Computed Tomography in Emergency Diagnostics

Computed tomography (CT)Computed tomography (CT) is an imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer technology to create cross-sectional images of the body. It enables a detailed view of bones, organs, and other structures and is used for the diagnosis of injuries, diseases, and for planning medical interventions. 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 traumaA trauma refers to a physical injury or damage caused by external force. Traumas can range from simple cuts to severe multiple injuries., 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 traumaA trauma refers to a physical injury or damage caused by external force. Traumas can range from simple cuts to severe multiple injuries.
• Neurological deficits (seizures, gait instability, etc.)
• Vomiting after a traumaA trauma refers to a physical injury or damage caused by external force. Traumas can range from simple cuts to severe multiple injuries.

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 paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system. 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 chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. joint problems or suspected osteoarthritis, the CT scan provides detailed images of the affected areas.

Bone tumorsBone tumors are growths of tissue in the bone that can be benign or malignant. Malignant bone tumors are known as bone cancer and can originate in the bone tissue itself or spread from other parts of the body (metastasis).

• Early detection is crucial. A CT scan can detect tumors in the bones early and determine their extent.
• Oncological diagnostics
• StagingStaging is the process of determining the extent of a disease’s spread, especially in cancer. It helps classify the severity of the condition and plan an appropriate treatment strategy. (determination of the stage of a disease) of cancers. The CT scan helps to determine the stage of a cancerCancer refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to tumors or spread throughout the body. Various types of cancer occur in dogs and cats, ranging from skin cancer to lymphomas. and determine whether it has spread.
• Assessment of metastasesA metastasis is a secondary tumor that originates from a primary, malignant tumor in another part of the body. Metastases indicate that cancer has spread in the body.
• It enables the detection of metastasesA metastasis is a secondary tumor that originates from a primary, malignant tumor in another part of the body. Metastases indicate that cancer has spread in the body. in organs such as the lungs, liver, or lymph nodes.

RespiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. diseases

• NasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. diseases
• ChronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. discharge or breathing problems may indicate tumors or foreign bodies in the nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. 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

• CongenitalCongenital means “present from birth” and refers to characteristics or conditions that are already present at birth. This can include genetic disorders, developmental anomalies, or infections transmitted by the mother. 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.

AbdominalThe term “abdominal” refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. 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 congenitalCongenital means “present from birth” and refers to characteristics or conditions that are already present at birth. This can include genetic disorders, developmental anomalies, or infections transmitted by the mother. defects in the kidneys and bladder are made visible by CT.

TraumaA trauma refers to a physical injury or damage caused by external force. Traumas can range from simple cuts to severe multiple injuries. and Emergencies

• Internal injuries
• After traumaA trauma refers to a physical injury or damage caused by external force. Traumas can range from simple cuts to severe multiple injuries., 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, sedationSedation refers to the state of calming or suppressing the central nervous system with medication, which reduces anxiety and irritability and sometimes induces a light sleep. 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 exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats. is higher than with a normal X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions., 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.

UltrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow., as a non-invasive procedure, is ideal for examining abdominalThe term “abdominal” refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. organs, but with limited depth.

X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions. is good for the initialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. 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 diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment.

 

FAQs

• Is a CT scan safe for my pet?

Yes, CT is safe. Radiation exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats. 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.