Howard Springs Veterinary Clinic nabs first animal CT scanner in the Northern Territory

Have you ever wondered what’s inside a crocodile’s stomach? A Top End vet clinic can now find out, with the help of a “groundbreaking” machine that is a first for the Territory. WATCH.

A Top End veterinary clinic has obtained the Territory’s first CT scanner which can take a non-invasive peek inside almost any animal – even a crocodile.

Howard Springs Veterinary Clinic now has the Territory’s first computerised tomography (CT) scanner which can identify joint issues, tumours, spinal problems, and possible causes of seizures for a range of animals.

Practice Manager Alison Lawlor said the new generation scanner was a versatile tool which could answer a variety of medical questions.

Crocodiles can now have their stomach contents scanned in the Top End. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“We can image soft tissue trauma or tumours and we can image bones for issues such as fractures, displacements, or cancers too,” she said.

“In the case of crocodiles we are hoping to image stomach contents, so the scanner can be used for a wide range of conditions.”

As for whether the clinic expected regular reptilian patients, Ms Lawlor said “absolutely”.

“If a croc is suspected of taking dogs or cattle we’ll be able to determine that with the scanner,” she said.

An inside view of the facility and a scan of a crocodile. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mr Lawlor said the tool was a “groundbreaking” move for Territorian pets.

“This is the only scanner in the Territory that is dedicated to the veterinary industry.”

She said the scanner would also help Territorian pet owners financially and logistically.

A scaly patient enters the scanner. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“The logistics of flying your pet interstate for a scan is often prohibitive,” she said.

“Imagine a dog with a suspected spinal injury and loading them up on a plane – it’s not the easiest or cheapest option.

“Often these kinds of issues are time critical and here we are now able to get it done within a couple of days and for a fraction of the cost if you were to do it interstate.”