Computed Tomography (CT)
Computed Tomography (CT) is an advanced X-ray imaging technique widely available to human patients since the late 1970s. In the CT scanner, multiple focused X-ray beams are sent through the body to detectors, which rotate around 360 degrees taking images of the patient one "slice" at a time. The data (or "signals") are collected and transferred to a sophisticated computer, which then processes the signals to produce a digital image.
CT scans provide better cross-sectional detail than conventional X-rays, because technicians can control the "gray scale" and focus of the exam. CT scans also do not superimpose bone mass over soft tissue. This procedure is most useful when examining bony structures and, to a certain extent, soft tissue abnormalities within the body.
The strongest "animal candidates" for CT scans include those with complex bony abnormalities or thoracic pathologies. During this procedure, animals undergo general anesthesia, as they must remain completely still.
CT is a preferred procedure for animals exhibiting these characteristics and conditions:
- Complex Fractures
- Bone, Liver, Adrenal and Oral Tumors
- Thoracic Metastasis Check
- Dental Disease
- Ear Disease
- Retrobulbar Masses
- Difficulty Opening Mouth
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Pancreatic Tumors and Necrotizing Pancreatitis
- Thyroid Neoplasia
- Cranial Mediastinal Masses
- Renal Neoplasia
- Pulmonary Disease
- Lameness
CT Indications Guide
CT vs. MRI Indications Guide
Minimum Specifications & Abilities
GE LightSpeed QXi
- Lightspeed Gantry with RF Slip-Ring
- Performix 6.3MHU Tube
- Quad Slice Detector
- Patient Table with Metal-less Cradle
- Lightspeed PDU
- High-Performance, Low-Noise DAS
- Lightspeed Operator's Console
- 53.2KW Generator, 10-440MA
- 80, 100, 120 and 140KV Selections
- Sub-Second Scanning (0.8 Second Scan Time)
- Helios Collimator
- Two 19" Flat-Panel Color Monitors
- 70CM Gantry Aperture
- Magnetic Optical Disk Image Storage
- High-Speed, Dicom Network-Ready
- +/- 30 Gantry Tilt
- 120 Second Continuous Helical
- 160CM Maximum Scan Volume Based on Table Travel (Representative of a C&G CT in Bay #1)
- Pitch of Quad 0.75:1 (3:1) or 1.5:1 (6:1)
- Smart Options for Enhanced Exposure Control, Image Quality and Throughput
- Connect Pro Patient Information Management System
- Reformat
- Smart Prep Program for Enhancement of Contrast-Injected Studies
