The post Ever Seen a Lion Get an X-Ray? appeared first on A-Z Animals.
Animals are not all that different from humans in terms of injury or illness. Like humans, animals might need a CT scan to check for damage or breaks. X-ray machines are powerful tools used by veterinarians to determine the extent of an injury, as seen in this post by @thishowthingswork. While these photos might look unorthodox, they’re the best chance an animal has at receiving potentially life-saving care. Here are some reasons why and how an animal might get a CT scan.
X-Rays Show a Range of Injuries
Humans immediately go to the hospital for an x-ray when they break their arm. The same is true of animals in captivity, except that they can’t vocalize their need for help. In this case, veterinarians step in to see what needs mending. X-rays can tell veterinarians and caretakers precisely what’s happening beneath the surface of an animal’s skin. Some animals are adept at masking pain, making this practice necessary in a zoo or conservation setting.
This post shows many animals getting CT scans: a lion, gorilla, snake, turtle, panda, cheetah, giraffe, alligator, seal, penguin, dolphin, rabbit, and even a snail. This shows how versatile a medical procedure can be in determining an injury. Large animal imaging is used for animals that are too large for the average X-ray machine, like the one at UC Davis. A CT scan can expose many problems, such as:
- Fractures or breaks
- Internal trauma or bleeding
- Orthopedic issues like arthritis and inflammation
- Organ issues such as long or liver problems
- Tumors or growths
- Nasal or dental issues
A CT scan may also be used before surgery as a precaution. Veterinarians often perform an X-ray to clear a patient, which, in this case, would be an animal rather than a human. Doing this provides an extra level of reassurance before opening up an animal. These scans also help diagnose which surgery or treatment is best for the underlying issue.
How Safe Is a CT Scan?
These animals might look uncomfortable, but they can’t feel anything. CT scans are considered a generally safe procedure for most animals. The biggest risk that comes with an X-ray is radiation exposure. However, this exposure is typically less for an animal than it would be for a full-grown adult human. Therefore, any risks associated with CT scans are extremely low. More often than not, they are a life-saving practice for animals and humans alike.
This post shows animals hooked up to various medical equipment just like a human would be under anesthesia. A low dose of anesthesia is used to put animals under during a scan for their safety and the safety of the professionals conducting it. This is the only way to get a clear picture from the X-ray and keep the animals immobilized for a short time. An animal’s vital signs are measured the entire time it’s under anesthesia, with veterinarians nearby in the event it needs assistance. The process is fairly safe and often lasts less than one hour.
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