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CT scan
Many people have heard about axial tomography or CT scan, however not many know how the diagnostic modality functions. Axial tomography like the conventional x-ray (radiography), works on the principal of absorption of the x-rays by the different densities of tissues. They appear black or dark grey when the density is weak (for example the lungs) or white or light grey when the density is greater (for example the bones).
With conventional radiography a large ray of x-rays is transmitted by a stationary tube. This ray passes through the patient and causes a shadow on a flat screen that absorbs the x-rays to the resend their energy by form of light on photographic film. With axial tomography a narrow ray in the form of a sift is emitted from a tube that revolves around the patient. The x-rays that pass through the patient are counted by a series of small electronic detectors that send a signal to a computer that then reproduces the information into a two dimensional image representing a cross-section of the patient.
Axial tomography possesses many advantages compared to conventional radiography. Tomography is a lot more sensitive than conventional radiography, in detecting lesions that are more discreet, because they use a very large pallet of grey which permits us to distinguish so much better the different organs and structures and also differentiate the liquids of tissues.Furthermore, it eliminates the inherent problem of imposing (overlapping) that you may have with conventional radiography. It is the ideal tool to evaluate the spread of cancers, as well as determining the extent of the lesions before surgical intervention.
It permits imaging of structures that would be impossible to otherwise see, like, the sinuses, the nasal cavities and the brain. Evaluation of the thoracic cavities and abdomen as well as the joints and skeletal system, is also greatly improved.
Axial tomography was conceived to obtain more precise diagnoses, without delay, so that we can offer the best treatment to your pet, making it possible for a much faster recovery. The imagery department of Hospital Veterinaire de l’Est is proud to now offer you its medical imagery services by axial tomography (CT SCAN). The GE Hi-Speed Helicoidally is a last generation device that offers a far superior resolution of images compared to previous generations, producing images that are even more refined than before.