Contrast Tomography (CT)

• A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed pictures of the body. It is very fast and can image every body structure simultaneously, including bone, blood vessels and soft tissue.
• CT scanning equipment consists of a large gantry (a supporting structure) with a circular hole. Inside the gantry is a rotating ring that carries the X-ray machine and X-ray detectors. An attached table slides the cat into the machine.
• Multiple X-ray projections are taken in thin slices along your cat’s body (like a sliced loaf of bread). The detectors send this information to a special computer, which combines it into an image.
• The CT scan is also known as a computed axial tomography (CAT) scan (enter feline joke here!).

No, it isn’t. A CT scan is a non-invasive, painless procedure. It is performed with cats under heavy sedation or anaesthesia to keep them still.

CT scans are commonly recommended for:

• Assessment of a body part’s structure or shape
• Screening for disease, particularly cancer
• Diagnosis of trauma or injury
• Diagnosis of vascular disease
• An aid to planning a difficult surgery
• To aid interventional procedures such as biopsy or needle aspiration inside the body

• Generally, the cat is admitted to the hospital either after your initial consultation or on another suitable day.
• Your cat will likely receive light sedation and have an intravenous catheter placed. Once the catheter is in place, your cat will either be anaesthetised or heavily sedated. This is not because the procedure is painful; it is just because we need your cat to be still, and the machine makes a lot of noise.
• They are moved to the scanner table, and our radiographer may use straps and foam pillows to position their body to help them stay still.
• The table slides into the circular hole in the machine.
• Depending on the body part and the condition being investigated, several images may be taken as the table moves in and out.
• The ring inside the gantry moves in a circle around your cat as it takes the X-ray images. Each revolution (turning) of the ring takes less than a second and there may be a number of revolutions depending on the examination. This is where ensuring your cat is not moving is very important, as movement will blur the images.
• Depending on the type of medical investigation, the CT scan may take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour or more.
• Once the CT is completed, we will phone you with the results and discuss if any further procedures are required.

The CT scan is a very safe procedure. The contrast agent may trigger an allergic reaction in susceptible patients very infrequently, but this is very rare in cats.