When your pet isn’t feeling well, the waiting can be the hardest part. Our advanced CT technology provides fast, highly detailed 3D images of your pet’s body—helping your veterinarian find answers quickly and start the right treatment as soon as possible.

What is a CT scan?

Computed Tomography (CT), sometimes called a CAT scan, is a safe, non-invasive imaging tool that gives us a much more detailed look inside your pet than traditional X-rays.

CT creates high-resolution, 3D images of bones, soft tissues, and organs. This allows veterinarians to detect problems that may be difficult—or even impossible—to see on standard X-rays or ultrasound. In many cases, CT can identify abnormalities far earlier and at a much smaller size, which can make a meaningful difference in treatment.

Unlike traditional X-rays that capture a single image, CT scanners take multiple images from different angles and combine them into a complete, detailed picture.

Thanks to modern technology, at VICSD all CT scans are performed with reversible sedation. A CT scan at VICSD takes about 1 hour from check-in to check-out. Depending on the complexity of the case, some CT results may be available to discuss at the time of check-out.  

Why might my veterinarian recommend a CT scan?

CT imaging is especially helpful when your dog or cat has clinical signs that can be localized to an area listed below. CT is used to provide a detailed view of anatomy.

What is CT exceptional at?

• Nasal, sinus, or inner ear disease (polyps, tumors, inflammation)
• Portosystemic shunt evaluation
• Thorax evaluation (metastatic disease evaluation in the lungs and mediastinal evaluation)
• Cancer detection and staging (including hemangiosarcoma or other abdominal masses)
• Vascular lesions (pulmonary thromboembolism or tumor invasion by a mass)
• Congenital or urinary tract abnormalities (such as ectopic ureter)
• Any disease in the pelvic canal
• Identifying elbow dysplasia
• Complex fractures or detailed bone evaluation
• Pre-operative surgical planning

What is CT good to very good at?

• Liver lesion evaluation
• Thoracic, lumbar and L-S disc herniations
• Gastric or intestinal foreign bodies
• Adrenal evaluation (PDH with post-contrast pituitary assessment and adrenal tumors)
• Pancreatic nodule or mass evaluation
• Colon evaluation

What is CT fair to good at?

• Extrahepatic biliary tree evaluation
• Small intestinal inflammation (IBD in dogs/cats)
• Nerve root evaluation in the cervicothoracic region

What is CT not good at?

• Brain and cervical spinal evaluation (MRI is gold standard)
• Cardiac function (Cardiac ultrasound is gold standard)

What to expect during your pet’s CT scan

To get clear images, pets need to remain very still during the scan. Depending on the situation:

• All VICSD CT scans are performed with reversible sedation
• A small patch of fur will need to be clipped from your dog or cat’s leg for a catheter to be placed
• Once sedated, your pet will be placed in the CT scanner and the region of interest will be scanned
• Depending on the type of region or disease being evaluated, iodinated contrast may be administered for a “post-contrast” study
  • If your pet has been diagnosed with any of these be sure to tell the VICSD staff prior to the CT scan:
    • Renal disease
    • Hyperthyroidism
    • Iodine allergy

• After the CT study, the sedation will be reversed, and your pet should be ready to go home
• Most VICSD CT scans are completed within 1 hour from check in 

Our experienced veterinary team will:

• Perform a full evaluation beforehand
• Choose the safest option for your pet
• Closely monitor your pet throughout the entire process

Your pet’s safety is our top priority

We take every step to ensure your pet is safe and comfortable:

• Advanced helical CT technology captures images quickly, reducing scan time
• Care provided by highly trained veterinary imaging professionals
• Continuous monitoring during and after the procedure
• Use of reversible sedation to minimize recovery time

How to prepare for your pet’s CT scan

Before your appointment, please:

• Do not give your pet food for 12 hours prior (water is okay)
• Check with your veterinarian about any medications
• Contact us at (858) 634-5430 with any questions or to confirm your appointment

💛 What Happens During an Imaging Visit

We do everything we can to make your pet comfortable:

• Your pet will rest in a soft, padded holder
• Our trained technicians will provide gentle handling and lots of reassurance
• Most pets tolerate the exam very well—often with just a little TLC and calming encouragement

Important notes:

• We’ll need to shave a small area of fur to place a catheter and/or obtain ultrasound images
• Sedation is required for a CT and recommended for most ultrasounds but only used with your approval (and/or your veterinarian’s)

After your visit

The CT scan is a very safe procedure. After the CT scan your pet may exhibit:

• Mild grogginess which may last 12–18 hours

• You may be asked to wait a few hours before feeding your pet
• Our team will provide clear, personalized aftercare instructions before you go home

For medical accuracy and continuity of care, we’ll first review results with your veterinarian before discussing them with you.

If you notice any change in your pet’s attitude, behavior or clinical signs or if your pet remains groggy for > 18 hours, contact VICSD and your regular veterinarian.

🩺 Trusted Expertise

Veterinarians trust our team for advanced imaging and radiology expertise. If your pet needs an ultrasound or other imaging, ask your veterinarian about a referral to our facility.

Helping your pet get back to feeling their best

Our goal is simple:
Find answers quickly, reduce uncertainty, and help your pet return to a happy, healthy life.