So what is CT anyway?

CT is one of the most reliable and dependable imaging options available today and delivers fast results to expedite the treatment of your pets.

“CT or CAT (Computed Tomography and Computed Axial Tomography) is a non-invasive imaging technology that uses computer-processed x-rays to produce radiologic images of specific area(s) of the scanned object, allowing the user to see what is inside it without cutting it open. A CT produces a volume of data that can be manipulated in order to demonstrate various bodily structures based on their ability to block the x-ray beam. Although, historically, the images generated were in the axial or transverse plane, perpendicular to the long axis of the body, modern scanners allow this volume of data to be reformatted in various planes or even as volumetric (3D) representations of structures.”

Now that’s definitely more than a mouthful. T o simplify, basically a CT takes pictures (using x-rays) and these pictures allow the doctors to see what’s going on inside your pet.

Another way to visualize the process is to think of it like a loaf of bread. Each picture represents a slice of bread and the CT will show which “slice” has a problem. Where a x-ray only shows information in a 2D plane (similar to a picture or a drawing) a CT provides information to the doctor in three planes.

Additionally, with x-rays, you will get a certain degree of magnification, because it takes one picture (in a flat 2D plane), so there is no way of telling how far away or how deep “the problem” is because it is using just a flat view.

Alternatively, with a CT you gather much more information. Not only do you know which slice the problem area is on, but the information tells you how far left or right it is, as well as how deep within the patient it is (because of the 3 planes). In other words, you know exactly where the problem is located; adding in your doctors diagnosis.

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