CT Scanner

Mochdre Vets is delighted to announce that in May 2023 we took delivery of our brand new Philips Incisive CT scanner. CT stands for Computerised Tomography and uses x-rays to produce multiple thin cross sectional images (slices) of inside the body. Our state of the art 128 slice CT scanner takes 128 x-rays in less than a second as it rotates around the patient to create a slice, then, multiple slices are built into a 3D image of the scanned section of the body in incredibly high detail – in fact our CT scanner exceeds the specifications of many human hospital scanners!

CT is recognised as being excellent for the identification of many diseases and injuries, especially those involving bones, nasal chambers, lungs, the abdomen, spinal problems, and even conditions such as brain tumours.

Results from the scan are immediately sent to leading veterinary diagnostic imaging specialists European Diplomats for analysis to ensure your vet and therefore your pet gets the best possible treatment.

If you are registered to another veterinary practice please ask your vet to complete our referral form.  We can even arrange transport from your own vet in our vet taxi (charges apply).

What is a CT (aka CAT) scan?

CT scans are high resolution 3D images built from thousands of x-ray images of many structures inside the body, including the internal organs, blood vessels and bones.

What are CT scans used for?

Pet CT scans give your vet a full 3D image of the inside of your pets body and are exceptionally useful in the diagnosis of the exact cause of a variety of conditions, including injury, disease and blood flow.

What happens to my pet on the day?

Your pet will likely stay with us for the day.  During the scan we require your pet to lie perfectly still so they will be given a low dose of sedation and will be monitored by our qualified staff at all times.  You will be asked to complete a consent form for administering sedation.

The scan itself involves your pet lying on a table that is slowly advanced through the rotating scanner.  Depending on the size and number of areas to be scanned this will take a few seconds to a couple of minutes.  Depending on what we are scanning for your pet may be injected with a special dye called a contrast to enhance image quality – this will then be flushed out of their system by administering fluids.

Once the scan is complete your pet will be returned to their kennel and the sedation will be reversed.

My pet has metal pins or plates fitted – can they still have a CT Scan?

Yes, our CT scanner is able to reduce the effects of metal implants which usually cause degradation in image quality.

Is it dangerous?

As with any procedure there is always a very small risk, however for most animals this is a relatively short period and gives answers more quickly and over a great area than x-rays alone. Your pet is kept in the same position during the procedure whereas for xrays your pet is moved around which can be more challenging in bigger animals.

During training staff were happy to practice on their own pets the risk is so low.

What species do you treat?

We predominantly scan small animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and a few weird and wonderfuls from the zoo. The CT scanner is a fixed size is we would be unable to scan a horse.  We have done a 90 kg wolf hound and if the NHS wants to there is still the capacity to do humans so they would be welcome to borrow it!

Why do I need to wait for the report?

Although some conditions are immediately obvious, we could be looking at the details of something only a few milimetres so it is important that the image is thoroughly examined in order to reach a reliable diagnosis.

How much does it cost?

CT scans start at £1000 for a single body area (e.g abdomen), this includes sedation, monitoring and report.  Currently active clients of Mochdre Vets are eligible for a discount.

For a more detailed estimate please contact us (or ask your own vet to contact us if you’re a referral client).

Many pet insurers will cover the cost of CT scan if requested by a vet.

Can I request a CT scan if I’m not an existing client?

Yes of course.  If you’re own vet has suggested a CT scan they simply need to complete our referral form and send it back to us.