On-Site CT Imaging for Dogs and Cats in Boston

The same advanced imaging used in human hospitals, available for your pet.

CORE’s on-site CT scanner means your pet’s imaging and care happen in the same place with the same team. No separate referral or waiting for results from another facility.

What Is a CT Scan for Dogs and Cats? A CT scan (computed tomography) creates a detailed, three-dimensional picture of what's happening inside your pet's body. If you've ever had a CT scan yourself, it's the same technology. Instead of a single flat image like an X-ray, a CT captures hundreds of cross-sections and assembles them into a complete, layered picture that your surgeon can examine from every angle.

In some cases, a contrast dye is administered through an IV during the scan. The contrast highlights blood vessels, organs, and tumors in greater detail, making it easier for the surgeon to see things like the blood supply to a mass, the exact path of an abnormal vessel like a portosystemic shunt, or how well an organ is functioning. 

Your dog or cat is sedated so they stay perfectly still during the scan. The process itself takes just a few minutes, is completely painless, and carries very low risk. For many conditions, it reveals critical information that standard X-rays simply can't provide.

How Does CT Imaging Lead to Better Surgical Outcomes?

The more your surgeon knows before a procedure begins, the better the result. That’s what CT imaging provides: a complete, precise understanding of your pet’s condition that allows the surgical team to develop a detailed plan in advance rather than making decisions on the fly.

Complex fractures: CT shows exactly how many pieces the bone is in, where each fragment sits, and how they relate to surrounding joints and tissue. That means the surgeon walks into the procedure with a plan for every step, which translates to a shorter, more efficient surgery and less time under anesthesia for your pet.

Tumors and masses: CT reveals the full size, precise location, and relationship to surrounding structures. This level of detail helps the surgical team determine the most effective approach and anticipate challenges in advance rather than encountering them unexpectedly. Learn more about cancer surgery

Brachycephalic airway evaluation: For flat-faced breeds with breathing problems, CT provides a complete picture of the airway anatomy, showing exactly where and how severely the airway is restricted so the surgeon can tailor the correction to your dog’s specific needs. Learn more about airway surgery

Abdominal and chest conditions: CT identifies problems that X-rays miss, giving the team a more complete picture and reducing the likelihood of unexpected findings during treatment.

This is the same standard of diagnostic imaging used in top human hospitals, applied to your pet’s care. Better information means more precise treatment, shorter time under anesthesia, and better outcomes.

When Might My Pet Need a CT Scan?

Not every case requires CT imaging. Standard X-rays are often enough, and our surgeons won’t order imaging your pet doesn’t need. But CT is especially valuable when your pet has:

  • A complex fracture, especially one involving multiple pieces or a joint
  • A nasal condition where the surgeon needs to evaluate the extent of disease before planning treatment
  • A tumor or mass where the team needs to understand exactly what’s involved before determining the best approach
  • A condition where X-rays aren’t providing a clear enough picture
  • Airway problems in a flat-faced breed where the surgeon needs to see the full anatomy of the throat and nose
  • A case that would benefit from more detailed imaging before making a treatment recommendation
  • A suspected portosystemic shunt or other vascular abnormality

If you’ve been told your pet needs a CT scan and you’re not sure why, our surgeons will explain exactly what they’re looking for and how the results will shape your pet’s treatment plan.

CT Referrals for Veterinarians and Pet Owners

Your veterinarian can refer your pet to CORE for CT imaging, even if treatment isn’t being planned at our hospital. We’ll perform the scan, review the results, and share them directly with your referring veterinarian so they can move forward with your pet’s care.
If the imaging reveals a condition that CORE can treat, we’re happy to discuss next steps with you and your vet. But there’s no obligation. We’re here to provide the imaging your pet needs, wherever their care continues.

What to Expect for Your Pet’s CT Scan at CORE

Your pet will be sedated for the scan, which keeps them still and comfortable throughout. The imaging itself takes just a few minutes.

If the CT is part of a surgical consultation, your surgeon reviews the images and walks you through exactly what they show, what it means for your pet, and how it shapes the treatment plan. If the scan is a standalone referral, results are typically reviewed the same day and shared with your referring veterinarian.

Your dog or cat goes home the same day. Sedation wears off within a few hours, and there’s no recovery needed from the scan itself.

How to Prepare for Your Pet’s CT Scan

Because your pet will be sedated, they’ll need to fast beforehand. In most cases, that means no food after midnight the night before, though water is fine up until the morning of the appointment. Our team will confirm specific preparation instructions when you schedule the scan. No special grooming or other preparation is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a CT scan safe for my dog or cat?

Yes. CT scanning is very safe. Our anesthesia team monitors your pet throughout.

Does my pet need to be sedated for a CT scan?

Yes. Your pet needs to lie completely still for the scan to produce clear, accurate images.

Does my pet need to fast before a CT scan?

Yes. Because sedation is required, your pet should not eat after midnight the night before the scan. Water is typically fine up until the morning of the appointment. Our team will give you specific instructions when you schedule.

What’s the difference between a CT scan and an X-ray?

An X-ray produces a single flat image. A CT scan produces a detailed, three-dimensional picture made up of hundreds of cross-sections. This allows the surgeon to see structures from every angle, identify problems that X-rays miss, and develop treatment plans with much greater precision.

What’s the difference between a CT scan and an MRI?

Both create detailed images of the body, but they work differently and are better suited for different things. CT is excellent for bone, lung, and vascular detail and is the primary advanced imaging tool for surgical planning. MRI provides superior images of soft tissue structures like the brain and spinal cord. Your veterinarian or surgeon will recommend whichever imaging modality is most appropriate for your pet’s condition.

Does my pet need a referral for a CT scan?

No. You can contact CORE directly to schedule a consultation that includes CT imaging if needed. Your veterinarian can also refer your pet to us specifically for imaging.

How quickly do you get CT scan results?

In most cases, our surgeons review CT images the same day. If the scan is part of a consultation, you’ll discuss the results together during your visit. For referral cases, results are shared with your veterinarian promptly.

How much does a CT scan cost for a dog or cat?

Cost depends on the area being scanned and whether contrast dye is needed. You’ll receive a detailed estimate before the scan is performed.

Can CT imaging be done at the same visit as surgery?

In many cases, yes. When CT is needed for surgical planning, the scan and the procedure can often be performed during the same visit, meaning your pet only needs one round of sedation or anesthesia rather than two separate appointments.

Schedule Your Consultation

If your pet needs advanced imaging, or you’ve been referred for a CT scan, your visit includes the scan itself, a thorough review of the results, and clear guidance about what the images mean for your pet’s care and next steps.

CORE Veterinary Surgical Clinic provides on-site CT imaging alongside board-certified surgical care for dogs and cats across Greater Boston.