During the past decade, veterinary medicine—like human medicine—has embraced advanced imaging techniques for their patients.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) provide unique “access” inside the body of small animals and horses, making it easier to diagnosis and treat them. But when is CT right for your patients? And when is MRI a better choice?
When To Use Veterinary CT
CT scans are best to use for bones, lungs and complex 3D structures. These can include bones fractures and luxations, sinus, ear and nasal passage evaluations, lung pathology for metastasis or pneumonia and detecting calcifications in soft tissues. For rapidly imaging a large area of the body while a patient is just sedated, CT is the best choice, especially for imaging the entire abdomen or thorax.
Bones and Joint Issues: CT is ideal for diagnosing fractures, joint abnormalities and bone tumors. Because it provides high-resolution images of dense structures, it’s excellent for assessing bone detail.
Abdominal and Thoracic Scans: Veterinarians can use CT for imaging abdominal organs and lungs. It can identify pulmonary nodules, evaluate trauma and assess a chest for lesions or masses.
Rapid Imaging: As a rule, CT scans are faster than MRI, which can help in emergency situations when time is critical, or if an animal needs sedation. For example, it’s great for checking broken bones after an accident or assessing lung issues.
3D Reconstructions: These are very useful for planning surgeries, as you get 3D views of a skeletal system or other structures, aiding in visualization and precision.
Cost: CT scans generally cost lower than MRI.
When To Use Veterinary MRI
MRI Scans or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is best for soft tissues, neurological disorders and detailed tissue contrast. These include cartilage or meniscal injuries, muscle and ligament injuries, soft tissue tumors or abnormalities within the chest or abdomen that require high contrast or epilepsy or disc herniation. MRI can also reveal the impact an issue has on surrounding tissue, which can provide a clear direction for a treatment plan.
Muscle, Ligament and Tendon Injuries: MRI is the preferred modality for evaluating ligament, muscle and tendon injuries because it excels at soft tissue imaging.
Neurological Disorders: When it comes to brain and spinal cord imaging, MRI is indeed the gold standard. It’s best for conditions like brain tumors, intervertebral disc disease and other issues with the central nervous system.
Soft Tissue Contrast: Because superior soft tissue contrast is provided by MRI, it’s ideal for evaluating muscle injuries, soft tissue tumors and joint issues.
Longer Scan Time: Because MRI scans take longer, it can require heavier sedation or anesthesia. However, MRI delivers highly detail images that can detect minute changes in soft tissue.
Cost: MRI general costs more than CT Scans.
What’s Best For Your Practice?
Not sure what the right imaging device is for your veterinary practice? Talk to the experts at Atlantis Worldwide. We’re here to provide guidance, answer questions and share insights with you. With more than 31 years of experience in helping practices with their medical imaging equipment, we’d love to assist you.
Some blogs you may have missed:
- The Most Interesting MRI Articles
- MRI Infographic: Closed Bore, Open MRI & Wide Bore
- Confused About MRI Coils?
- The 101 On Veterinary X-Ray Equipment
- Free MRI Resources
Meet the author: Vikki Harmonay
