Computed Tomography in Emergency Diagnostics

Computed tomography (CT) scans are a diagnostically valuable imaging method in small animal medicine.

When is computed tomography urgently indicated in dogs and cats?

If an animal is presented at the hospital after a previous trauma, we follow the New Orleans Criteria, which are mandatory in human medicine, to determine when a CT scan of the head and spine is strongly recommended.

These criteria are:

• Severe falls (window fall) or accidents
• Loss of consciousness (fainting)
• Pain in the head and spine after a trauma
• Neurological deficits (seizures, gait instability, etc.)
• Vomiting after a trauma

This imaging can be life-saving for your dog and cats!

 

Further indications for a CT scan in dogs and cats

Neurological disorders

• Brain tumors
• If your pet shows neurological symptoms such as seizures or Behavioral changes, a CT scan can help identify brain tumors or other anomalies.
• Herniated discs
• Sudden paralysis or severe Pain in the back area may indicate a herniated disc. A CT scan allows precise localization of the problem.
• Traumatic head injuries
• After accidents or falls, it is important to rule out internal injuries. The CT scan can detect Bleeding or fractures in the skull area.

Orthopedic problems

• Fractures and bone damage
• Complex fractures or small hairline fractures in the bones that are not visible on normal X-rays can be detected with a CT scan.
• Joint diseases
• For chronic joint problems or suspected osteoarthritis, the CT scan provides detailed images of the affected areas.

Bone tumors

• Early detection is crucial. A CT scan can detect tumors in the bones early and determine their extent.
• Oncological diagnostics
• Staging (determination of the stage of a disease) of cancers. The CT scan helps to determine the stage of a cancer and determine whether it has spread.
• Assessment of metastases
• It enables the detection of metastases in organs such as the lungs, liver, or lymph nodes.

Respiratory diseases

• Nasal diseases
• Chronic nasal discharge or breathing problems may indicate tumors or foreign bodies in the nasal passages, which can be visualized using CT.

Lung diseases

• If Pneumonia, tumors, or other lung diseases are suspected, the CT scan provides detailed images.

Cardiovascular problems

• Congenital heart defects
• The CT scan can detect structural abnormalities of the heart that are difficult to diagnose with other methods.
• Vascular anomalies
• Abnormal blood vessels or aneurysms can be detected early.

Abdominal diseases

• Liver and spleen tumors
• Tumors or cysts in the liver and spleen can be precisely localized and assessed.
• Kidney and bladder diseases
• Stones, tumors, or congenital defects in the kidneys and bladder are made visible by CT.

Trauma and Emergencies

• Internal injuries
• After trauma, the CT scan is helpful in detecting internal Bleeding or organ injuries.

Foreign body localization

• If your pet has swallowed a foreign body, the CT scan can determine its position.

 

What else is worth knowing about a CT scan in dogs and cats

Preparation for the CT scan

The animal must remain still for clear imaging. Therefore, sedation or light anesthesia is usually necessary. A contrast agent can be injected to make certain structures more visible. This increases the diagnostic accuracy.

Risks and side effects

The radiation exposure is higher than with a normal X-ray, but is kept as low as possible and is generally harmless.

Reactions to contrast agents are rare, but can occur.

Alternatives to CT

MRI is particularly good for imaging soft tissues, but takes longer and is often more expensive.

Ultrasound, as a non-invasive procedure, is ideal for examining abdominal organs, but with limited depth.

X-ray is good for the initial examination but offers less detail than CT.

 

Conclusion

Computed tomography is a valuable diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine, especially for complex or difficult-to-diagnose diseases. If there are signs that indicate serious health problems, a CT scan could be the key to the correct diagnosis and treatment.

 

FAQs

• Is a CT scan safe for my pet?

Yes, CT is safe. Radiation exposure is minimized, and the procedure is performed by experienced personnel.

• How long does a CT scan take?

The actual recording only takes a few minutes. However, with preparation and the wake-up phase, the entire process can take up to an hour.

• Does my pet need anesthesia for the CT?

In most cases, yes, to avoid movement and obtain optimal images.

• How do I prepare my pet for the CT?

Your veterinarian will instruct you. Often the animal must be fasting, and special medications may be necessary.

• How much does a CT scan cost for animals?

The costs vary but are typically between EUR 500 and 1,500, depending on various factors.