CT Scanning
Scottish Vet Referrals is the first veterinary practice in the Highlands with a permanent, on-site CT scanner. This will be utilised by our referral clinicians in ophthalmology, medicine, oncology, cardiology and surgery, as well as being available for an ‘imaging only’ service to referring practices.
Computed Tomography (CT) is a powerful diagnostic tool which takes multiple x-ray images, enabling us to build up a 3D picture. Our top of the range 64 slice CT Scanner is housed in a special lead-lined building used exclusively for this purpose.
To enhance our service, we have also invested in a CT injector pump. This allows us to accurately inject a bolus of contrast agent, remotely. Intravenous contrast injections are used to highlight vascular structures, inflammation and neoplasia.
Advantages over a conventional x-ray
The scanner allows a high speed 3D image to be generated and these extremely detailed images allow for more detailed interpretation when compared to a traditional 2D image x-ray image. This detail allows for better diagnosis and treatment planning.
Some Indications for CT Scanning
- Ear nose and throat problems
- Ophthalmic conditions
- Respiratory disease
- To aid in planning soft tissue surgery
- Orthopaedic issues (e.g. fractures, dysplasias, deformities, spines, head and neck problems)
- Liver shunts
- Cancers and metastatic evaluation
- Kidney/urinary issues
The procedure
CT scans for pets work in much the same way as they do for humans. The most significant difference is that your pet will need sedation and/or general anaesthetic for the procedure. This ensures that they stay still and frees them from the potential stress caused by being placed in a particular position and remaining still during the process.
They will be placed onto a bed, which moves slowly through a motorised x-ray source, rotating around the circular opening of a doughnut-shaped structure (known as a gantry). The rotation means that we receive images from all angles. The scanner then processes the images which we can view individually or compile them into a 3D on-screen model.
The procedure usually takes 20-30 minutes, but the actual scan takes seconds, and is very safe. Your pet will be monitored throughout the procedure.
Technical details
The machine is a Toshiba Aquilion 64 slice CT, which is a high image resolution system featuring a 72cm gantry, 48 mm coverage of patient anatomy per rotation and 64 slices at 0.5mm.
It is housed in a purpose-built ‘pod’ adjacent to the main building, with a dedicated 3-phase electrical supply and appropriate environmental and radiation controls.
Indications
Indications for CT imaging are wide and varied (as indicated by the table below).
| Head and neck | Nasal disease Orbital swellings and masses Facial swellings and masses Head trauma Dental disease Middle/inner ear disease Skull masses BOAS assessment Neck swellings and masses |
| Thorax | Pleuritis Diaphragmatic disease Rib or sternal masses Pulmonary metastatic disease Mediastinal masses Unresolved pleural or mediastinal effusion Investigation of pneumomediastinum Unresolved or spontaneous pneumothorax Lung tumours Tracheobronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes Lung lobe torsion Alveolar and interstitial lung disease |
| Abdomen/Pelvis | Body wall masses Liver masses Portosystemic shunts Abdominal lymph nodes Abdominal masses of unknown origin Ectopic ureters/investigation of urinary incontinence Complicated or unresolved pancreatitis Pancreatic masses Insulinoma Adrenal masses Ureteral calculi Hydronephrosis Renal masses Retroperitoneal effusions or masses Intrapelvic masses |
| Musculoskeletal/Spine | Vertebral anomalies and malformations Discospondylitis Lumbosacral disease Pelvic and sacral fractures Tarsal osteochondrosis Bone tumours Elbow dysplasia Angular limb deformities |
| General | Any oncologic disease Metastatic screening/staging Suspect occult infections or neoplastic disease Draining sinus tracts Suspected foreign bodies |
Scottish Vet Referrals can offer this service as either part of a full referral to one of our clinicians or as a stand-alone service.
Imaging only referrals
For those vets requesting imaging only, we will liaise closely to determine the optimum protocol. This will include:
- Pre-anaesthetic blood testing when necessary
- Sedation/anaesthesia requirements
- Body area(s) to be scanned
- Use of contrast agent (with specific timings)
Images will be interpreted in-house. A second opinion will be acquired from a specialist veterinary teleradiology service if required. A written report will be provided in 1-4 days, or even sooner for urgent cases.
Ongoing management of these patients can then be the full responsibility of the referring veterinary practice.
Examples of Indications for CT Scanning
Head and Neck
Nasal disease
Orbital swellings and masses
Difficulties opening mouth
Facial swellings and masses
Head trauma
Dental disease
Ear disease
Skull masses
Stick injuries
Thyroid masses
Neck swellings
Interscapular fibrosarcoma
Brachial plexus tumours and avulsion injuries
Thorax
Pleuritis
Diaphragmatic disease
Rib masses
Sternal masses
Pulmonary metastatic disease
Mediastinal masses
Unresolved pleural effusion
Investigation of mediastinal effusion
Investigation of pneumomediastinum
Unresolved or spontaneous pneumothorax
Lung tumours
Tracheobronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes
Lung lobe torsion
Alveolar and interstitial lung disease
Pelvis
Body wall masses
Liver masses
Portosystemic shunts
Abdominal lymph nodes
Abdominal masses of unknown origin
Ectopic ureters
Complicated or unresolved pancreatitis
Pancreatic masses
Insulinoma
Adrenal masses
Ureteral calculi
Hydronephrosis
Renal masses
Retroperitoneal effusion or masses
Intrapelvic masses
Vertebral anomalies and malformations
Discospondylitis
Lumbosacral disease
Pelvic and sacral fractures
Tarsal osteochondrosis
Bone tumours
Elbow dysplasia
Angular limb deformities
General
Any oncologic disease
Metastatic screening
Suspect occult infectious or neoplastic disease
Draining sinus tracts
Suspected foreign bodies
What if my vet says that my pet needs a CT scan?
We are happy to accept CT only referrals as well as full referral cases. Speak to your vet if you would like to use our service and they can begin the referral process.
How long will the results take and how will I receive them?
The results of the scan are usually available after 3 or 4 days.
If a more urgent interpretation is required, this can be arranged.
The results will be sent back to the vet that referred your pet to us.
Generally, the images are interpreted by specialist veterinary radiologists although the referring vet may sometimes evaluate the images.
Health checks prior to the CT scan
In some cases prior to scanning your pet we will need to carry out some health checks such as blood testing.
This will be particularly important if your pet is unwell or we need to inject some contrast media to highlight certain areas of the body.
How to refer
All CT scans must be referred either through your own vets practice or through the referring vet who is in charge of your pet.
Better Health Care is Our Mission
Get in touch to talk to a member of our friendly team