Computed Tomography (CT) utilizes rotating x-rays around a patient to make cross-sectional images and is an extremely rapid imaging modality. Computed Tomography is an important part of imaging at the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center.
Patients must be absolutely still during the CT imaging process, so general anesthesia (or sometimes heavy sedation in small animal patients) is utilized along with various foam positioning devices to assure proper patient positioning. Many patients that undergo a CT examination also receive intravenous contrast which acts as a “dye” to highlight blood vessels and the vascularity of tissues.
Computed tomography not only aids in the diagnosis of disease and patient prognostics, but it is also used as a tool in the planning of the patient’s treatment options.