CT Scans

Advanced CT Imaging for Pets in Lubbock, TX

At Lubbock Small Animal Emergency Clinic, we offer in-house CT imaging to help diagnose a wide range of conditions in pets. Whether you’re a veterinarian referring a patient or a pet owner seeking answers, our high-resolution technology delivers detailed, 3D images that often reveal problems traditional X-rays may miss.

CT scans are particularly helpful in diagnosing:

• Nasal and sinus conditions
• Head injuries, including jaw fractures
• Lung disease
• Middle and inner ear disorders
• Tumors or abnormal growths
• Orthopedic issues like hip dysplasia or joint degeneration
• Spinal conditions (we offer myelograms)
• Dental disease, including abscesses

CT Pricing

We perform CT scans during daytime hours and provide timely, detailed results to guide treatment decisions. For veterinarians, radiologist reports are sent directly to your practice so you can follow up with your client as needed.

If you’re a pet owner, your veterinarian may refer you to us for advanced imaging as part of your pet’s care plan.

For the most current pricing, please call or email our team.

Scheduling a CT Scan

CT scans are available daily, with most procedures scheduled Monday through Friday. Once a referral is received or an appointment is requested, we’ll work with the pet owner to find a convenient drop-off time.

Preparing for the Appointment

Whether you’re a referring clinic or a pet owner bringing your pet in directly, please follow these important preparation steps:

• Withhold food for 6 hours prior to the scan
• Expect the appointment to last approximately 2 hours, including recovery from anesthesia
• Drop off the patient at:
  6305 66th St. Ste 300, Lubbock, TX 79424
• We will contact the pet’s owner as soon as the scan is complete and the patient is ready to go home.
• Please note: Scan results are shared with the referring veterinarian. We do not review or interpret diagnostic findings directly with pet owners during their visit.

How Your Pet or Your Patient Can Benefit from a CT Scan

CT technology is one of the most advanced diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine. It provides cross-sectional, 3D images of your pet’s internal structures, making it especially useful for detecting complex or subtle medical issues.

Common Applications

Ear Conditions

CT is the most effective way to diagnose infections, inflammation, or tumors in the ear. It clearly shows bone involvement and helps distinguish between otitis externa, otitis media, and neoplasia.

Nasal & Sinus Disease

Superior to radiographs, CT helps differentiate between non-destructive inflammation and destructive conditions like neoplasia. It’s also excellent for locating foreign bodies or infected tooth roots.

Intracranial Hemorrhage

CT is the preferred method for detecting brain bleeds, especially within 24 hours of trauma. Common causes include injury, clotting disorders, tumors, toxins, or fungal infections.

Trauma & Fractures

CT provides detailed images of complex or hairline fractures and can assess nearby soft tissue damage. This clarity supports accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and surgical planning.

Elbow Dysplasia

In young dogs with persistent front-leg lameness and normal radiographs, CT often reveals hidden joint abnormalities such as OCD, UAP, and joint incongruency.

Ectopic Ureters

Contrast-enhanced CT helps identify the position and type of ureters, which guides surgical planning and minimizes operative time.

Small Fractures & Limb Injuries

CT excels at identifying subtle or early-stage fractures—especially in areas like the wrist or ankle—that might not show up on X-rays for a week or more. It’s ideal for fragile or elderly pets due to its speed and detail.

Abdominal Imaging

CT is a powerful tool for identifying portosystemic shunts, evaluating pancreatitis, and distinguishing between tumors, inflammation, and infections. It also helps define surgical vs. nonsurgical abdominal masses.

Thoracic Imaging

When evaluating for lung metastases, CT is the gold standard. It also supports diagnoses of pulmonary embolism, contusions, airway disease, and fluid conditions like chylothorax.