In the evolving landscape of veterinary medicine, the advent and rapid adoption of veterinary computed tomography (CT) marks a transformative era in diagnostic imaging services. This technology, once exclusive to specialty clinics, is becoming a cornerstone in many general practice veterinary facilities, revolutionizing small animal imaging with its precision and reliability. These advancements enhance diagnostic capabilities and open new avenues for revenue generation within general practice settings. The integration of CT technology in veterinary practices underscores improvements in available training and ease of use, ensuring veterinary professionals are equipped to deliver superior care. Exploring the journey of CT technology, from its initial introduction to its present significance in veterinary medicine, provides an insight into its clinical applications, advantages over other imaging modalities, and the practical considerations for its integration into everyday practice. Photo courtesy Patterson Veterinary Genesis and evolution CT has significantly evolved since its inception in the early 1970s. The first clinical CT scan was performed on a human in England using a prototype scanner. It took a decade for this technology to be adapted for veterinary use, initially focusing on central nervous system diseases in small animals. Today, the clinical indications for CT in veterinary medicine mirror those in human medicine, thanks to technological advancements in flat-panel and helical CT systems. This evolution has transformed veterinary diagnostic imaging, allowing for complex studies, such as real-time angiography and whole-body scans in oncological patients, to full-mouth dental imaging in as little as 16 seconds. Key technological advancements Spiral and multislice CT Spiral CT technology, which emerged in the early 1980s, allows for rapid data acquisition, producing two- and three-dimensional images in short scanning times. The continuous rotation of the X-ray tube around the patient reduces motion artifacts and optimizes contrast during peak enhancement. Multislice CT (MSCT) technology further accelerates imaging time and improves spatial resolution, facilitating detailed reconstructions and 3D visualizations. Flat panel CT technology More recently, flat-panel CT (FPCT) has become invaluable in veterinary practices, improving the diagnosis of dental diseases. Furthering the adoption rate, newer systems also excel at full-body and soft-tissue visualization, eliminating the gap between flat-panel CT and MSCT. Comparative analysis with past techniques The advancement from first-generation CT scanners, which used a “translate-rotate” mechanism, to spiral and flat-panel CT technologies highlights the improvements in veterinary imaging. Early CT models were limited by long scan times and low-resolution images, but each subsequent generation has effectively addressed these limitations. Today’s CT scanners offer reduced scan times, minimized radiation exposure, and enhanced image clarity. These capabilities offer practices a wide range of diagnostic applications. Clinical applications Diagnostic capabilities for various species CT has improved the diagnostic capabilities across various species in veterinary medicine. For instance, it provides detailed information on the location, extent, and characterization of lesions in areas like the nasal cavities, paranasal sinuses, and the retrobulbar region. This is particularly crucial for species with complex anatomical structures, such as canines and felines, where traditional radiographs may not provide sufficient detail. The high-resolution images from CT scans allow veterinarians to assess conditions with precision, aiding in accurate diagnoses and effective treatment planning. Improvements in diagnosis and treatment planning The advent of CT in veterinary medicine has improved the diagnosis and treatment of a myriad of conditions. For example, CT imaging is instrumental in evaluating the lumbosacral area for signs of bone remodeling or evidence of cauda equina compression, which are critical in evaluating chronic pain. Additionally, the use of CT scans in conjunction with contrast agents enhances the visibility of vascular structures and tumors, facilitating better planning for surgical interventions, oncology treatments, and palliative care. This capability is vital in managing diseases that require precise localization and staging, such as cancer. Photo courtesy Patterson Veterinary Practical considerations for integration Generation of diagnostic and procedural revenue Integrating CT into your practice is not just a technological upgrade but also a strategic financial decision. By offering more comprehensive diagnostic services, you can attract a broader client base and enable more precise treatment plans. These diagnostic capabilities often lead to an increase in follow-up procedures, such as surgeries, dental treatments, and specialized care, further boosting revenue. By investing in diagnostic technology, clinics enhance their service offerings and patient outcomes and create multiple revenue streams from both the diagnostics themselves and the subsequent procedures they necessitate. This dual revenue generation model significantly contributes to the clinic’s profitability and growth, helping ensure long-term success in an increasingly competitive market. Decreased space and power needs Modern CT scanners are designed to be more compact and energy-efficient compared to their predecessors. Many newer models require significantly less space and can operate on standard electrical systems without the need for expensive upgrades. For instance, newer veterinary CT systems may only need a standard 110V outlet and minimal floor space, making them ideal for practices with limited room. Additionally, some CT systems feature self-shield capabilities, reducing the need for extensive radiation safety modifications in the practice’s infrastructure. Practices should carefully assess their physical space and power capabilities to choose the most appropriate CT system that aligns with their clinical needs and facility constraints. Raising the standard of care A clinic in Chattanooga, Tenn., was an early adaptor of CT technology. Before making the purchase, though, the veterinarians discussed how the equipment could start to pay for itself quickly. Raising the price of dentals was the answer. Raising the price of dentals by $60 allowed the practice to raise the standard of care for all patients. They found they did enough dentals to pay for half the lease payment. Then, the other things generated from it–back surgeries, arthroscopies, biopsies–made up the rest. In addition to the more detailed dental information that the 3D image gave the clinic, they found more instances of nasal cancers. They use the CT for bone scans to investigate degenerative joint diseases, scans of elbows looking for fragmented coronoid process, thoracic scans looking for metastatic disease, and myelograms looking for intervertebral disc disease. Christopher Weaver is Patterson Veterinary’s national imaging specialist based in Phoenix, Ariz. Before joining Patterson, Weaver worked as a veterinary technician at practices in Arizona and as a volunteer for the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center.
