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Diagnosing A CAT Scan

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What Is a CAT Scan?

The CAT in CAT scan stands for computed axial tomography. Also known as a CT scan, the main thing for you to know about this technology is that it takes multiple scanned images that are each a small “slice” of the overall image desired. These individual images are then assembled in a computer to give one of our veterinary neurology professionals a detailed image of the organ or other body part that we are examining to help us make a diagnosis.

Why Would My Dog Need a CAT Scan?

As mentioned, a CAT or CT scan is used as a diagnostic tool. We typically use it when a more thorough analysis of a suspected problem is needed. Neck pain in dogs is a common reason for this scanning procedure to be used.

If a dog is reluctant to turn their head or if you notice they are keeping their head in an abnormal position, this can indicate neck pain in dogs. Such behaviors are a sign of atlantoaxial luxation in dogs. Most common in small or toy breed dogs, atlantoaxial luxation is when a bone malformation in your dog causes a dislocation, which in turn causes a compression of their spinal cord.

A CAT scan is also useful for diagnosing IVDD in dogs. This stands for intervertebral disk disease. Certain breeds are more …show more content…

This gives us a diagnostic edge over other veterinary hospitals across South Florida. As far as preparation is concerned, the biggest consideration is to ensure your pet stops eating as of the night before the scan. On the day of the scan, your pet' s blood work is taken, and then we give them anesthesia because it is critical that they do not move during the scan to ensure accurate imagery. This type of scanning is safer than X-rays given that it does not use

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