Computed Tomography (CT)

Advanced Imaging to Help Guide Patient Care

Tampa Veterinary Hospital offers computed tomography (CT) imaging to help veterinarians better understand and diagnose a variety of medical conditions. CT scans provide detailed images of a patient's internal structures, helping the veterinary team gather additional information when determining the most appropriate course of treatment.

How Can CT Imaging Help?

Detailed Diagnostic Information

CT scans provide detailed images of bones, soft tissues, and internal organs. This can be especially helpful when additional information is needed beyond what traditional imaging can provide.

Guiding Treatment Decisions

CT findings can help determine the best next steps for a patient. In some cases, imaging may identify a condition that can be treated surgically. In others, it may show that surgery is unlikely to provide a meaningful benefit and that medical management or palliative care is a better option.

Planning for Surgery

When surgery is appropriate, CT imaging allows the veterinary team to better understand the location and extent of a condition before proceeding. This information can help guide surgical planning and prepare the team for potential challenges.

When Might a CT Scan Be Recommended?

CT imaging may be recommended when a patient needs further evaluation of a suspected or confirmed condition, including:

Neurological conditions: Certain abnormalities involving the brain, skull, or other structures of the nervous system.

Orthopedic conditions: Complex fractures, bone abnormalities, and other conditions that require a more detailed view of the affected area.

Chest and abdominal conditions: Masses, organ abnormalities, and other findings that need further investigation.

Surgical planning: Evaluating the extent of a condition and helping determine whether surgery is an appropriate option.

Cases requiring additional diagnostics: When initial testing has not provided enough information to establish a diagnosis or determine the best treatment approach.

The decision to pursue CT imaging depends on each patient's clinical signs, examination findings, and diagnostic needs. Our goal is to obtain the information needed to make thoughtful, informed decisions about care.

Helping Determine the Best Path Forward

Not every patient needs surgery, and not every condition can be treated surgically. CT imaging can help clarify the options, whether that means planning a procedure, pursuing medical treatment, or focusing on comfort and quality of life.

Our goal is to help veterinarians and pet owners better understand a patient's condition and make decisions with greater confidence.

Referring Veterinarians

Tampa Veterinary Hospital welcomes referrals for patients who may benefit from CT imaging.

To request a scan, please complete our CT Imaging Referral Order Form to begin the scheduling process.

If you have questions about a case or whether CT imaging may be appropriate for a patient, please contact our team. We appreciate the opportunity to work with referring veterinarians to help determine the best course of care for their patients.