CT

Multiple areas of application for CT

CT is an effective method for quickly and accurately mapping or diagnosing various diseases and injuries. Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CT complement each other in some cases; therefore, several of these methods may be used during an examination.

A CT scan may be necessary for various conditions, such as trauma, skeletal and joint injuries, and nasal cavity problems. It can also be used to examine the neck, chest, and abdomen for tumors, infections, and chronic diseases.

How an CT scan is done

In computed tomography (CT), an X-ray tube rotates around the patient's body to create a 3D image of the inside of the body. 

For small animals

When performing a CT scan on small animals, such as dogs and cats, it is important that the animal lies completely still. Therefore, sedation is given to small animals, which are monitored by staff at the animal hospital throughout the examination. The examination takes about 45 minutes, including the time it takes for the patient to fall asleep and wake up. During this time, pet owners are not allowed to be in the room with their animals.

For horses

SLU University Animal Hospital is one of the few places in Sweden that offers CT examinations of horses.

CT scans of horses can be performed on the horse's skull, the front part of the neck and the lower part of the legs. The size of the camera opening, which is 78 cm in diameter, is the limitation for what can be examined. In cases of fractures, a CT scan can be helpful in determining the prognosis and planning surgery for different types of fractures. In smaller individuals such as ponies and foals, more areas can be examined and CT is a good diagnostic tool for, as example, identifying infection in the skeleton of a foal.

Horses must always be anesthetized before a CT scan. This is done at our Equine Surgery Department. Once the horse is anesthetized, it is later taken to the examination room. The examination itself does not take long once the horse is in place. After the examination is complete, the horse is transported back to the Surgery Department either to wake up or for surgical intervention.

Book an appointment 

In order to book an appointment for an CT scan, we need a referral from your veterinarian that tells us how long your animal has had problems, what was found during the clinical examination, what type of examination is needed, and what the examining veterinarian has questions about. A radiologist reviews the referral before we contact you to book an appointment. We have direct contact with your veterinarian to discuss the case, so referrals must be sent to us via your veterinarian.

You can also contact our diagnostic imaging unit and book an appointment by phone or email. Payment is made at our Small Animal Clinic's reception or our Horse Clinic's reception before you leave the animal hospital. 

CT scans are not always covered by insurance companies. Always ask your referring veterinarian to speak to your insurance company before the examination to make sure that the insurance covers the examination cost. The answer always goes to the referring veterinarian. It takes about a week for the answer to be final.