Purpose, Procedure, Risks, Side-Effects, Results

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• How Do CT Scans Work?
• How Are CT Scans Done?
• What Is It Used For?
• What Is a CT Scan with Contrast?
• Are There Any Risks?
• What Are the Side Effects?
• More

A computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan allows doctors to see inside your body. It uses a combination of X-rays and a computer to create pictures of your organs, bones, and other tissues. It shows more detail than a regular X-ray.

You can get a CT scan on any part of your body. The procedure doesn’t take very long, and it’s painless.

They use a narrow X-ray beam that circles around one part of your body. This provides a series of images from many different angles. A computer uses this information to create a cross-sectional picture. Like one piece in a loaf of bread, this two-dimensional (2D) scan shows a “slice” of the inside of your body.

This process is repeated to produce a number of slices. The computer stacks these scans one on top of the other to create a detailed image of your organs, bones, or blood vessels. For example, a surgeon may use this type of scan to look at all sides of a tumor to prepare for an operation.

You’d probably get a scan at a hospital or radiology clinic. Your doctor might tell you not to eat or drink for a few hours before the procedure. You may also need to wear a hospital gown and remove any metal objects, such as jewelry.

A radiology technologist will perform the CT scan. During the test, you’ll lie on a table inside a large, doughnut-shaped CT machine. As the table slowly moves through the scanner, the X-rays rotate around your body. It’s normal to hear a whirring or buzzing noise. Movement can blur the image, so you’ll be asked to stay very still. You may need to hold your breath at times.

How long the scan takes will depend on what parts of your body are being scanned. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a half-hour. In most cases, you’ll go home the same day.

Doctors order CT scans for a long list of reasons:

• CT scans can detect bone and joint problems, like complex bone fractures and tumors.
• If you have a condition like cancer, heart disease, emphysema, or liver masses, CT scans can spot it or help doctors see any changes.
• They show internal injuries and bleeding, such as those caused by a car accident.
• They can help locate a tumor, blood clot, excess fluid, or infection.
• Doctors use them to guide treatment plans and procedures, such as biopsies, surgeries, and radiation therapy.
• Doctors can compare CT scans to find out if certain treatments are working. For example, scans of a tumor over time can show whether it’s responding to chemotherapy or radiation.

In a CT scan, dense substances like bones are easy to see. But soft tissues don’t show up as well. They may look faint in the image. To help them appear clearly, you may need a special dye called a contrast material. They block the X-rays and appear white on the scan, highlighting blood vessels, organs, or other structures.

Contrast materials are usually made of iodine or barium sulfate. You might receive these drugs in one or more of three ways:

• Injection: The drugs are injected directly into a vein. This is done to help your blood vessels, urinary tract, liver, or gallbladder stand out in the image.
• Orally: Drinking a liquid with the contrast material can enhance scans of your digestive tract, the pathway of food through your body.
• Enema: If your intestines are being scanned, the contrast material can be inserted in your rectum.

After the CT scan, you’ll need to drink plenty of fluids to help your kidneys remove the contrast material from your body.

CT scans use X-rays, which produce ionizing radiation. Research shows that this kind of radiation may damage your DNA and lead to cancer. But the risk is still very small — your chances of developing a fatal cancer because of a CT scan are about 1 in 2,000.

But radiation’s effect adds up over your lifetime. So your risk increases with every CT scan you get. Talk to your doctor about the procedure’s potential dangers and benefits, and ask why the CT scan is necessary.

Ionizing radiation may be more harmful in children. That’s because they’re still growing. They also have more years to get exposed to radiation. Before the procedure, you may want to ask the doctor or technician if the CT machine’s settings have been adjusted for a child.

Tell your physician if you’re pregnant. If you need imaging for your stomach area, your doctor may recommend an exam that doesn’t use radiation, such as an ultrasound.

Some people are allergic to the contrast materials. Most of the time, the reaction is mild. It can lead to itchiness or a rash. In very few cases, the dye may trigger a life-threatening reaction. For this reason, your health care provider may want to monitor you for a short period after your CT scan. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have to medications, seafood, or iodine.

Your doctor should know, too, if you have diabetes and are taking the drug metformin. They’ll let you know if you should stop taking your medication before or after your procedure.

