Computed Tomography (CT) in Small Animal Practice
Advanced Imaging Services at Southwater Veterinary Group
Computed tomography is an advanced cross-sectional imaging modality that provides high-resolution imaging. CT offers superior spatial resolution compared with conventional radiography and enables accurate anatomical localisation, lesion characterisation, and surgical planning.
CT studies at Southwater Veterinary Group are performed under general anaesthesia or deep sedation, with contrast-enhanced protocols employed where clinically indicated.
Indications for CT in Dogs and Cats
Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Disease
- Complex fractures: pelvic and orofacial fracture planning
- Elbow dysplasia (including fragmented medial coronoid process and incongruity) and IOHC lesions
- Shoulder pathology (e.g. OCD, mineralised tendinopathy)
Oncology
- Tumour assessment: real size and invasion
- Investigation of cavitary neoplasms
- Staging and assessment for metastatic disease
- Surgical planning
ENT and Neurological Imaging
- Nasal disease
- Sinonasal and cranial neoplasia
- Otitis media/interna and tympanic bulla assessment
- Vertebral and spinal canal abnormalities, including IVDD
Thoracic and Abdominal Imaging
- Pulmonary nodules and diffuse lung disease, mediastinal masses
- Complex abdominal masses and lymph-node metastasis
- Portosystemic shunts and vascular anomalies
- Urinary tract pathology
Benefits of CT Imaging
- Rapid image acquisition
- Superior spatial resolution
- Multiplanar and three-dimensional reconstructions
- Improved lesion localisation and characterisation
- Enhanced surgical and oncological planning
- Reduced diagnostic uncertainty in complex cases
Referral and Reporting
We are happy to accept:
- Imaging-only referrals
- Imaging combined with surgical or oncological consultation
- Second-opinion and complex diagnostic cases
