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CT scans and MRI scans have revolutionised veterinary medicine. These non-invasive procedures provide detailed images of the internal structures, aiding veterinarians in making accurate diagnoses and developing appropriate treatment plans.

It was natural to be concerned and curious about the MRI scan and CT scan process, so it is helpful to know what to expect, so you can properly prepare your pet for the assessment.

What are CT and MRI Scans, and what are the differences?

CT (Computed Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans are advanced imaging techniques used to visualise the internal structures of the body. While they serve a similar purpose, they differ in the technology used to create the images. CT scans use X-rays and computer processing to generate cross-sectional images, whereas MRI scans use powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images. They are used in a number of veterinary medicinal areas such as oncology, cardiology and orthopaedics.

Before the scan

Before the scan, you will receive specific instructions from the veterinary clinic. These instructions will vary in accordance with what the vet is looking out for to give your pet a diagnosis. Instructions should include fasting requirements, restrictions on medication intake, and removal of any metal objects such as collars. It is important to follow these guidelines to ensure the best possible results from the scan.

MRI Sedation and Anaesthesia

In some cases, your beloved pet may require sedation or anaesthesia to keep them calm and still during the scanning process. This is particularly important for MRI scans, as the procedure can take a good amount of time. Veterinarians will assess the pet's temperament and health condition to determine if sedation or anaesthesia is necessary.

The CT Scan Procedure

During a CT scan, the pet is placed on a table that moves through a circular opening. X-ray beams are projected through the body from various angles, and detectors on the opposite side measure the amount of radiation absorbed. A computer then processes the data and generates detailed cross-sectional images, providing valuable information about the internal structures.

The MRI Scan Procedure

MRI scans require the pet to lie on a table that moves into a cylindrical machine. The machine uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's structures. The procedure is quite noisy, so to minimise stress and movement, pets are usually placed under anaesthesia, as mentioned above. Your pet's safety will be monitored closely whilst under anaesthesia throughout the procedure.

All finished and time to go home

Once the scanning procedure is complete and your brave pet has come around after the anaesthesia, the veterinarian will review the images and interpret the findings. The results will help determine the presence of any abnormalities, such as tumours, fractures, or organ dysfunction.

As pet owners, we always strive to ensure the well-being of our furry friends. Dogs and cats, like humans, can experience health issues that may require advanced diagnostic techniques for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

When it comes to diagnostic imaging for pets, CT scans and MRI scans are two of the most commonly used techniques. Both of these imaging techniques are used to diagnose and monitor various medical conditions in dogs and cats. However, there are some key differences between the two, and understanding these differences is important in determining which scan is best suited for your pet's specific needs. Our experienced veterinarian will advise you on the best course of action for your pet, however, below is a simple guide about CT scans and MRI scans, the differences between the two, and what each one is used for.

CT Scans

CT (Computed Tomography) scans use X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of your pet's body. In a CT scan, the pet lies on a table that moves through a doughnut-shaped scanner. The scanner takes multiple X-ray images from different angles, and a computer combines these images to create detailed 3D images of the pet's body.

CT scans are particularly useful for diagnosing and monitoring conditions that affect the bones, such as fractures, arthritis, and cancer. CT scans are also commonly used to diagnose and monitor lung and abdominal conditions. This gives our vets the opportunity to make informed diagnoses and advise on the best course of action going forward.

MRI Scans

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans use a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your pet's internal organs and soft tissues. In an MRI scan, the pet lies on a table that slides into a tube-shaped scanner. The scanner uses a magnetic field to align the hydrogen atoms in the pet's body and then sends radio waves to stimulate the atoms. The atoms emit signals that are picked up by the scanner and used to create detailed 3D images of the pet's body.

MRI scans are particularly useful for diagnosing and monitoring conditions that affect soft tissues, such as the brain, spinal cord, and joints. MRI scans are also commonly used to diagnose and monitor heart and abdominal conditions. These may sound like concerning things for us to be watching out for, however, you can rest assured that our experienced vets will do their utmost to keep your pet comfortable, whilst keeping you informed.

Comparing CT Scans and MRI Scans

CT scans and MRI scans are both highly effective imaging techniques, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. CT scans are best suited for diagnosing and monitoring bone and lung conditions, while MRI scans are best suited for diagnosing and monitoring soft tissue conditions, the early detection of a problem of either is pivotal to the health and well-being of your pet going forward.

CT scans are typically faster and less expensive than MRI scans, but they expose your pet to ionizing radiation. This can be a concern if your pet needs to undergo multiple scans or if your pet is already at risk for cancer. MRI scans do not use ionizing radiation, making them safer for your pet, but they are typically more expensive and take longer to perform.

Our veterinarians are animal lovers and when you book any scan with us, we assure you they will be treated as one of our own so that your pet can be diagnosed and treated quickly and efficiently, allowing you both to enjoy life.

