University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota - Veterinary Medical Center
http://www.vmcavid.umn.edu/

Computed Tomography (CT)


Description:
CT imaging has most commonly been used for diagnosing diseases of the brain, nasal and sinus cavities, orbit, mediastinum, lung, liver, adrenal gland, elbow joint, and spine. Although CT is a noninvasive imaging technique, ionized radiation from the x-ray tube is produced.
Computed tomography uses a computer to mathematically reconstruct a cross-sectional image of the body area from measurements of x-ray transmission through thin slices of patient tissue. In the machine, a narrow, collimated beam of x-rays is generated on one side of the patient. Sensitive detectors on the opposite side of the patient measure the amount of x-ray transmission through a tissue slice of the patient. These measurements are repeated many times from different directions as the x-ray tube rotates around the patient. When the computer finishes processing the information, the slices are stacked together to create cross sectional images of the patient without superimposition of organs or other tissues. The University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center utilizes a state-of-the-art 64 slice CT scanner. For each rotation of the tube, 64 slices are obtained which results in much faster scanning (often less than 10 seconds) and much thinner slices for excellent detail. After the study has been completed and the patient has left the CT scanner, the information can be used to create other images, including 3D images, for exquisite detail of the internal structures of the patient.
Indications (Preferred) for this Procedure - By Body Region:
Abdomen:
  • Upper urinary tract evaluation::
    • Ectopic Ureter
    • Renal/Ureteral Calculus
  • Clarification and surgical planning of small organ masses:
    • Adrenal
    • Pancreas
    • Lymph nodes
  • Clarification and surgical planning of large organ masses:
    • Liver
    • Spleen
    • Kidney
    • Intestine
    • Cancer Staging

Cardiovascular:
  • Pulmonary Embolism
  • Identification and evaluation of suspected or known portosystemic shunt
  • Suspected large vessel thrombosis:
    • Aorta
    • Vena Cava
    • Portal Vein
  • Evaluation for mesenteric ischemia

Central Nervous System - Brain:
  • Skull trauma with suspected fracture
  • Acute intracranial trauma in critical, unstable patient

Central Nervous System - Spine:
  • Vertebral Fractures

Joints, Musculoskeletal:
  • Evaluation of elbow dysplasia
  • Suspected incomplete ossification of the humeral condyles (spaniel breeds)
  • Complex fractures, including pelvis

Nasal Cavity:
  • Chronic Nasal Discharge
  • Chronic Sneezing
  • Nasal Cavity Distortion
  • Suspected Nasal Mass

Orbits:
  • Orbital trauma with fracture

Other Head and Neck:
  • Dental-based mass
  • Other head/skull trauma with suspected fractures

Thorax:
  • Metastasis Screening
  • Primary Lung Mass(es)
  • Pneumothorax
  • Lung Consolidation, Chronic Pneumonia
  • Pleural Effusion
  • Mediastinal Disease
Indications (Preferred) for this Procedure - By Non-Body Region:
Cancer:
  • Lung metastasis screening
  • Staging of disease and body metastasis screening
  • Radiation therapy planning

Miscellaneous:
  • Suspected foreign bodies
  • Chronic draining tracts
Sample CT Images:
3D CT Image:
Picture showing 3D CT Image

Nasal Tumor Image:
Picture showing 3D CT Image

Nasal Tumor Image:
Picture showing 3D CT Image