What is CT?
CT stands for computed tomography, an advanced imaging technique that uses rotating X-ray technology to obtain highly detailed, 3D images of your pet’s internal structures—including organs, bones, muscles, and tissues. As your pet moves slowly through the scanner, hundreds of images are captured in a 360° rotation. These images are reconstructed using computer algorithms to produce slices or a complete 3D model, allowing for enhanced diagnostic accuracy from every angle.
The CT scanner itself is shaped like a large, rotating donut (called a gantry), and your pet lies on a motorised bed that moves through the machine.
While most Veterinary practices need to refer patients for a CT scan, at Donaldsons Vets we have invested in our own on site CT scanner at the Somerset Road hospital – allowing easy access to CT should your pet require.
Why might a CT scan be recommended?
CT scans are often recommended in the following situations:
- Lameness investigations, including:
- Elbows
- Shoulders
- Carpi and tarsi
- Angular limb deformities
- Orthopaedic issues such as fractures
- Nasal and upper airway investigations, including:
- Sinusitis
- Tumours
- Rhinitis
- Ear problems, such as:
- Middle ear disease
- Neurological conditions, including:
- Spinal disease (e.g., slipped disc)
- Brain disorders
- Cancer evaluation, such as:
- Locating primary tumours
- Assessing metastasis (spread of cancer)
- Urinary investigations, including:
- Incontinence
- Evaluation of urinary tract disorders
- Surgical planning, by mapping the exact location of abnormalities
- Other internal disorders, such as:
- Liver shunts
- Respiratory disease
Benefits of CT scanning
- Detailed images within minutes – much quicker and more comprehensive than multiple traditional X-rays
- Enhanced surgical planning – helps target problem areas and reduce surgery time
- Improved diagnosis – provides clearer insight into your pet’s condition for more accurate and tailored treatment
How long does it take?
- A CT scan typically takes 10–20 minutes
- Pets will require a general anaesthetic to remain still for high-quality imaging
What is contrast?
- Contrast is a special dye administered via a vein during certain scans
- It enhances visibility of blood vessels, organs, and abnormalities
Safety
- CT needs to be performed under sedation or general anaesthesia
- The CT scan is painless and we follow strict protocols to ensure that it is entirely safe.
Costs
- Pricing starts from £740, depending on the area’s scanned and complexity – please contact reception for any estimates.
- Reports can be submitted and reviewed by VetCT, an independent specialist CT reporting service
- Reports from VetCT are returned within a defined timeframe and shared with you by our vets or your referring vet
- NOTE – The initial consultation with a vet is not included in the CT scanning cost
Requesting a CT scan
- If your pet is already under our care: One of our vets will discuss next steps with you
- If you are a veterinary surgeon referring a patient:
Please complete our CT Scan Referral Form (for vets only – not for pet owners) HERE - For urgent or emergency referrals, please call us directly—do not use the form
Want to know more or book in for a CT?
Telephone: 01484 421512 for more information, or for a chat about the procedure
How to find us
All CT scans are performed at our Almondbury surgery, the address is:
131 Somerset Road
Almondbury
Huddersfield
HD5 8HN