CT SCANS

At the Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center, our team of veterinary specialists has access to the latest in medical diagnostic equipment, including computed technology (CT) scans. And, just like at the human hospital, CT scans are used to diagnose internal organ and bone problems.

Often, a CT scan is recommended to diagnose:

• Pulmonary metastasis checks (cancer)
• Lung masses (non cancerous)
• Other intrathoracic masses (chest)
• Ectopic ureters (urinary problems)
• Fracture repair planning (broken bones)
• Elbow dysplasia studies (dislocated elbow or hip)
• Evaluation for soft tissue foreign bodies (foreign object in the animal's skin)
• Angiography studies (heart and blood vessel x-ray)

CT uses x-ray beams to create slice images of the body, eliminating superimposition of other structures. With CT images, hundreds of shades of gray can be seen, enabling the medical professional to detect very subtle changes in tissue density.

CT imaging also uses intravenous iodine-based contrast to enhance lesions or trace fluid flows, such as blood or urine.

Three dimensional image reconstruction can be performed to assist in repairing broken bones.

CT requires general anesthesia, but the images are rapidly acquired, making CT scans shorter in duration than other imaging procedures, such as MRI.

At Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center, we use a helical CT scanner capable of rapidly acquiring high resolution images. This technology enables our radiologists to provide detailed, accurate diagnostics with a minimum amount of discomfort to your pet.

Marc Papageorges, DVM, is the consulting veterinarian for the Diagnostic Imaging service at Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center. For more information on Dr. Papageorges, go to www.vdic.com.