CT Scanning Service

South Lincs Vets are one of the only veterinary practices in Lincolnshire to be able to offer state-of-the-art CT scanning. We are fortunate enough to have a dedicated veterinary CT scanner on site, which is always available, even at short notice. We also have a specially trained team to interpret the images and rapidly come to an accurate diagnosis – dramatically cutting down the wait before your pet can start treatment.

What is CT?

CT, or Computed Tomography, is a high-tech imaging technique that uses X-rays to generate incredibly detailed cross sectional images of the insides of your pet. There is a ring (sometimes called “the doughnut”!) and the patient passes through this on a moving table (we’re lucky enough to have a “helical CT” which gives smoother images in 3D rather than just single slices). Then a sophisticated computer puts the image together into a comprehensive view that our vets can examine on hi-res monitor screens.

Why is a CT better than the digital X-rays you’ve got?

It isn’t necessarily better for everything, but it does give us a much more accurate 3D image – a traditional X-ray image can only show us structures in 2D. For many more complex conditions, it is very hard do work out what’s going on from a standard X-ray image, whereas a CT makes it really clear.

What can it be used for?

CT can be used to help diagnose and plan treatment for a huge range of conditions. In particular, we find it invaluable for…

• Diseases of the nasal passages, including masses and tumours
• Middle and inner ear diseases
• Brain tumours and skull fractures
• Lung disease
• Tumours of heart or lungs
• Abnormal blood vessels around the heart
• Complicated chest wall injuries (e.g. flailed chests)
• Tumours of the liver, spleen, bladder and abdomen
• Portal shunts (“liver shunts”)
• Urinary problems
• Abdominal trauma
• Locating secondary tumours (“mets”)
• Complex fractures of almost any bone
• Joint problems e.g. elbow dysplasia
• Some spinal diseases

What happens when my pet comes in for a scan?

Your pet will be under the care of our specially trained CT Nurse, whose job it is to make sure everything goes smoothly. They’ll be settled into kennels so we know they’re as comfortable as possible before we take them down for the scan. Then, they’ll be given a short anaesthetic so they don’t get worried, anxious or wriggly. Once asleep, they’ll be carefully monitored while the scanner whisks them through the doughnut for the scan to take place. Once done, we can either move them to theatre for treatment, or we can wake them up and return them to kennels, depending on what is found on the scan.

How do I arrange for my pet to get a scan?

If your are already registered with us and think you require a CT, click here.

If you are a client of another practice, please talk to your vets about a referral to us for CT scans.

If you are a vet who would like to arrange a referral to us for advanced imaging, please click here.