CT SCAN FOR PETS
What Pet Owners Need to Know
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.

HOW TO SCHEDULE
✨ Thursdays are our primary CT imaging day but additional outpatient CT availability other days of when urgency requires.
PRICING
The COVE is committed to accessible, transparent pricing for advanced imaging. Our CT scan for pets includes the scan itself, sedation or anesthesia, monitoring, and a full interpretation by a board-certified veterinary radiologist.
We also support your right to choose the service that best fits your pet and family. We are available for consultations to discuss whether a CT scan is the right choice for your pet.
We provide an estimate before service. Use the toggle below to explore our most common services by location. Payment is due at the time of service and can be made via cash, check, Care credit, or credit card. There is a 3% processing fee on all credit and debit card transactions.
PRICING PER LOCATION
Single Site CT
$12001200
Includes:
- Sedation/anesthesia
- Contrast
- Radiologist report
- $300/additional site
Abdominal U/S
$550600
Includes:
- Ultrasound
- Specialist Report
- Add $100 for Sedation
if Necessary
Echocardiogram
$550700
Includes:
- Echocardiogram
- Cardiologist Report
- Add $100 for Sedation
if Necessary
Double Cavity
$8001000
Includes:
- Echocardiogram
- Abdominal Ultrasound
- Internist or Radiologist report
Single Site CT
Abdominal U/S
Echocardiogram
Double Cavity
BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT
MEDICAL RECORDS
- Our team will request medical records and recent bloodwork from your veterinarian for review by our Radiology Director.
- If bloodwork has not been done in the last 30 days, we will discuss next steps with you before scheduling.
PRE-VISIT
MEDICATIONS, SEDATION, AND ANESTHESIA
- Please consult with your primary care veterinarian to obtain pre-visit medications. These medications, often used to address fear, anxiety, or stress related to veterinary care, can also reduce the amount of procedural sedatives needed during your pet's treatment. Recognizing that each patient responds differently to sedatives and anesthesia, our goal is to design a sedation and anesthetic plan that best suits your pet.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR PET
Here’s a quick checklist to help get your pet ready for their appointment:
- No Food After 8:00pm: Make sure your pet fasts after 8:00pm the night before the appointment (unless your vet tells you otherwise).
- Water is Okay: Feel free to let your pet drink water until the appointment.
- Pre-Sedation Meds: Administer the pre-visit medications prescribed by your veterinarian.
- Keep Us In the Loop: Be ready to let our team know when your pet last ate, what they had, and any meds they’ve taken—this helps us ensure everything goes smoothly.
- Arrive: At your scheduled admission time.
DURING THE APPOINTMENT
We know that bringing your pet in for imaging can feel stressful, and we’re here to make the experience as calm and comfortable as possible. Toggle between the tabs below for an idea of what you can expect during your pet’s visit, from start to finish, so you can feel confident and informed. Our caring team is focused on your pet’s safety, comfort, and well-being every step of the way.
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:
- 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:
- 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.
AFTER THE APPOINTMENT
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PET
Your pet may be groggy for the rest of the day. Please monitor them closely, especially around stairs, furniture, or outdoors.
Here are some tips to help them feel comfortable:
- Meals: Later in the evening, you can give your pet half of their usual meal, but serve it in small portions to keep things gentle. It is not uncommon for them to be inappetent (lacking appetite).
- Medication: Check with your primary care veterinarian for any specific instructions regarding their routine medications.
- Occasional Side Effects: We may give your pet an intravenous contrast agent to enhance the images. In rare cases, side effects like mild diarrhea may occur.
- Monitor Your Pet: Because your pet will need close monitoring for the rest of the day, please ensure they will have a caregiver present.

