Computed tomography acquisition for veterinary diagnostic imaging

Computed tomography (CT) is rapidly becoming a first-line diagnostic in many veterinary clinics around the world. It is a great resource with applications in all aspects of veterinary medicine. Higher quality CT studies allows for faster and more accurate diagnoses and better outcomes for patients. Developed initially as a diagnostic tool for human medicine, much of the veterinary training is limited or directed specifically at specialist veterinary radiologists. This article will broadly cover the basics of CT imaging that all nurses, technicians or veterinarians should understand before undertaking any CT study.

CT images are captured by a series of detectors that move in tandem with a generator in a circle around the patient. The patient lies on the table or couch as it moves through the gantry (Garnett, 2020). Modern CT machines are designed with slip rings to allow continuous spinning of the x-ray source and detector array as the anatomy moves through the field of view (Figure 1).