Many veterinary practices turn to the refurbished X-ray market as an affordable option for acquiring their imaging equipment. This has resulted in the increasing use of human CT scanners in veterinary practices for conducting exams on animals. The adoption of human CT scan protocols in veterinary care poses significant risks that can compromise animal health and safety. Animals have unique physiological and anatomical differences compared to humans, which necessitate tailored imaging approaches.
In this blog, we will explore the potential dangers associated with using human CT scans in veterinary settings and the necessity for specialized equipment and techniques designed specifically for animal care.
Radiation Exposure
One of the biggest concerns when using human CT scanners for animals is inappropriate radiation doses. Human CT scanners are calibrated based on the anatomy and size of the average human body, not animals, which can lead to excessive or uneven radiation exposure in pets.
For example, small animals like cats, or dogs may be exposed to higher-than-necessary radiation doses, which can increase their long-term risk of developing radiation-induced complications. In the other direction, if an animal does not receive the appropriate dose of radiation for a diagnostic-quality image this can lead to incomplete diagnostics or the need for multiple scans, further increasing radiation exposure. A human CT scanner will not have the appropriate techniques saved or any available technique charts for veterinary use with that scanner.
The primary goal of any veterinarian is to obtain the highest quality imaging to facilitate an accurate diagnosis, enabling them to determine the best treatment for the animal while minimizing risks, particularly radiation exposure.
Inappropriate Medical Software
When considering software and imaging processing, it’s essential to recognize the important differences between human and veterinary systems.
Human CT scanners do not allow for the entry of animals as patients; there is no option to select species, the appropriate body parts, and a number of other major and minor differences from human and animal patient information. This means that this information is completely missing from the study record and especially if ever shared with outside radiologists or experts. In addition, the lack of this information means that the software for the CT scanner will not integrate well with veterinary practice management systems or PACS systems, greatly complicating the storage and retrieval of patient data.
In contrast, veterinary-specific CT scanners come equipped with software that can not only record the full details of patients but is designed to provide precise guidance for positioning both small and large animals. Each tool is tailored to meet the specific needs of the animal, ensuring accurate imaging and improved diagnostic outcomes.
Anesthesia Considerations
Animals typically need to be sedated or anesthetized for CT scans to prevent movement during the procedure. Anesthesia itself poses inherent risks, especially for older, sick, or fragile animals, making it important to minimize the time under sedation.
When using human CT scanners, the risks associated with anesthesia increase due to longer scan times. These machines are not optimized for the quicker scans often needed for animals. This is especially true of older or less expensive systems, the most common source of medical scanners being used in veterinary medicine.
Using the Right Equipment Enables Proper Positioning
Veterinary-specific CT scanners are available to accommodate a wide range of animal sizes and body types, reducing the need for excessive restraint or uncomfortable positioning. In contrast, human CT scanners, which are built for the dimensions of human bodies, often force animals into unnatural or awkward positions to fit into the machine.
Using an inappropriate scanner can cause significant stress, particularly for nervous or high-strung animals, as the restraint and positioning process can be anxiety-inducing. Additionally, improper positioning increases the risk of injury, especially for older animals or those with musculoskeletal issues, as awkward setups may strain or worsen existing conditions.
Inefficiency and Costs
Using human CT scanners for veterinary purposes can lead to inefficiencies that ultimately drive up costs, both for the veterinary practice and pet owners. Human machines are typically more expensive to operate and keep maintained, especially if they are now out of production, and since they are not optimized for animals, repeat scans or more extensive preparation may be required to get usable images. This adds to the overall cost of the procedure and may lead to longer wait times for results, delaying critical treatments.
Veterinary-specific CT scanners are designed for faster, more accurate imaging, making the entire process more efficient and cost-effective. They are also often easier to maintain and repair. With proper equipment, there’s less need for repeated imaging, reducing the overall cost of care for pet owners while improving the quality of diagnostics.
Conclusion
While CT scans offer valuable insights for diagnosing various veterinary conditions, installing the wrong CT scanner in your clinic can be an unexpected problem for a veterinary clinic. It is important to check that the scanner you are getting is the scanner you need and that will give you the benefits you are looking for. In most cases, the best option is a dedicated veterinary system designed from the ground up for the use you are planning to put it to.
