Standing CT (Computed Tomography)
The RVC Equine Referral hospital is one of only a few equine hospitals in the world that has the facility to perform computed tomographic (CT) studies in horses. It has a CT suite custom designed for horses which allows the examination of the head in the standing, conscious horse. We also have a custom-built table to support anaesthetised horses for CT scanning of other areas such as the limbs.
The advantages that CT has over traditional 2D radiography are, firstly, that structures are not superimposed on top of each other. Secondly, it is a much higher resolution and therefore structures differing in physical density can be more accurately differentiated. In addition 3D reconstruction is used to evaluate CT images.
How are CT images acquired?
CT (Computed Tomography) uses a computer and a rotating x-ray machine to create consecutive cross-sectional slices through the body.
When images are being acquired, the CT table moves through the circular tunnel of the CT scanner, while an x-ray tube, within the CT housing, emits x-rays as it encircles the patient within the scanner. A detector, on the opposite side of the x-ray tube, measures the x-rays that pass through the patient and computer-generated cross-sectional images are constructed from this data.
As x-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or attenuated (weakened) at differing levels according to the structures they are reaching within the body (as described for radiography), creating a profile of x-ray beams of different strengths.
Above: A 3D Computed tomography reconstruction of a tumour within a horse's head
Further Information
For more information
download the
Equine Referral Hospital's
information leaflet
Why Use Equine Standing CT