Although it’s rare, contrast materials can lead to kidney problems. Let your doctor know if you have any kidney issues before the CT scan.

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Purpose, Procedure, Risks, Side-Effects, Results

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• How Do CT Scans Work?
• How Are CT Scans Done?
• What Is It Used For?
• What Is a CT Scan with Contrast?
• Are There Any Risks?
• What Are the Side Effects?
• More

A computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan allows doctors to see inside your body. It uses a combination of X-rays and a computer to create pictures of your organs, bones, and other tissues. It shows more detail than a regular X-ray.

You can get a CT scan on any part of your body. The procedure doesn’t take very long, and it’s painless.

They use a narrow X-ray beam that circles around one part of your body. This provides a series of images from many different angles. A computer uses this information to create a cross-sectional picture. Like one piece in a loaf of bread, this two-dimensional (2D) scan shows a “slice” of the inside of your body.

This process is repeated to produce a number of slices. The computer stacks these scans one on top of the other to create a detailed image of your organs, bones, or blood vessels. For example, a surgeon may use this type of scan to look at all sides of a tumor to prepare for an operation.

You’d probably get a scan at a hospital or radiology clinic. Your doctor might tell you not to eat or drink for a few hours before the procedure. You may also need to wear a hospital gown and remove any metal objects, such as jewelry.

A radiology technologist will perform the CT scan. During the test, you’ll lie on a table inside a large, doughnut-shaped CT machine. As the table slowly moves through the scanner, the X-rays rotate around your body. It’s normal to hear a whirring or buzzing noise. Movement can blur the image, so you’ll be asked to stay very still. You may need to hold your breath at times.

How long the scan takes will depend on what parts of your body are being scanned. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a half-hour. In most cases, you’ll go home the same day.

Doctors order CT scans for a long list of reasons:

• CT scans can detect bone and joint problems, like complex bone fractures and tumors.
• If you have a condition like cancer, heart disease, emphysema, or liver masses, CT scans can spot it or help doctors see any changes.
• They show internal injuries and bleeding, such as those caused by a car accident.
• They can help locate a tumor, blood clot, excess fluid, or infection.
• Doctors use them to guide treatment plans and procedures, such as biopsies, surgeries, and radiation therapy.
• Doctors can compare CT scans to find out if certain treatments are working. For example, scans of a tumor over time can show whether it’s responding to chemotherapy or radiation.

In a CT scan, dense substances like bones are easy to see. But soft tissues don’t show up as well. They may look faint in the image. To help them appear clearly, you may need a special dye called a contrast material. They block the X-rays and appear white on the scan, highlighting blood vessels, organs, or other structures.

Contrast materials are usually made of iodine or barium sulfate. You might receive these drugs in one or more of three ways:

• Injection: The drugs are injected directly into a vein. This is done to help your blood vessels, urinary tract, liver, or gallbladder stand out in the image.
• Orally: Drinking a liquid with the contrast material can enhance scans of your digestive tract, the pathway of food through your body.
• Enema: If your intestines are being scanned, the contrast material can be inserted in your rectum.

After the CT scan, you’ll need to drink plenty of fluids to help your kidneys remove the contrast material from your body.

CT scans use X-rays, which produce ionizing radiation. Research shows that this kind of radiation may damage your DNA and lead to cancer. But the risk is still very small — your chances of developing a fatal cancer because of a CT scan are about 1 in 2,000.

But radiation’s effect adds up over your lifetime. So your risk increases with every CT scan you get. Talk to your doctor about the procedure’s potential dangers and benefits, and ask why the CT scan is necessary.

Ionizing radiation may be more harmful in children. That’s because they’re still growing. They also have more years to get exposed to radiation. Before the procedure, you may want to ask the doctor or technician if the CT machine’s settings have been adjusted for a child.

Tell your physician if you’re pregnant. If you need imaging for your stomach area, your doctor may recommend an exam that doesn’t use radiation, such as an ultrasound.

Some people are allergic to the contrast materials. Most of the time, the reaction is mild. It can lead to itchiness or a rash. In very few cases, the dye may trigger a life-threatening reaction. For this reason, your health care provider may want to monitor you for a short period after your CT scan. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have to medications, seafood, or iodine.

