Using a CT Scanner to Diagnose the Source of Lame Rear Legs in Your Dog
November 3, 2009
Our world at present is filled with marvel upon marvel when it comes to new medical innovations and technology, and this is even becoming true concerning medical practices for pets and what your pet insurance can cover. The amount of medical treatment available to your dog has skyrocketed as more and more pet owners expect the same options available for their dogs as they have received themselves.
One such example is the Charlie-SPS, a CT scanner which was first put into use to quickly diagnose the unknown source of lameness in the rear legs of a beagle named Ralphy.
The Origin of the Charlie-SPS
This is the world’s first portable and battery-operated multi-slice CT scanner for smaller pets (hence, the acronym SPS: small pet scanner). It was created by Universal Medical Systems, Inc., which is a worldwide leader in supplying innovative veterinary computed tomography (CT) systems and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems.
The Campus Commons Pet Hospital, Inc., under the ownership and presidency of Dr. Robert Richardson, was the first in possession of the new CT scanner, and they have experienced nothing but wonderful results.
In the words of Dr. Robert Richardson himself when he compares the Charlie-SPS to other CT scanners, “It is simply more portable and easier to use.” Not only that, but it features a significant reduction in cost for the buyer: $30,000-$50,000 less!
What the Charlie-SPS Can Do for You and Your Dog
The portable CT scanner uses a complete and incredibly-detailed scan of the dog’s anatomy for the purpose of diagnostic imaging. In other words, the visual display received from the CT scanner allows vets to swiftly diagnose what problems a dog has and how to correctly proceed into surgery.
In Ralphy’s case, the CT scanner was used to diagnose the source of his lame rear legs. Within minutes, the scan was complete and so detailed that the doctors were able to swiftly conclude that Ralphy was suffering from a lumbar disk rupture. Thus, they were able to move on to surgery with complete confidence in their next course of action.
Wide Range of Uses
The second dog privileged to experience the Charlie-SPS’s capabilities was a golden retriever named Chloe who had an ear infection. The CT scanner gave a clear visual display of Chloe’s entire inner ear, allowing for Dr. Richardson and his team to know exactly how to go about taking out the ear infection without further damaging Chloe’s ear.
A third case involved a Rottweiler who had unknown lameness (even after X-rays had been taken). The Charlie-SPS immediately revealed the cause of the dog’s problems (two chips stuck in her elbow), and the doctors acted accordingly.
This is a Powerful Option
With so many advancements in medical technology for your dog, you need to be aware of your options. The Charlie-SPS is one of those fantastic options that shouldn’t be ignored. With the ability to see clearly what is going on inside of your dog’s body, vets and surgeons are able to know exactly what course of action to take.
In the case of Ralphy, they were able to use the CT scanner to diagnose the source of lameness in his rear legs. In your dog’s case, what will they find? Your dog’s health may depend on the use of new technology such as the Charlie-SPS, which has capabilities never imagined before our time.
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