Computed Tomography (CT)

A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to produce detailed pictures of structures inside the body. A CT scan is also called a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan.
A CT scanner directs a series of X-ray pulses through the body. Each X-ray pulse lasts only a fraction of a second and represents a “slice” of the organ or area being studied. The slices or pictures are recorded on a computer and can be saved for further study or printed out as photographs.
Dense tissues, such as bones, appear white in the pictures produced by a CT scan. Less dense tissues, such as brain tissue or muscles, appear in shades of gray. Air-filled spaces, such as in the bowel or lungs, appear black.
CT scanning can be used to obtain information about almost any body organ (such as the liver, pancreas, intestines, kidneys, adrenal glands, lungs, and heart), blood vessels, the abdominal cavity, bones, and the spinal cord.
At the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, the CT scanner is used for small animals like dogs and cats, as well as the head, neck and legs of our equine patients.

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