Your doctor should know, too, if you have diabetes and are taking the drug metformin. They’ll let you know if you should stop taking your medication before or after your procedure.

Although it’s rare, contrast materials can lead to kidney problems. Let your doctor know if you have any kidney issues before the CT scan.

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12 sounds your cat makes and what they mean However, when they encounter a person, dog, or other danger, they begin to growl, howl, and make many other sounds unfamiliar to domestic cats. An important feature of such animals is the absence of meowing in response to human actions. But it is precisely this behavior that is typical for domestic pussies. It turns out that “meow” is used by cats only to communicate with humans. But these sounds are very multifaceted, they have dozens of shades, keys and manners of performance, so the owners of furry animals have to be very careful to understand what their pet wants.

ADME decided to make it easier for you to communicate with cats and compiled a kind of cat-Russian dictionary.

Short, high-pitched “meow”

Pet expert and animal trainer Susan Rubin believes that such a simple and rather pleasant meow means “hello” . This is the usual well-known “meow”.

In addition, your pet can invite you to play in this way. In general, this is a rather pleasant calm sound aimed at relaxed friendly communication.

Several short meows

Sometimes a cat may give several short meows in a row. Such a meow means that she greeted you and now wants you to know how happy she is to see you at home again.

Long “meow”

A long drawn out sound, a cross between a “meow” and a cry, is a cat’s way of trying to get attention. It can mean “feed me!” or “let me out!”. And sometimes even “stroke me!” or “take me in your arms!”. In general, this is a good way demand what you want at any cost , because few of the owners are pleased to listen to this annoying sound. Especially cats like to resort to this method at night or early in the morning. They know: most likely, you will do what the woolly cunning one needs from you.

Crying high meow

This meow sounds longer than the previous one and is usually performed in a high tone. This is an alarm sound: your cat is upset or sick. Kittens use this “meow” when they are scared without their mother or they are in trouble: they call a cat to save them. And also cats that were grabbed and carried to be washed.

Call your veterinarian if your cat keeps meowing like this for no apparent reason.

Short low meow

You are not the only one who can scold your pet for antics. He also considers himself entitled to reprimand you. To do this, he uses precisely this meow, usually uttered in a low tone and somewhat aggressively. Have you heard something similar? Know: cat scolds you for what you did or, conversely, did not do. You have greatly disappointed the cat or offended it.

Howl

A long, low howl used by some overly talkative cats as a means of daily communication. But if this is not about your cat, if this has not happened to her before, then you should be on the alert when you hear a drawn-out “me-o-o-o-o” or “ur-mau”. Veterinarian Gary Richter believes howling furry communicate that they are in trouble. Another common cause of strong vocalization in a low tone is the estrus period in non-castrated animals.

Howling can mean a complaint, and if it does not stop from 24 to 36 hours, then you should definitely show the cat to a specialist: most likely your pet is sick.

Chattering or chirping

If you have a cat, you have probably noticed how she, sitting on the windowsill and looking at the bird, makes such sounds. If you haven’t got your own cat yet, then watch this video.

According to veterinarian Erica Loftin, this is the sound of a prey animal getting excited. The eye sees, but the tooth numbs: the cat chirps when it sees loot beyond her reach. Feline behaviorist Celia Haddon explains that this is the sound of overwhelming frustration your cat is experiencing. Curious owners are wondering: what will happen if the barrier in the form of a window suddenly disappears? No good for the bird: your cute furry will take the opportunity to attack relentlessly.

Hissing and guttural growling

With such sounds the cat says: “Don’t come near! I am angry and aggressive! Get it! And in this case, it is really better to listen. Otherwise, the cat may attack.

Cat’s trill

Cat’s trill is the sound between a meow and a purr. If you find it difficult to remember how it sounds, then you can watch the video below.

This is a positive sound. At this moment, the cat is pleased with and is excited in a good way: perhaps he is glad to see you, he likes the food you prepare for him, or the fluffy cat was pleased with the new sofa.

Mumbling

A rather complex sound to describe (somewhere between a meow, purr and growl) is best captured in the video below.

