Computed Tomography (CT)

Computed Tomography or CT is another important part of our diagnostic imaging arsenal.

Alphavet has a state-of-the-art multidetector-row CT scanner with the capability of scanning small animal. CT uses x-rays to create a cross-sectional image of all tissue types of the body region scanned.

This is achieved by imaging thin slices of the patient, similar to slicing a loaf of bread. This form of imaging, tomography, provides the radiologist much more information about the patient than conventional radiography by eliminating the superimposition of structures that often complicates interpretation of radiographic studies.

The computed tomography service currently provides CT examinations of skull, spine, thoracic, abdominal and musculoskeletal systems, and CT angiography. CT guided biopsies are offered only to in-patients. This CT scanner allows for rapid acquisition of cross-sectional images. This significantly decreases the time to complete a scan and therefore duration of anesthesia and also provides images with superb resolution. In conjunction with the latest computer software multi-slice CT permits evaluation of blood flow within the body and dynamic assessment tumor perfusion.
Procedure Veterinary patients must be anesthetized for CT, since they must remain absolutely still during the treatment. The duration of anesthesia is generally short (30 minutes to one hour), and the patient is monitored using sophisticated equipment including electrocardiogram, blood pressure and respiratory indices. Modern anesthesia drugs allow for quick onset of and recovery from anesthesia. Under direct supervision by an anesthesiologist who select the drugs and administration protocol according to each patient’s individual requirements. Most cases require injection of iodinated contrast agents.