If your dog or cat has an X-ray (radiograph) or CT scan coming up, you might be wondering what will happen during the appointment and how you can prepare. In today's article, our Oakland vets explain what you can expect from routine diagnostic imaging tests for dog and cats.
CT Scans & X-rays for Dogs & Cats
Computed tomographic imaging is also referred to as a CT or cat scan. When this diagnostic imaging test is done for dogs or cats, multiple individual images or of a region of interest in the body are captured through the use of radiation (X-rays) and a computer.
Think of the images produced by a CT scanner as individual slices of bread that make up a complete loaf. The CT machine produces two-dimensional slices of a section of your pet's anatomy, then reconfigures them into a complete image that a veterinary specialist can review and interpret. These slices can also be used to create three-dimensional reconstructions, which can be extremely useful for surgical planning.
An X-ray is a quick diagnostic test that captures images of your pet's internal structures, especially bones. X-rays pass through your cat or dog's body and are absorbed in different volumes based on the density of the material through which they must pass.
What can my dog or cat's X-rays and CT scans help vets see?
X-rays penetrate tissues and show your pet's internal structures. Both X-rays and visible light rays are types of electromagnetic energy carried in waves by photons. X-rays have higher energy and a shorter wavelength than visible light. An X-ray beam produces energy that's absorbed by many hard materials or by mineralized tissues in your pet's body, like teeth or bones. Though soft tissues like the kidneys and liver absorb some X-rays, air does not absorb any X-rays. Lead will completely absorb all X-rays. This diagnostic test is most useful for viewing solid tissues and areas of the body that have contrasting tissue densities.
For example, when a dog's leg is X-rayed, the bones will almost fully absorb the X-rays, while ligaments and muscles will absorb varying amounts of X-rays. The resulting image will be one of white bones, black air surrounding the leg, and many shades of gray representing the tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Areas that contain air or fluid will not absorb much, if any of the X-ray photos and will appear black or dark gray on the image. The heart's silhouette can also be easily seen on an X-ray, as can large blood vessels within the lungs. However, the lungs themselves are mostly filled with air and have a soft density, so absorb very few X-rays.
What health conditions in dogs and cats can be diagnosed with an X-ray?
X-rays are a useful and widely used diagnostic tool in human and veterinary healthcare. This diagnostic test can help a vet identify problems like broken bones, an enlarged heart, bladder stones, the source of your pet's back pain, swallowed foreign objects, and more.
Veterinarians can also detect certain tumors and enlarged organs with X-rays, which may lead to a diagnosis of heart disease or cancer. However, X-rays cannot give us a detailed view of tissues, ligaments, or organs. In these cases, other diagnostic imaging technologies like MRI and ultrasound are more useful. While veterinarians will use X-ray technology to determine a dog's pregnancy in some cases, they may also opt for other forms of imaging, such as ultrasound, depending on the circumstances.
An ultrasound can also be used to detect cysts, abscesses, and fluids, and evaluate organs like the kidneys, heart, bladder, liver, and gallbladder.
The high-resolution images produced by the CT machine allow us to assess your pet's anatomy in greater detail that we would not have access to with standard X-rays. CT scanners produce detailed images of bones and soft tissue structures throughout the body.
How can I prepare for my dog or cat's X-ray or CT scan appointment?
When an animal is brought in to see the vet about a problem, an X-ray and CT scan are frequently performed. Therefore, no preparation is required. Your veterinarian will examine your pet, and if an X-ray or CT is necessary, they will take the time to explain the procedure and what they will look for.
If your pet's X-ray or CT scan has been scheduled ahead of time, your veterinarian will provide you with all of the necessary instructions for the procedure day.
Will my dog or cat be sedated when they have their X-ray or CT scan?
Sedation is sometimes necessary to obtain a clear X-ray. Sedation is not required if your dog or cat is calm, not in pain, and can lie down in a comfortable position while the X-ray or CT scan is performed.
However, if your dog or cat is squirmy, agitated, or in pain, sedation will be recommended. Sedation may also be used during your pet's X-ray or scan if the muscles of the dog or cat need to be relaxed in order to obtain a clear image, or if the X-ray is being used on the skull, teeth, or spine.
A CT scan is an extremely safe procedure for dogs and cats. CT scans, like X-rays, use ionizing radiation, but in low doses that are safe for pets. Your pet will need general anesthesia because he or she must remain still during the CT scan.
Are X-rays and CT scans safe for dogs and cats?
While X-rays and CT scanners are generally thought to be safe for dogs and cats, they involve radiation, so they are only used occasionally as diagnostic tools.
If you are concerned about how the use of X-ray or CT scanner technology may affect your dog's or cat's health, consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will be able to explain the risks and benefits in your dog's and cat's specific cases, allowing you to decide whether to have an X-ray or CT scan.
How much will my dog or cat's X-rays or CT scans cost?
The cost of X-rays for your dog or cat will be determined by a variety of factors, including your pet's size, the area being X-rayed, whether sedation was used, the type of clinic, and where your veterinary clinic is located, among others. If you're concerned about the cost of X-rays for your cat or dog, ask your veterinarian for an estimate before proceeding.
Note: While East Bay Veterinary Clinic offers veterinary X-rays, this hospital does not offer veterinary CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds. The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.