Pet CT Scans

A CT scan is recommended when your veterinarian needs a more detailed view of your pet’s internal structures than what X-rays or ultrasound can provide. It’s especially helpful for diagnosing complex or hard-to-see conditions. Common reasons we recommend a CT scan include:

• Neurological symptoms – To investigate seizures, balance issues, or sudden behavioral changes (e.g., brain tumors, inflammation, or trauma).
• Orthopedic conditions – For complex fractures, joint issues, or bone tumors that aren’t clearly visible on X-rays.
• Cancer detection and staging – To locate tumors, measure their size, and determine if cancer has spread.
• Chronic nasal or sinus problems – Such as ongoing discharge, sneezing, or difficulty breathing; can help diagnose nasal tumors, infections, or polyps.
• Dental and jaw concerns – For facial swelling, jaw pain, or suspected dental abscesses affecting deeper structures.
• Lung and chest issues – Including suspected pneumonia, fluid buildup, or masses in the lungs or chest cavity.
• Abdominal concerns – Such as persistent vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or internal bleeding; helps evaluate organs and detect tumors or blockages.

A CT (computed tomography) scan gives your veterinarian a much more detailed view of your pet’s body than standard X-rays or ultrasound. It’s a powerful diagnostic tool that can:

• Detect issues earlier and more accurately – CT scans can identify problems that are hidden or unclear on other imaging tests.
• Improve treatment planning – Detailed 3D images help veterinarians pinpoint the size, location, and extent of disease or injury, which is essential for surgery, cancer treatment, or ongoing medical care.
• Reduce the need for exploratory procedures – A CT scan can sometimes eliminate the need for more invasive diagnostics.
• Support faster diagnosis – With high-resolution imaging and advanced software, we can often reach a diagnosis more quickly, helping you move forward with treatment sooner.
• Aid in second opinions or complex cases – CT imaging offers clarity in challenging or unclear situations, providing valuable insight for decision-making.

CT scans are non-invasive, quick, and performed safely under anesthesia by our trained medical team. The information they provide can make a major difference in your pet’s care and outcome.

Your pet’s comfort and safety are our top priorities throughout the CT scan process. Here’s what the experience typically looks like:

• Pre-scan evaluation
  Before the scan, your pet will have a physical exam and, if needed, pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure they’re healthy enough for anesthesia.
• Anesthesia for comfort and precision
  To keep your pet completely still and stress-free during the scan, we use general anesthesia. This allows us to capture clear, high-quality images in just a few minutes. Your pet is carefully monitored the entire time by trained veterinary professionals using advanced monitoring equipment.
• Use of contrast dye (if needed)
  In some cases, we may use an injectable contrast dye to highlight blood vessels or soft tissue structures.
• Scan and quality check
  Once the scan is complete, the MCAH doctor will do a preliminary review of the images right away to confirm that we’ve captured everything needed before your pet begins recovery.
• Safe recovery and same-day discharge
  After the scan, your pet will be moved to a recovery area where they are closely monitored as they wake up. All pets go home the same day—once they’re fully awake, stable, and comfortable.
• Specialist review and results
  All CT images are submitted to a board-certified veterinary radiologist for official interpretation. A full report is typically available within 24 hours.
• Follow-up and next steps
• Referral patients: We send the images and radiologist’s report directly to your primary care veterinarian for continued care.
• MCAH patients: Your MCAH doctor will go over the results with you and discuss treatment options or next steps in person or by phone.

Yes—CT scans are considered very safe for pets when performed by trained veterinary professionals. At Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, we take every precaution to ensure your pet’s comfort and well-being throughout the process.

Here’s what makes the procedure safe:

• Anesthesia monitoring – Because pets need to remain completely still for the scan, we use general anesthesia. Our medical team is highly experienced in anesthetic protocols and uses advanced monitoring equipment to keep your pet safe before, during, and after the procedure.
• Minimally invasive – CT scans are non-invasive, meaning no surgery or incisions are involved. In some cases, an injectable contrast dye is used to highlight certain structures, which is done safely under medical supervision.
• Short procedure time – Most scans take only a few minutes, minimizing anesthetic time and reducing risk.
• Thorough post-anesthesia care – After the scan, your pet is carefully monitored in our recovery area until they are fully awake and stable. All pets go home the same day.

If your pet has specific health concerns that might affect anesthesia safety, we’ll discuss those with you ahead of time and may recommend additional pre-scan testing.

Yes—pets need to be under general anesthesia during a CT scan. This ensures your pet stays completely still during the procedure, which is essential for capturing clear, high-quality images.

Unlike people, pets can’t be instructed to hold still or hold their breath, and even small movements can blur the images. Anesthesia allows us to:

• Keep your pet comfortable and stress-free
• Prevent movement that could affect image quality
• Complete the scan quickly and safely (most scans take just a few minutes)

Your pet will be closely monitored throughout the entire process by trained veterinary staff using advanced anesthetic and monitoring equipment. After the scan, we’ll continue to monitor your pet during recovery and make sure they’re fully awake, alert, and stable before going home the same day.

If you have questions about anesthesia or your pet’s specific health needs, we’re happy to talk through the details and help you feel confident every step of the way.

In most cases, you’ll receive results within 24 hours.

Here’s how it works:

• After your pet’s CT scan, the images are reviewed by the attending MCAH doctor to ensure quality and completeness.
• All scans are then submitted to a board-certified veterinary radiologist for detailed interpretation.
• The final radiology report is typically available within one business day.

Once the report is received:

• For MCAH patients: Your doctor will contact you to go over the results and discuss next steps or treatment options.
• For referral patients: We’ll send the full report and imaging to your primary care veterinarian, who will follow up with you directly.

Our goal is to deliver timely answers and support informed decisions—so your pet can get the care they need, without unnecessary delays.

Yes—we welcome referrals from veterinary professionals for CT scans and advanced diagnostics.

We’re happy to work alongside your primary care veterinarian to support your pet’s care. Whether your veterinarian is looking for high-quality imaging to assist with a diagnosis or you’re seeking a second opinion, we’re here to help.

We offer two types of referral options:

• Imaging-only referrals – Your pet receives a CT scan at MCAH, and we send the results and radiology report directly back to your veterinarian for continued care.
• Second opinion or full evaluation – If you’d like to explore ongoing care with an MCAH doctor, we can schedule a consultation before the scan to review your pet’s condition and discuss treatment options.

To request a referral, your veterinarian can:

1. Complete our online referral form: CT Scan Referral Form
2. Send records (doctor’s notes, diagnostics, and imaging) to Records@mcahonline.com

Have questions? Our team is happy to help—call us at 410-343-0200.