CT Scan
Computed Tomography (CT) scan or Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scan

Valley Farm Animal Hospital is fortunate to have access to the CT scanning facility at Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital on an appointment basis, thus complementing our in-house diagnostic modalities.

CT scans are very useful in that we are able to create 2 and 3-D images of soft tissues of the body (lung, heart, blood vessels, abdominal organs, etc). These images are particularly useful in demarcating cancerous growths in areas such as the nasal passages, mouth, chest and abdomen, and we use them to visualise very small defects in joints e.g. elbow fragmented medial coronoid process (FMCP).

A CT scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures within the body but, unlike conventional X-rays, these X-ray beams are passed through the patient in the same location from a variety of angles, to give a 3D image of the area.

The X-ray data produced is manipulated by a computer, producing images (slices). The area of interest is shown in various shades of grey. Tissues of similar density can be distinguished, whereas they would appear the same on conventional radiographs. Any area of the body can be scanned by CT. A radio-opaque dye may need to be used for some structures, to enhance contrast between tissues. Although CT scans are a non-invasive method of visualising structures in the body, patients need to remain still during the examination, so are either sedated or anaesthetised.

CT Scan of a dog with a nasal tumour. Air-filled (black) nasal cavity on left and tumour (white) on the right.