At the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, computed tomography (CT) examinations are performed by veterinarians specialised in imaging and radiographers. Computed tomography applies X-ray technology, exposing patients to X-radiation during scanning. Computed tomography helps to produce accurate images of the object in the form of slices, making it possible to construct three-dimensional models of the object.
The Veterinary Teaching Hospital has a rapid-functioning 64-slice CT scanner. Among the most common scanning objects are the skeletal system and joints, such as elbow and shoulder joints, the ears, the nasal cavity and the thoracic cavity. Computed tomography is also used to study liver vascularisation and developmental disorders associated with the urinary organs, as well as to assess the extent of cancer.
Certain scans are contrast enhanced, in which case the animal’s renal values are measured from a blood sample before scanning. Most CT examinations are performed with the animal under sedation or anaesthesia. When necessary, small patients with breathing difficulties can be scanned awake in a transparent container specifically designed for this purpose. Furthermore, due to the quickness of the scan, trauma patients in poor health can be scanned awake or under only a very light sedation.