Our pet laboratory offers imaging tools to help diagnose and manage various medical conditions in dogs and cats. Here, our Williamsburg vets discuss what to expect during veterinary diagnostic imaging appointments including how and when each tool is used.
CT Scans vs. X-Rays for Dogs & Cats
Diagnostic imaging is a vital part of veterinary care. It provides information about the internal functions to make diagnosis and treatment quicker and easier. So, what should you know about X-rays vs. CT scans?
X-rays are highly important and commonly used tools in veterinary medicine. They provide veterinarians with a clear image of a pet's bones, tissues, and internal organs. X-rays are non-invasive, painless, and safe for dogs and cats. Digital X-rays, in particular, use extremely low doses of radiation.
Also known as a CT or CAT scan, computed tomographic imaging uses radiation (X-rays) and a computer to capture multiple individual images or 'slices' throughout a region of interest in the body.
The image produced by a CT scanner can be likened to a single slice of bread from a whole loaf. The CT machine creates two-dimensional slices of a portion of your pet's anatomy and then compiles them to form a complete image that a veterinarian can examine.
These slices can also create three-dimensional reconstructions that can help plan surgeries. Once the images are produced, your veterinarian can review and interpret them.
While we aren't discussing them today, you may have heard the term PET scan. A PET scan is slightly different from a CT scan as it shows doctors how the body's tissues work on a cellular level. This is done by injecting a material known as radiotracers, which glow on the images.
When would a cat or dog need an X-ray or CT scan?
Veterinary diagnostic imaging encompasses a range of tests and procedures that vets use to identify and diagnose various conditions or illnesses in animals. These diagnostic imaging techniques include X-rays or ultrasounds to visually check for specific diseases. The goal of veterinary diagnostics is to provide accurate and timely information to support the health and well-being of animals, leading to effective treatment and care.
X-Rays for Dogs & Cats
X-rays for dogs are an extremely useful diagnostic tool. A wealth of information can be obtained. Your vet may recommend an X-ray based on potential underlying health issues in your dog, including:
- Trauma
- Tumors / Cancer
- Foreign objects, including GI obstruction
- Fractured bones
- Heart disease
- Pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma
- Determining if surgery is necessary
- Fluid within the abdomen or chest
- Bladder stones
- Organ enlargement
- Muscle, joint, or ligament tears; arthritis; hip dysplasia
- Pregnancy
- Dental diseases
CT Scans for Pets
A CT machine produces high-resolution images, which allows for a detailed evaluation of your pet's anatomy that would not be possible with standard X-rays.
CT scanners provide a clear view of your pet's soft and bony structures, including the spine, nasal cavity, musculoskeletal system, thorax, and extra-thoracic structures. They can be used to evaluate:
- Nasal disease
- Lung cancer
- The extent of canine and feline cancers
- Ear disease
- Pulmonary pathology
- Vascular abnormalities
- Musculoskeletal and bone disorders, such as fractures or bone tumors
CT scans can be used to help plan and facilitate surgery and minimize surgery time, which is important for pulmonary and liver tumors.
How can I prepare for a CT Scan or X-ray appointment in your pet laboratory?
CT scans or X-rays are often performed when a cat or dog is brought into our veterinary laboratory for an appointment. No preparation is required for these.
Your veterinarian will examine your pet and explain the CT scan or X-ray procedure if it is required. They will also discuss the signs that they've spotted and what they will be looking for in the images.
If your dog or cat has a diagnostic test scheduled at our pet laboratory in Williamsburg, your vet will give you any necessary instructions on the day of the procedure.
Will my pet need to be sedated for diagnostic testing?
If your dog or cat is calm, not in too much pain, and can lie comfortably while the CT scan or X-ray is taken, sedation will not be necessary.
On the other hand, sedation will be recommended if your dog or cat is squirmy, edgy, or in pain. Sometimes, sedation may also be used during your pet's scan, as they must be relaxed to get a clear image.
If biopsies (tissue samples) are needed, your pet will require a short-acting anesthetic or heavy sedative to help them relax during the procedure and prevent potential complications. Your veterinarian will let you know if this is necessary.
How safe are X-rays or CT scans for dogs and cats?
If your cat or dog needs X-rays, ultrasound or CT scans in Williamsburg, you can rest easy knowing these procedures are safe.
X-rays and CTs are typically used only occasionally and generally as diagnostic tools. In some circumstances, vets use X-ray technology to glean information about a dog's pregnancy. However, other forms of imaging, such as ultrasound, could be used in that case.
If you're concerned about using X-ray or CT scanner technology and your dog's or cat's health, speak to your vet. Your veterinarian will be able to explain the risks versus the benefits in your dog's or cat's particular case so that you can decide whether to have an X-ray or CT scan.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.