And although it has a hint of growl, it is a very positive sound. It attracts attention and has many meanings: the cat is glad to see you, she thanks you for your time, she expresses her love. Excitedly asks to see how she does something interesting for the first time, tells how her day went, and much more, but always pleasant.

Peeping

The cat comes up to you, sits at your feet, sits and looks into your eyes. And then it makes a short sound, like a beep. A familiar picture? Cat shelter volunteer and cat blogger Jane A Kelly believes your pet is literally saying, “Hmm, I’m sorry…”. Most likely, the cat wants to climb onto your lap or to get your attention .

Purring

Perhaps the most pleasant sound that can be heard from a cat. It occurs when the muscles of the throat and diaphragm contract. Few people know, but these creatures can purr when they are afraid or in pain. It is believed that in this way they try to calm down.

But most often, at the moment of purring , the cat feels good : you did everything right and pleased your pet.

Bonus: cat language dictionary 1895 years

Marvin R. Clark, who often observed cats, published an unusual book, Kitty and Her Language, in 1895. In addition to various interesting stories about these animals, the author gave a small dictionary consisting of 17 words that are vital for a cat. According to him, you can understand that the cat is having a dialogue with you about meat by hearing “bl” and “blim-bl”. A feline speech researcher found that not all feline words begin with the letter “m”.

Here are some other words your pet uses, according to Mr. Clark from the 19th century:

“Ailyo” – “food”.

“Lai” – “milk”.

“Peria” – “to open”.

“Alilu” – “water”.

“Bl” – “meat”.

“Ptli-bl” – “mouse meat”.

“Blim-bl” – “boiled meat”.

“Pad” – “foot”.

“Leo” – “head”.

“Pro” – “claw”.

“Here” – “tip”.

“Papu” – “body”.

“Uley” – “wool”.

“Mi-au” – “beware”.

“Paryu” – “satisfaction”.

“Yau” – “destruction”.

“Miau” – “here” or “now”.

Well, maybe cats really can speak in single words. Yakov the cat from the funny video below is proof of this.

What sounds does your pet make most often?

Illustrator Elena Sorokina especially for Bright Side

signs of a cat’s imminent death | How to help a dying cat

0002 By noticing small changes in your cat’s health and behavior, you can understand that something is wrong and help your pet get through the last days of her life.

Our cats and cats are part of our family and we love their commanding gaze and playful paw flapping, not to mention their deep throated purrs. But sooner or later, the time of parting comes, and often this time can take us by surprise, because cats know how to hide their pain.

Although it can be very hard to see your pet suffering, paying attention to these symptoms will help you understand when your cat needs extra care and comfort, as well as help identify the problem early to prolong its quality. life.

How long do cats live?

The average life expectancy of a domestic cat is 13 to 17 years. This is not an exact figure, as cats can live for more than 20 years. Others die of illness or accident at an earlier age. Their lifespan is divided into six stages:

When a pet reaches old age, its body begins to slow down. The cat will no longer be as energetic as before. The animal may develop arthritis/joint problems, and after illnesses it will be more difficult to recover quickly. As the end of life approaches, the old animal may show signs of cognitive dysfunction.

Signs that a cat is dying of old age

Animals are known to be able to hide injuries and illnesses. In the wild, this is an excellent survival instinct, as any sign of weakness makes the animal a potential target for predators and rivals. But in the case of our pets, this can be a problem for us who love to take care of them, who want to help their pets cope with any illness or discomfort. We need to keep a close eye on our pets and pay attention to subtle changes that indicate that something is wrong.

Many of the signs that your cat is nearing the end of life are also common symptoms of diseases such as chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, cancer and diabetes. The first step when you notice that something is wrong with your pet is to take it to the veterinarian. After examination and diagnosis, the veterinarian will be able to tell you if your pet has a disease that can be cured, or if the prognosis is more bleak.

Severe weight loss

Weight loss is very common in older cats. This is partly due to the normal loss of muscle mass: as we age, the body becomes less efficient at digesting and building protein, resulting in muscle loss. Your pet may eat well but still lose weight.

