Utilization of Computed Tomography at the Aydin Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Research and Application Hospital: An Analysis of Preliminary Results on Patient Demographics and Case Distribution

Abstract

This study examines the distribution of computed tomography (CT) usage at Aydin Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Research and Application Hospital between 2023 and 2024. CT, a widely adopted diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine, allows for detailed imaging of internal organs and anatomical structures, enhancing the diagnosis of complex cases. The study analyzed data from 143 animals, including dogs, cats, and other species, to assess the frequency of CT scans based on species, age, sex, breed, and imaged anatomical regions. A total of 350 CT scans were reviewed, with dogs (n=87) undergoing the majority of scans (200), followed by cats (n=50) with 175 scans, and other species accounting for 26 scans. Cranium, thorax, and abdomen were the most frequently imaged regions across all species. The study found that older animals, particularly large-breed dogs and male cats, required more imaging, while younger animals (0-6 months) underwent fewer CT scans. The findings emphasize the need for tailored diagnostic approaches based on species, age, and sex to improve early detection and treatment outcomes in veterinary practice. Furthermore, the study highlights the potential for expanding CT use in non-traditional veterinary species, with the goal of improving diagnostic precision. The results provide important insights for enhancing veterinary services through the strategic application of CT imaging.

Keywords

• Computed tomography
• diagnostic imaging
• veterinary medicine

Supporting Institution

Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Scientific Research Foundation (BAP)

Project Number

VTF-20024

Ethical Statement

Retrospective ethics committee approval is not necessary for the nature of the present retrospective study.

Thanks

The authors would like to thank İ. Batuhan Kar and M. Ali Efe for their assistance with the data extraction.

References

1. Ando, K., Kamijyou, K., Hatinoda, K., Shibata, S., Shida, T., & Asari, M. (2012). Computed tomography and radiographic lymphography of the thoracic duct by subcutaneous or submucosal injection. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 74(1), 135-140. https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.11-0214
2. Ballegeer, E.A. (2016). Computed tomography of the musculoskeletal system. Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, 46(3), 373-420. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2015.12.005
3. Butković, V., Šehič, M., Stanin, D., Šimpraga, M., Capak, D., & Kos, J. (2001). Dental diseases in dogs: a retrospective study of radiological data. Acta Veterinaria Brno, 70(2), 203-208.
4. Caspanello, T., Masucci, M., Iannelli, D., Iannelli, N.M., & De Majo, M. (2023). Prevalence and Features of Incidental Findings in Veterinary Computed Tomography: A Single-Center Six-Years’ Experience. Animals, 13(4), 591. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13040591
5. Cohen, J., Fischetti, A.J., & Daverio, H. (2023). Veterinary radiologic error rate as determined by necropsy. Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound, 64(4), 573-584. https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.13259
6. Del Busto, I., German, A. J., Treggiari, E., Romanelli, G., O’Connell, E.M., Batchelor, D.J., Silvestrini, P., & Murtagh, K. (2020). Incidence of postoperative complications and outcome of 48 dogs undergoing surgical management of insulinoma. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 34(3), 1135-1143. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15751Dozeman, E.T.,
7. Prittie, J.E., & Fischetti, A.J. (2020). Utilization of whole body computed tomography in polytrauma patients. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 30(1), 28-33. https://doi.org/10.1111/vec.12918
8. Gielen, I., Van Caelenberg, A., & van Bree, H. (2012). Clinical applications of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in small animals. European Journal of Companion Animal Practice, 22(4), 84-103.

9. Greco, A., Meomartino, L., Gnudi, G., Brunetti, A., & Di Giancamillo, M. (2022). Imaging techniques in veterinary medicine. Part II: Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine. European Journal of Radiology Open, 13(10), 100467. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejro.2022.100467
10. Greco, A., Meomartino, L., Gnudi, G., Brunetti, A., & Di Giancamillo, M. (2023). Imaging techniques in veterinary medicine. Part II: Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine. European Journal of Radiology Open, 10, 100467. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejro.2022.100467
11. Griffeuille, E., Seriot, P., Baudin-Tréhiou, C., Gibert, S., Blond, L., Poujol, L., & Dunié-Mérigot, A. (2021). Comparison of computed tomography and surgical findings and investigation of their associations with outcomes for dogs with sublumbar abscesses. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 259(11), 1300-1308. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.20.07.0403
12. Iwanaga, T., Tokunaga, S., & Momoi, Y. (2016). Thoracic duct lymphography by subcutaneous contrast agent injection in a dog with chylothorax. Open Veterinary Journal, 6(3), 238-241. https://doi.org/10.4314/ovj.v6i3.13
13. Keane, M., Paul, E., Sturrock, C.J., Rauch, C., & Rutland, C.S. (2017). Computed tomography in veterinary medicine: Currently published and tomorrow’s vision. In A.M. Halefoglu (Ed.), Computed Tomography-Advanced Applications (pp. 271-289). Intech Open. http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.68556
14. Little, S.E. (2011). The Cat: Clinical Medicine and Management. Elsevier Health Sciences.
15. Miniter, B.M., Gonçalves Arruda, A., Zuckerman, J., Caceres, A.V., & Ben-Amotz, R. (2019). Use of computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction in canines and felines. PLOS One, 14(8), e0219748. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0219748
16. Najjar, R. (2023). Redefining radiology: a review of artificial intelligence integration in medical imaging. Diagnostics, 13(17), 2760. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13172760
17. Nuss, K., Schnetzler, C., Hagen, R., Schwarz, A., & Kircher, P. (2011). Klinische anwendung der computertomographie beim rind. Tierärztliche Praxis Ausgabe G: Großtiere/Nutztiere, 39(05), 317- 324. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0038-1623076
18. Puchalski, S.M. (2012). Advances in equine computed tomography and use of contrast media. Veterinary Clinics: Equine Practice, 28(3), 563-581. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2012.08.002
19. Sepuya, R.G., Dozeman, E.T., Prittie, J.E., Fischetti, A.J., & Weltman, J.G. (2022). Comparing diagnostic findings and cost of whole body computed tomography to traditional diagnostic imaging in polytrauma patients. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 32(3), 334-340. https://doi.org/10.1111/vec.13189
20. Soltero-Rivera, M., Vapniarsky, N., Rivas, I.L., & Arzi, B. (2023). Clinical, Radiographic And Histopathologic Features Of Early- Onset Gingivitis And Periodontitis In Cats (1997–2022). Journal of feline medicine and surgery, 25(1), 1098612X221148577. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X221148577
21. Sutton, L.K., Byrd, J.H., & Brooks, J.W. (2018). Age Determination in Dogs and Cats. In J.W. Brooks (Ed.), Veterinary Forensic Pathology, (Vol. 2) (pp. 151-163). Springer.
22. Yitbarek, D., & Dagnaw, G.G. (2022). Application of Advanced Imaging Modalities in Veterinary Medicine: A Review. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, 13, 117–130.
23. Zimmerman, M., Schramme, M., Barthélemy, A., Mariën, T., Thomas- Cancian, A., & Ségard-Weisse, E. (2022). CT is a feasible imaging technique for detecting lesions in horses with elbow lameness: A study of 139 elbows in 99 horses. Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound, 63(2), 164-175. https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.13044