At Midwest Animal Hospital, we’re proud to offer advanced tools that help us deliver top-tier care to your pets — and one of the most powerful tools we have is our in-house CT (Computed Tomography) machine, dedicated to skull and limb imaging.
While our CT technology has already been helping us diagnose complex conditions behind the scenes, we’re now excited to shine a light on what it can do — and how it can benefit your pet. From uncovering hidden causes of lameness to investigating chronic nasal issues, CT imaging gives us a clearer, more complete view than traditional X-rays alone.
This advanced technology isn’t just impressive — it’s a game-changer when it comes to diagnosing complex conditions quickly, safely, and accurately.
What is a CT Machine?
A CT scanner uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed, cross-sectional images of your pet’s body. Think of it like a 3D X-ray that gives us a much clearer picture of what’s going on beneath the surface. It’s a painless, non-invasive procedure that allows us to see bones, joints, and tissues with incredible precision.
Why Skull and Limb Imaging?
While CT imaging has a wide range of applications in veterinary medicine, we specialize in using it for skull and limb diagnostics. These are areas where standard X-rays can sometimes fall short — and where a CT scan can make all the difference.
Here are just a few things we can see clearly with CT:
- Skull & Facial Structures
- Chronic nasal discharge or sneezing
- Tumors or masses in the nasal cavity or sinuses
- Dental disease affecting the jawbone or sinuses
- Inner ear and brain abnormalities
- Limb & Joint Issues
- Complex or small fractures
- Joint abnormalities
- Bone tumors or infections
- Lameness with no clear cause on X-ray
Why It Matters for Your Pet
- Accurate Diagnoses: CT gives us a 3D view, so we can identify problems that might be missed on traditional X-rays.
- Better Treatment Planning: The more we can see, the better we can treat. CT helps us plan surgeries or therapies with precision.
- Faster Answers: Having our own CT machine on-site means no need to wait for outside referrals — and you get results faster.
- Less Stress: Because everything is done under one roof, your pet avoids unnecessary travel or delays in care.
Safe, Painless, and Efficient
CT scans are done under light anesthesia to keep your pet calm and still during the procedure. Most scans are completed within a short time, and your pet goes home the same day — often with a clear diagnosis in hand.
Is CT Right for Your Pet?
If your pet is dealing with a chronic issue affecting the head or limbs, or if standard imaging hasn’t provided the answers you need, a CT scan may be the next step. Our veterinary team will guide you through the process and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your pet’s specific case.
We’re Here for You
At Midwest Animal Hospital, our mission is to combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate care. Adding a CT machine to our diagnostic toolkit allows us to do just that — giving your pet the best chance at a happy, healthy life.
Have questions about CT imaging? Wondering if it’s right for your pet? Give us a call at (708) 478-7788 or stop by — we’re always happy to help!