For the past few decades, pet care has transformed and grown alongside human health care. Now, just about any scan, treatment, or diagnosis technology available for people is also available to our beloved pets. One of the very best diagnostic tools available to vets is CT scans. Just like in humans, CT scans can help see inside a pet's body and diagnose many problems and conditions. Of course, a CT scan does come with a cost. So while pet owners want the best for their animals, they have questions about this process. As Ireland's best PET CT scan business, we often get questions on this scan. To make this information more accessible to pet owners nationwide, we have compiled some common questions and added comprehensive answers below.

What are pet CT Scans?

So, PET-CT scans are a type of medical imaging test that combines two different imaging technologies - positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT). PET is a nuclear medicine imaging technique that uses a small amount of radioactive material (known as a radiotracer) to produce images of the body's metabolic and functional activity. Conversely, CT is a type of X-ray imaging that creates detailed pictures of the body's anatomy.

Combined with these two techniques, the result is a potent imaging tool that can provide functional and anatomical information about the body. PET-CT scans are commonly used in diagnosing and staging cancer, as well as in evaluating other diseases and conditions such as heart disease, neurological disorders, and infections.

During a PET-CT scan, the patient will lie on a table that slides into the PET-CT scanner. The scanner will then take a series of images, which a computer will process to create detailed 3D images of the body. The radiotracer used in the PET part of the scan is typically injected into a vein in the arm, and the patient will need to wait for some time (usually around an hour) to allow the radiotracer to accumulate in the body's tissues.

Overall, PET-CT scans are a handy tool in modern medicine, allowing vets to get a complete picture of what's happening inside the body and helping to guide treatment decisions.

How is a pet CT scan used to diagnose animal health issues?

PET-CT scans can also be used to diagnose health issues in animals, just as they are used in humans. The basic process for performing a PET-CT scan on an animal is similar to that used on humans.

During a PET-CT scan on an animal, the animal will lie on a table and be injected with a radiotracer, just as a human patient would be. The scanner will then take images of the animal's body, which a computer will process to create 3D images that can be used to diagnose health issues.

One of the main applications of PET-CT scans in veterinary medicine is diagnosing and staging cancer. Just as in humans, PET-CT scans can be used to detect cancerous tumours and to determine the extent of their spread throughout the body. This information can be beneficial in guiding treatment decisions.

PET-CT scans can also be used in veterinary medicine to diagnose other health issues, such as neurological disorders, infections, and inflammatory diseases. The functional and anatomical information provided by the scan's PET and CT components can help veterinarians better understand what's happening inside an animal's body and develop effective treatment plans.

Overall, PET-CT scans are a valuable tool in veterinary medicine, allowing veterinarians to diagnose and treat various animal health issues.

How much does a pet-CT scan cost?

The cost of a PET-CT scan can vary depending on many factors, including the specific facility where the scan is performed, the region of the country, and the reason for the scan.

PET-CT scans tend to be more expensive than other types of medical imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, due to the complex and specialised nature of the technology involved. In some cases, the cost of a PET-CT scan may be covered by medical insurance, but this will depend on the individual's insurance policy and the reason for the scan.

If you need to know the cost of a PET-CT scan in Ireland, please get in touch with our clinic today. We'll be able to organise a price based on your specific requirements.

How do you keep an animal still for a Pet-CT scan?

Keeping an animal still during a PET-CT scan can be challenging, as animals are often naturally anxious or uncomfortable in unfamiliar environments. However, a few different techniques can be used to help keep the animal calm and still during the scan.

One of the most common methods for keeping an animal still during a PET-CT scan is sedation or anaesthesia. This is often necessary for animals that are very anxious or aggressive or for scans that require the animal to be completely still for an extended period. A trained veterinarian will administer the sedation or anaesthesia, and the animal will be closely monitored throughout the scan to ensure their safety.

Another technique for keeping an animal still during a PET-CT scan is to use physical restraints. This might involve using a specialised harness or another device to keep the animal in place during the scan. The animal's head might also be immobilised using a padded device to ensure the images are as clear as possible.

In some cases, the animal's natural inclination to stay still and remain calm may be enough to allow for a successful scan. Trained veterinary technicians or handlers can help keep the animal relaxed and comfortable throughout the process, using treats, gentle touches, and other positive reinforcement techniques to encourage the animal to stay still.

Overall, keeping an animal still during a PET-CT scan requires specialised training, experience, and patience. Veterinary professionals specialising in imaging and diagnostic testing are well-equipped to handle the unique challenges of scanning animals and will take every measure possible to ensure the safety and comfort of the animal throughout the process.

The above FAQs are by no means a complete list. You will likely have specific questions about your pet's temperament, species or breed. Our Pet CT scan experts will be more than happy to answer any of these questions. Please call our clinic today.