In Practice 25: 243-254 (2003)
© 2003 British Veterinary Association

Advanced imaging: indications for CT and MRI in veterinary patients

¹ European Association of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

COMPUTED tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)are increasingly being used in veterinary diagnosis due to greater accessibility of the equipment, advances in treatment options and increasing owner expectations. However, CT and MRI scanning are complex and expensive procedures that warrant careful patient selection. They should be used to supplement, rather than replace, conventional diagnostic tools. This article describes the most important indications for CT and MRI in veterinary patients and indicates which technique is preferable, should a choice exist. It also discusses the basic principles of the two imaging modalities, together with their limitations.