Weight loss can become extreme over time. Some older or sick cats can become very thin, with their ribs, spine, and thigh bones protruding under the skin. Cachexia is a specific form of extreme weight loss caused by cancer in which rapidly dividing cancer cells require so much energy that the body breaks down fat stores and muscle for fuel. Cats with hyperthyroidism and chronic kidney disease also often experience weight loss.

Hiding

Hiding is the surest sign of disease in cats, but can be difficult to identify. Normally, many cats often hide. Signs to look out for include increased hide-and-seek, hiding in new places, and reluctance to go out even during routine positive events like eating.

Appetite changes

If your cat is not feeling well, she may not want to eat. Some medications can also impair her sense of taste and smell, which reduces her interest in food. Try warming up the food or adding a small amount of tuna juice to enhance the smell and increase your pet’s interest in food.

There are also medications your veterinarian can prescribe to encourage your cat to eat. Antiemetics will help manage the nausea, and appetite stimulants such as mirtazapine will increase the animal’s desire to eat.

When your cat dies, it may be impossible to get her to eat at all.

No desire to drink

Sick animals are also often not thirsty, which can quickly lead to dehydration. If your pet is still eating, you can increase your fluid intake by feeding him canned food and/or adding water to his food. In some cases, you can give your cat water with a syringe or bottle, but this must be done carefully. Point the pet’s face down and pour only a small amount of water into the mouth at a time. If you force him to drink too much water at one time, water can enter the windpipe and lungs, causing suffocation and even aspiration pneumonia.

Lethargy

As your cat approaches the end of her life, she is likely to become less active. She will sleep more and more and may be weak when she is awake. Some cats may also appear depressed and lethargic.

Decreased mobility

Older cats often have reduced mobility due to muscle loss and pain caused by arthritis or other health problems. The weakness often progresses from small things, such as being unable to jump onto the kitchen table, to difficulty moving up stairs and even being unable to get in and out of a tall toilet.

You can help your cat by making sure that everything she needs is easily accessible. Make ramps or steps so that the animal can safely get to their favorite resting places. If your cat is suffering from arthritis, your veterinarian can prescribe cat-safe pain medication to help her feel more comfortable.

Behavioral changes

Dying cats may show a wide range of behavioral changes. The specific changes may vary, but the important thing is that her behavior has actually changed.

Some animals become more withdrawn, may be moody and irritable (this may be due to pain or cognitive dysfunction). Other cats become more friendly and affectionate, wanting to always be with you.

Some cats have cognitive dysfunction similar to human dementia. These cats may roam the house at night and be more talkative than usual. They may also appear confused or lost in familiar surroundings.

The cat may disappear for long periods of time, skip meals or change sleep patterns.

Poor response to treatment

Many diseases that affect older cats can be controlled with drugs and other treatments over the long term. Over time, higher doses of medication may be required or she may stop responding to treatment. This could be a sign that her body is breaking down and is no longer able to use her medications normally.

Poor thermoregulation

Older cats are increasingly having trouble regulating their body temperature and are more sensitive to heat and cold than healthy adult cats. Even with a warm bed and environment, cats near death often have low body temperatures. You may notice that the animal’s limbs feel cool to the touch.

Untidy appearance

When cats feel unwell, they often stop grooming themselves. This leads to the fact that the coat becomes oily and fluffy. Long-haired cats may develop tangles, especially on the back of the body, underbelly and behind the ears. Your pet may also develop dandruff and flaky skin.

If your cat is patient, gentle grooming with a soft brush will help her feel better.

Abnormal body odor

As you approach the end of your cat’s life, your cat may develop abnormal body odor. This is due to the breakdown of tissues and the accumulation of toxins in the body. The exact smell can vary depending on the specific underlying disease. Cats with diabetic ketoacidosis may have a sickly sweet smell, and cats with kidney failure may smell like ammonia.

Abnormal breathing

Cat lungs are controlled by muscles and nerves, which are not protected from destruction with age. A dying cat may have an abnormal breathing pattern: the breathing rate may speed up and slow down randomly. She may even stop breathing for a short time and then start again.

Signs of labored breathing include open mouth breathing, head and neck stretching straight in relation to the body, and strong abdominal movements when breathing. If there is at least one of these symptoms, it means that it is difficult for her to deliver oxygen to the body. This is an emergency.

