CAT Scan

Bringing you world-class innovation in CT scanning and diagnostics for small and large animals

Computerized  Axial Tomography  (CAT) scan, is an X-ray procedure that combines many X-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views and three-dimensional images of the internal organs and structures of the body.  CT scanning is fast, painless, non-invasive and accurate. In emergency cases, it can reveal internal injuries quickly enough to help save lives.

There are many instances in veterinary medicine where CT aids in the diagnosis of tumours and other diseases and helps us determine the extent of diseases or injuries present, some of which are difficult or almost  impossible to see on standard radiographs.   This ensures that our clients have a definitive diagnosis, as a result of which appropriate  treatment can be prescribed.

Located at the Equicare facility in Blue Hills, Crowthorne Veterinary Clinic has already successfully used the CT scanner to produce definitive diagnoses for clients for both dogs and horses.

And now, bringing you what is believed to be a

WORLD FIRST!

The ability to scan horse’s legs with the horse standing (sedated) WITHOUT the additional risk and expense of general anaesthesia!

How is this possible?
After many months of consultation between the Equicare vets and the CT scan manufacturers and suppliers (Toshiba and Techmed Africa),  the CT scanner has been ‘custom designed’ specifically to accommodate a ‘standing horse’.  The scanner is located in a specially constructed building at Equicare (Figure 1 shows the scanner in its ‘normal position’). The scanner, mounted on a gantry is rotated to a horizontal plane and then lowered into position below the floor (Figure 2).  A specially manufactured ‘protective shell’ the same shape as the scanner is fitted (Figure 3).  The rubberised flooring is replaced over the scanner (Figure 4).   Protective safety rails are put up and the horse walks in (Figure 5).

Figure 6 shows the horse’s front feet standing on the scanning pad and Figure 7 shows the horse being scanned with the machine ‘rising’ above the horse’s feet momentarily in order for the scan to be performed.