New 3-D Imaging Technology
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Animal Health Care Denver is excited to offer a new diagnostic imaging tool with our new Vimago Pico! Computed Tomography, also known as a CAT scan, produces a 3-D image that provides our doctors with far more precise diagnostic data than a standard x-ray. We are pleased our patients can receive this specialty service at reasonable general practice fees. If you have any questions or want to reach out to our office about CT Scanning, please call us at (303) 288-6800.
Benefits of CT Scanning
Traditional 2-D x-rays are often unable to capture complex details of our patient’s internal structures because they show as overlapped, one on top of the other. The 3-D CT image resolution of 0.09mm, which is about the thickness of a human hair, allows clinician to clearly see internal structures from any angle, identifying their shapes, size, and density leading to superior diagnostic confidence to help our doctors determine the best treatment. CT images may also show if no abnormality is present.
Our Vimago scanner offers a vast array of applications and should be used as the primary imaging tool for:
- Skulls: sinus, nasal, ears, brain lesions, trauma
- Dental
- Foreign bodies
- Lungs, heart
- Abdomen: liver, pancreas, kidneys, adrenals, GI
- Orthopedics: stifles, elbows, hips, fractures
- Spine: cervical, thoracic, lumbar
- Diagnostic fluoroscopy: coughing, swallow studies, collapsing trachea
What to Expect During a CT Scan
Scans, from anesthesia to completion, typically take between 30 minutes to an hour depending on the number of areas scanned and the need for IV contrast. All completed finalized studies are sent to a radiologist for complete interpretation and a thorough comprehensive written report.
Quality & Affordable Care
At Animal Health Care Denver, our patients will receive a specialty service at general practice fees. We pride ourselves on being a small, locally owned business that cares about our community and provides excellent pet care, without the high cost of a specialty hospital.
Real Stories From Our Hospital
- Beau, a Labrador Retriever-mix, visited our hospital with the complaint of a painful neck. After doing a CT, a rare infection called discospondylitis was diagnosed. The CT also ruled out herniated disc and cancer, other common spine issues for dogs. Had a traditional x-ray been performed, this infection would not have been visible. Beau was prescribed antibiotics and made a full recovery.
- A Domestic shorthair cat was brought into our hospital because the owner was concerned about a lump on the side of the patient’s cheek. The consistency of the lump made it difficult to biopsy. A CT scan was performed and a tumor on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) was identified. The tumor was removed surgically allowing the patient to live pain free.
- After an ER visit, a Bulldog was brought into our hospital with gastrointestinal concerns. A CT scan was performed, and a foreign object was identified in the patient’s abdominal cavity. The patient underwent surgery to remove the object which was missed during the ER visit. The patient made a full recovery.
