CT delivers far more detail and true 3D reconstruction, letting us see inside complex areas (skull, spine, chest) that are hard to interpret on a flat X-ray image.

How long does a CT take?

The scan usually takes 15–30 minutes. Pets go home the same day; reports are typically ready within 24–72 hours.

Will my pet be asleep?

Yes. A short general anaesthetic is needed so images are perfectly still (no motion blur).

Is CT safe for older pets?

Generally, yes. We adjust anaesthesia for seniors and perform pre-anaesthetic checks to minimise risk.

CT Scan | Ormeau Vet

Computed Tomography (ct) uses a rotating X-ray beam and powerful software to create 3D, cross-sectional images of your pet. Compared with standard X-rays, a CT scanner shows diagnostic images in far more detail—especially for bone, air-filled spaces (like the nose and sinuses), lungs, and many soft tissues.

At Ormeau Vet, we recommend CT scanning when a case needs answers quickly or when other diagnostic testing (MRI/X-ray/ultrasound) doesn’t explain what’s going on.

How do CT Scans Help

Skull, nasal, ear & dental disease mapping
Detects tooth root abscesses, nasal masses/inflammation, middle ear disease, jaw and skull fractures—with precise 3D localisation for treatment planning.
Cancer staging: chest/abdominal scans
Assesses primary tumours, checks lymph nodes, and screens lungs for spread (metastasis) to guide the best treatment options.
Orthopaedic planning & spinal assessments
Evaluates complex fractures, elbow/hip issues, and intervertebral disc disease; aids surgical planning with millimetre accuracy.

Other common uses: trauma screening, foreign body localisation, sinus disorders, chronic infections, and pre-surgical road-mapping.

What to Expect

Pre-visit: Our vets will discuss fasting (usually from midnight) and medications.
Anaesthesia: Pets must keep perfectly still, so CT is done under a short general anaesthetic. Modern protocols are very safe; we monitor continuously.
The scan: Most of our pet imaging studies take 15–30 minutes. Extra series may be added if needed.
Contrast dye: Sometimes we inject an iodinated contrast agent to highlight blood vessels and soft-tissue detail—your vet will advise if this is recommended.
Afterwards: Pets typically go home the same day once awake and comfortable.
Results: Image review begins immediately; a written report is usually available within 24–72 hours. For complex cases, we may involve a specialist radiologist and share the report with you.

Safety & Comfort

Radiation: Dose is low and targeted; benefits outweigh risks in diagnostic cases.
Anaesthetic risk: Low for most patients; we tailor protocols to age/health and run pre-anaesthetic checks.
Contrast considerations: Rarely, pets may experience mild, transient effects; we screen for kidney issues and allergies.

Preparing Your Pet

Follow the fasting plan provided.
Bring current medications and any previous imaging/report PDFs.
Keep your pet calm before the visit; dogs on leash, cats in secure carriers.