When your pet is sick or injured and needs emergency care, decisions often must be made quickly. One test you may hear recommended in an emergency hospital is a CT scan. For many pet owners, this can feel overwhelming or confusing—especially when your pet is already unwell.

Understanding what a CT scan is, when it’s used, and why it can be so valuable can help you feel more confident during an already stressful time.

What Is a CT Scan?

A CT scan (Computed Tomography) is an advanced imaging test that uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed, cross-sectional images of the body. Unlike regular X-rays, which produce a flat, two-dimensional image, CT scans allow veterinarians to see layers of tissue, organs, bones, and blood vessels in much greater detail.

CT scans are especially helpful when problems are complex, difficult to see on X-rays, or need to be identified quickly.

Why Are CT Scans Used in Emergencies?

In emergency medicine, time and accuracy matter. A CT scan can provide fast, detailed answers that help guide urgent treatment decisions, including whether surgery is needed or if a condition can be managed medically.

CT scans are often recommended when:

• Your pet is critically ill and a diagnosis needs to be made quickly

• Other tests (such as X-rays or ultrasound) haven’t provided clear answers or are not available in a timely manner

• The problem involves areas of the body that are difficult to evaluate with standard imaging

Common Situations Where CT Scans Are Used

Head and Brain Injuries After trauma (such as being hit by a car or a fall), CT scans can detect:

• Skull fractures

• Brain bleeding or swelling

• Damage not visible on X-rays

This information is crucial in determining prognosis and treatment.

Nasal and Sinus Disease

For pets with sudden severe nosebleeds, facial swelling, or suspected nasal tumors or infections, CT scans provide detailed views of the nasal passages and sinuses that cannot be seen on regular X-rays.

Spinal and Neurologic Emergencies

CT scans can help identify:

• Intervertebral disc herniation (slipped discs)

• Spinal fractures

• Compression of the spinal cord

These findings often influence whether emergency surgery is recommended.

Chest and Lung Conditions

CT imaging may be used to evaluate:

• Lung masses

• Fluid or air around the lungs

• Blood clots or trauma-related injuries

It offers far more detail than chest X-rays alone.

Abdominal Emergencies

In cases of severe abdominal pain or shock, CT scans can help detect:

• Internal bleeding

• Tumours or masses

• Intestinal obstruction or torsion

This can be especially important when surgery is being considered.

Complex Trauma

For pets involved in major accidents, CT scans can assess multiple body systems at once, helping the veterinary team prioritize treatment.

While some of these conditions will be evaluated on the emergency service, for many your pet will need to be transferred into the care of a specialist. This ensures your pet receives the best possible care for that condition.

Does My Pet Need to Be Anesthetized?

Pets do need sedation for a CT scan. This ensures they remain completely still, which is essential for clear images and your pet’s safety. In emergency settings, sedation is carefully tailored to your pet’s condition, and they are closely monitored throughout the procedure.

How Is a CT Scan Different From an MRI?

While both are advanced imaging tools:

• CT scans are faster and excellent for evaluating bone, lungs, and acute trauma.

• MRI is better for certain brain and spinal cord conditions but takes longer and is less commonly used in emergencies, and less generally available.

In urgent situations, CT scans are often the most practical and informative option.