CT Scan for Pets
Information for Owners
What is a CT Scan?
Computed Tomography (CT) is a sophisticated imaging technology that allows us to see your pet’s body in incredible detail—far beyond what traditional X-rays or ultrasounds can reveal.
With a CT scan, we can detect conditions and injuries that might otherwise go unnoticed. Even tiny abnormalities, such as small growths or tumours, can be spotted early. And because CT creates detailed 3D images, we gain a complete view of your pet’s anatomy, helping us understand their condition more clearly and plan the best care.
At Melbourne Animal CT, your pet benefits from a brand-new, state-of-the-art GE Healthcare CT scanner—the same advanced technology used in human hospitals—ensuring the highest level of diagnostic precision.
Why Your Vet has Referred You
Unlike other imaging methods such as X-rays, advanced CT scanners are not commonly available in most veterinary clinics. Dedicated imaging centres provide the same high-quality technology used in human medical care.
We work closely with your local veterinarian to ensure CT scans are performed efficiently, with detailed reports delivered quickly and cost-effectively. Your vet will submit a referral, specifying the area(s) of the body that require scanning.
A CT scan may be recommended by your vet to investigate a variety of conditions, including:
Orthopaedic issues: elbow or hip dysplasia, shoulder pain, lameness, fractures, bone tumours
Head and neck problems: conditions affecting the nose, ears, eyes, throat, skull, or brain; stick injuries; migrating grass seeds
Spinal disorders: spinal compression, disc disease, fractures
Chest conditions: respiratory disease, chest trauma, or checking for pulmonary metastasis (to see if cancer has spread to the lungs)
Abdominal concerns: gastrointestinal obstruction, liver shunts, or masses/tumours in organs such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas, or adrenal glands; complicated pancreatitis
Urinary tract issues: ectopic ureters, ureteral, bladder, or urethral stones, prostate disease
Cancer monitoring: metastasis checks prior to surgery
Surgical planning: for fracture repairs or tumour removal
Exotic pets: CT scans are also available for rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, birds, and reptiles
How to Prepare
CT scans require your pet to remain completely still to produce the high-quality images needed for accurate diagnosis. To ensure this, your pet will be placed on intravenous fluids and receive sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on their individual needs.
During the scan, our highly experienced veterinary team will closely monitor your pet using state-of-the-art equipment—similar to what is used in human hospitals—ensuring their safety at all times.
CT scans are very quick to perform, so your pet will only be under sedation or anaesthesia for a short period. Most pets recover rapidly and can usually be discharged within 1–2 hours of arrival.
Caring for your Pet Before & After CT
Feeding Your Pet Before the CT
Because anaesthesia is required for a CT scan, it is important that dogs and cats do not eat for 12 hours beforehand. For young puppies or kittens, this fasting period is shorter—usually 4–6 hours, depending on age. If you are unsure or have questions about fasting, please contact your veterinary team.
For other types of pets, consult your veterinarian or the imaging centre staff for specific instructions.
After the CT Scan
While the CT scan itself has no side effects, your pet may feel slightly sleepy or drowsy for up to 24 hours due to the sedative or anaesthetic medications. We recommend keeping them indoors in a warm, quiet space where they can be closely supervised and allowed to rest comfortably.