We are pleased to be able to now offer CT scans at the surgery using a mobile scanner. CT is a type of imaging using x-rays and a special scanning device to create detailed 3- dimensional images of the body.
CT may be used in addition to, or instead of other imaging methods such as ultrasound and x-ray and can pick up on very small lesions or those that may be hidden from view on traditional imaging modalities.
A CT scan may be recommended for a variety of reasons. Some examples are:
- To check for cancer spread in the chest or abdomen
- To look for joint disease in complex joints like elbows
- To search for foreign bodies anywhere in the body
- To diagnose disease of the nose or middle ear
- To diagnose bone fractures.
Costs
CT scans are more expensive than traditional imaging methods due to the advanced equipment used, the expertise required to run the machine and the specialist interpretation of the scans generated. As each case is different we can only include example costs to use as a guide.
PRICES 2026 (including VAT)
- CT scan – £972.00
- CT interpretation one area – £242.88
- CT interpretation each additional area – £97.68
- Sedation (25kg dog) – approximately – £111.36
Examples:
- CT to check for cancer in chest and abdomen would require sedation, a contrast study and two areas for interpretation – the cost would be £1,556.06 (based on a 25kg dog).
- CT of elbows can be plain views and the elbows are considered to be one body area – the cost would be £1,374.24.
What to expect
Our CT provider comes on a four weekly rotation and will park up at the practice for the whole day. A typical case would be given an admission time between 08.30 and 09.30, would have been starved from midnight and would have had ample opportunity to go to the toilet. We expect pets to stay in for the whole day and for a discharge time to be agreed on admission (usually after 3.30pm).
Scans are usually shown to the case vet as they are produced and then sent to an external provider for expert interpretation with a report following in the next 48hrs. In some cases a CT may be coordinated with a surgery on the same day e.g. where a foreign body is present, but it is more likely that a surgical procedure would be planned after receiving the CT report.
