Looking for a safe, effective CT scan for pets? At The COVE, we provide advanced veterinary CT scans, abdominal ultrasounds, and echocardiograms in an outpatient setting without the long wait times, high costs, or referral requirements of a specialty hospital.
Whether your veterinarian referred your pet for further imaging or you're exploring options, here's what to expect when scheduling a CT scan for dogs, CT scan for cats, or an abdominal ultrasound.
No Referral Required
Same-Week Appointments
Board-Certified Specialists
Transparent Pricing
Making an Appointment
After your veterinarian recommends advanced imaging, our team will work directly with you to schedule your visit, answer questions, and explain what to expect throughout the process. We'll help coordinate the details so you feel prepared and informed before your appointment.
Pre-Visit Planning
Before your appointment, your veterinarian will prescribe medications to help reduce stress and keep your pet comfortable during their visit. These medications should be obtained from your veterinarian prior to the appointment. We'll also obtain medical records and recent bloodwork for review by our Radiology Director. If bloodwork has not been completed within the last 30 days, we'll discuss next steps before your visit.
Imaging Day
After admission, our team completes the recommended CT scan, ultrasound, or echocardiogram while carefully monitoring your pet throughout their visit. Their comfort and safety remain our top priorities from arrival through recovery.
Specialist Interpretation
Every study is carefully reviewed by our board-certified specialists, who prepare a detailed report outlining findings, impressions, and recommendations. Their expertise helps provide clarity and support confident clinical decision-making.
Results & Next Steps
Your veterinarian receives the completed report from our specialists and will review the results with you, answer questions, and discuss the most appropriate treatment options for your pet. Together, you'll determine the best path forward for your pet's ongoing care.
Thank you for trusting us with the care of your pet. During the CT scan for dogs or CT scan for cats, your pet will be cared for by a dedicated Veterinary Technician whose sole focus is their safety and comfort.
Here's what you can expect during their visit:
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- Expert Care: Your pet will be partnered with one of our skilled veterinary technicians, who will accompany them throughout their visit. Our on-site veterinarian will work with our anesthesiologist to ensure a smooth and safe experience while overseeing the procedure.
- Relaxed & Safe: To ensure the best quality images and to minimize your pet’s stress, they will be gently sedated or anesthetized during the scan. An IV catheter will be placed to safely administer any necessary medications during the procedure.
- Procedure Time: While the imaging itself takes about 30 minutes, we will keep your pet in our care until they have fully recovered from the sedation or anesthesia. Please allow an estimated 3-4 hours wait time. Our team will notify you when your pet is ready to be picked up.
- Radiologist Report: Once the imaging is complete, we will send the Radiologist Report directly to your referring veterinarian. Be sure to reach out to them for a review of the CT results and to discuss the next steps in your pet’s treatment plan.
Our outpatient ultrasound services are designed with vets, pets and their care team in mind. Sometimes your vet just needs imaging, not a full specialist workup. We offer ultrasound studies with detailed reports outlining both normal and abnormal findings, plus possible causes.
Here’s what you can expect during your visit:
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- Expert Scanning: Our ultrasounds are performed by highly skilled and experienced sonographers.
- Comfort: Ultrasounds are non-invasive and typically quick. You are welcome to stay with your pet to observe the scan and comfort them.
- Shaving: An area will be shaved to allow for clear imaging.
- Sedation: Mild sedation may be recommended for comfort and to reduce stress. Ask your vet if pre-visit meds are right for your pet.
- Sampling: If needed, samples can be taken during the scan and sent to your veterinarian for testing.
- Findings: Your ultrasound study will be interpreted by a board-certified specialist.
- Report: The report will be shared with you and your veterinarian via email in 24-48 hours. Please consult them to discuss the findings, recommendations, and treatment plan.
