Cy-Fair Animal Hospital takes pride in its technological leadership, offering state-of-the-art CT (computed tomography) services at our Louetta location. Utilizing cone-beam technology and a board that accommodates dogs weighing up to approximately 96 pounds, we extend our CT services to our clients and other veterinary hospitals. The thought of a vet ordering a CT scan can be unsettling. However, understanding what a CT scan entails and how it functions can help you and your pet prepare for the experience.
Why are CT scans ordered for pets?
Our vets or referral vets prescribe these scans for various reasons. A CT scan may be needed to rule out a serious issue or confirm a course of treatment. CT scans provide a more intricate internal view than X-rays, particularly of the soft organs. More commonly, they are used to identify various types of masses or assess bone conditions. Nevertheless, our CT machine has an extensive range of capabilities.
Our CT machine uses cone beam technology to examine every tissue in the body, facilitating the detection of cancerous masses and even enabling the investigation of brain abnormalities in pets with seizures. It can also aid in assessing joint damage, vascular obstructions, changes in abdominal tissue, and embolisms or thrombi in the lungs or heart.
How to prepare for a pet CT scan:
First and foremost, expect a thorough conversation regarding what a CT scan entails and why it has been ordered. Even if you were referred to us for the scan from another pet hospital it is essential for pet parents to clearly understand to ensure both themselves and their pets are at ease. We recommend scheduling CT scans in advance because the patient will need to undergo fasting and be dropped off. Additionally, pets will need blood work before the scan to ensure compatibility with the anesthesia and contrast media used during the procedure.
What to expect:
Your veterinarian will instruct you to withhold food from your pet at around 10 p.m. the evening before the scan. Fasting is necessary to minimize the risk of aspiration during anesthesia. In addition to blood work, an IV catheter will be placed in the animal to provide access to their veins for the contrast injection and necessary fluid therapy resulting from the contrast administration
The contrast media is injected into the animal’s veins, allowing for the creation of a highly detailed 3D rendering. This rendering enables the identification of abnormalities, whether in bone, soft tissue, vessels, masses, tendons, or even the ligaments.
After the procedure, our staff will call you so you can pick up your pet.
When should I expect the results?
Once the scan is complete, we request that our in-house and referral clients allow a 72-hour turnaround time for results. However, we can expedite the process in emergencies and provide results in less than 24 hours.
At Cy-Fair Animal Hospital, we are excited to provide the community with a valuable service that can improve and sometimes extend our pet patients’ lives.