a may illustrate a fragmented coronoid process on the left elbow. However, Figure 2b clearly indicates the fragmented coronoid process to be a fracture. What premeditating factors may lead my veterinarian to recommend a CT scan for my pet? Sudden seizures Behavioral change Eye movementdisfunction/ proprioception problems Gait abnormalities Abdominal cavity diseases Tumor/lesion/growth suspicion Important Indications for the procedure? Computed Tomography is a very safe, non-invasive procedure, that requires similar doses of ionizing radiation that are comparable to conventional radiographs. In order to receive the best possible quality of image, it is IMPERATIVE that the patient be completely still. The best way to do this is to anesthetize the animal with a relatively short general anesthetic. What are the costs incurred with CAT at NEVIC? Computed Tomography is significantly less expensive when compared to MRI. Although the procedure is slightly more complex than radiographs, ultrasonography, and nuclear scintigraphy Researched and written by Nicola Hewson, veterinary technician at Myhre Equine Clinic and New England Regional Veterinary Imaging Center
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