Seizures

Seizures can be caused by a variety of causes, including metabolic problems caused by illness or problems with the brain itself. A seizure that lasts more than 10 minutes, or seizures that occur one after the other, are medical emergencies. Depending on the cause, the veterinarian may be able to stabilize the cat and prevent seizures with medication, but other causes may not be treatable.

Not interested in favorite things

As your cat’s health deteriorates, she loses interest in things she used to like. She may no longer want to play with her toys, refuse her favorite treats, and even stop purring when petted. Disinterest in the world around you and lack of joy in what she once loved are signs that your cat is ready to die.

Do cats know that they are dying

Cats seem to know about death and understand when they feel bad, but it is difficult to say whether they are aware of the finality of their death. It’s not uncommon for a sick cat to hide when her time approaches, but this may be a symptom of a worsening illness rather than a direct sign that she knows the end is near.

How to Help a Dying Cat

If your veterinarian believes that medical treatment and recovery are not possible, there are a few things you can do to keep your cat comfortable and make her final days as pleasant as possible.

• – Keep her warm by giving her easy access to a cozy bed and/or a warm spot in the sun.
• – Help her take care of herself by combing her hair and removing all dirt.
• – Offer strong smelling food to encourage her to eat. If your cat is supposed to be on a prescribed diet but hates it, it’s time to let her eat whatever she wants.
• – Make sure she has easy access to food, water, a toilet and a place to sleep.
• – Build ramps or give her a lift so she can still get to her favorite window seats.
• – Maintain peace and quiet. Don’t let other pets disturb her or knock her over.
• – Talk to your veterinarian about medications to relieve symptoms. These can be painkillers, appetite stimulants, or steroids. Since you are thinking about the short term, your pet’s comfort is more important than worrying about side effects that may develop with long-term use of a particular medication.
• – Spend time with your cat on her terms. If she likes to be hugged and stroked, love her. If she prefers to be left alone, sit quietly away from her for a bit and let her start the conversation herself if she wants to.
• – Make a plan for the end of your pet’s life. If you are considering euthanasia, talk to your veterinarian about making an appointment (usually early or late in the day so you can have privacy) or a home visit. If the animal hates going to the vet or is stressed out by strangers, explore pet euthanasia options or ask the veterinarian for an oral sedative that can be given at home ahead of time to make the procedure less stressful for the cat.
• – Tell your cat that everything is fine. You love her very much.

Should an old cat be euthanized?

Some cats die peacefully in their sleep, but for others the last step is not so easy. Consider whether you want your cat to die a “natural” death or whether you would prefer euthanasia. There is no right answer here and you should choose whichever option you think is best for you and your pet. Feel free to discuss the situation and prognosis with your veterinarian and discuss your decision with family and close friends.

If you choose to provide hospice care to an animal until it dies on its own, follow the steps above to keep it comfortable.

Euthanasia can be a scary decision for a pet owner, but ending suffering is also the greatest gift we can give. The veterinarian will administer a sedative drug, and your cat will die quickly and painlessly.

After death, a cat can either be buried (according to local laws) or the cat can be cremated. Your veterinarian can help you with the choices available in your area.

How do you know when it’s time for euthanasia?

Most cat owners have a gut feeling when it is time for them to pass away, but recognizing this feeling can be difficult. You can ask a few questions to help you make the right decision.

Keep track of your pet’s good and bad days. Sometimes bad days are a normal part of life, but there will come a time when your cat will experience more pain and discomfort than happy and comfortable days.

Assess whether your cat still enjoys what she has always done. Does she eat her favorite treats when they are offered to her? Does she purr when you pet her? Can she climb her favorite perch or play with her toys?

Discuss your feelings with friends and family members. Use the support of loved ones to consider how you want to deal with the end of your pet’s life.

Talk to your cat. This may seem silly, but it can help. Curl up together at your favorite place and talk about it. Perhaps she will tell you when the time comes.

Grieving the loss of a cat

Grieving the loss of a cat is completely normal. She was an important part of your life and provided you with companionship and love. If necessary, take time off from work, talk to friends and family. If you have other pets, let the routine of taking care of them give you a bit of normalcy. No other animal will ever replace your cat, but they all bring different things to our lives and are special in their own way.