There’s a vet joke that tells the story of a disbelieving pet owner who wants a 2nd opinion when he doesn’t believe what his vet is telling him. The vet retrieves the clinic cat, places it next to the owner’s pet and tells the owner the cat has confirmed the diagnosis. The owner is then presented with a large bill for a consultation and a CAT scan.

Detailed imaging of internal structures
A real CAT or CT scan is essentially a rotating x-ray machine that builds a 3D image of a patient using very clever computer software. CT stands for ‘Computered Tomography’ and allows incredibly detailed imaging of internal structures. Although traditionally we tend to think of xrays as being mostly useful for looking at bones, with the clever use of contrast agents CT scans not only produce 3D images of skeletal structures but can also provide details of the vascular system (arteries, heart, etc.) and softer tissues, and are often the best tool for highlighting internal tumours and growths. They can be incredibly useful when planning surgical procedures, as CT scans make it possible to use 3D printing to recreate a fracture or structural problem so surgery can be planned in advance. Special surgical repair plates can even be designed to the specific need of an individual patient.

In contrast, a traditional x-ray takes a 2D snapshot of a bone or anatomical area and, because of overlying structures, it can sometimes be hard to determine the extent of an abnormality or even highlight it effectively. Digital radiography made the process of taking, processing and storing images much easier than conventional radiography, but CT imaging advances the diagnostic capabilities of what we can do for our pets to a whole new level.

Technology available on your doorstep
We are extremely fortunate to be able to offer CT imaging at our vet practice in Cheltenham. CT scanners have traditionally only been available at expensive referral centres some distance from Cheltenham. Hopefully you won’t have the need to have your pet scanned by a CT machine, but rest assured the technology is now available on your doorstep.