CT scans, commonly referred to as a CAT scan, are simply X-rays that are manipulated by a computer to show cross sections of a particular part of the body.  CT scans are excellent for imaging bone, the chest and abdomen, and the nose. 

CT can be used to visualize the brain and spinal cord and tends to be less expensive than MRI, but it is provides much less detail than MRI, and in some cases does not demonstrate abnormalities that can be detected with MRI.  As a result, MRI is our primary imaging tool to visualize the nervous system here at Mass Vet. 

In neurology, our CT machine is used primarily for assessment of bone abnormalities (fractures, bone tumors) and CT-guided brain biopsies.