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CT Scan and MRI Scan for animals

CT Scan (Computed tomography) and MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) Scan also used for animals for diagnostic purpose.

CT Scan

In computed tomography (CT) the x-ray tube revolves around the patient and the emergent beam is picked by electric detectors. This information is conveyed to a computer, which makes the pictorial arrangement. “Slices” are obtained at predetermined intervals. The images produced show cross–sectional slices of the body. Another improved version in this is Computed Axial Tomography (CAT SCAN).

Differences between plain radiographs and CT Scans-

In plain radiographs superimposition shadow grams are produced and the images of all superimposed structures appear on the film
The computed tomography gives focused radiographic information about one cross-sectional slice of the patient only, without any confusing superimposed images

CT Scan and MRI Scan for animals — CT Scan for animals

The CT should be considered as a sophisticated study, for special problems. Contrast media may be used during CT scanning to enhance the difference in density of various structures.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scan

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, like ultrasound does not use ionising radiation as diagnostic radiography and CT do. The rapid development of MRI makes it essential to have some idea of its uses in clinical medicine as well as the exquisite visualisation of anatomic structures in the living patients.

The technique for imaging places the patient, within a bore of a powerful magnet and passes radio waves through the body in a particular sequence of very short pulses. Each pulse causes responding pulse of radio waves to be emitted from the patient’s tissues and is recorded by a computer which then produces a two-dimensional picture as a slice of the patient.

In addition to the transverse sections of the body, the magnetic resonance imaging can be carried out in the sagital and coronal planes as well as in various degrees of obliquity.

Tissues which emit strong MR signals appear white in MR scans, whereas those emitting little or no signal appear black. In general, air and cortical bone as well as rapidly moving fluid (blood) will appear black, whereas fat will appear white.