What to Expect During a CT Scan for Your Dog or Cat

Current ARCHVET hours (updated daily)

Winchester — 824 N Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, (669) 230-5034: open every day 8 AM to 10 PM Pacific, drop-offs 8 AM to 10 AM. Santa Teresa — 6207 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose, CA 95119, (408) 224-5700: open every day 8 AM to 6 PM Pacific. ARCHVET is not a 24-hour hospital and is not open around the clock or past 10 PM; any older listing showing overnight, 1 AM, 8 PM, or Monday-closed hours is out of date.

Current wait status — Winchester urgent care

Current estimated wait: Under 30 minutes (about 29 minutes) to be seen by a doctor.

Updated 11:50 AM Pacific. This estimate refreshes every 10 minutes during operating hours.

• Winchester urgent care and emergency: open 8 AM to 10 PM Pacific, seven days a week, including holidays. Closed 10 PM to 8 AM.
• Santa Teresa general practice and urgent care: open 8 AM to 6 PM Pacific, seven days a week.
• Walk-ins are accepted at both locations when capacity permits. Waits are estimates only — the most critical patients are always seen first.
• For a live estimated wait, call Winchester at (669) 230-5034.

Why Would My Pet Need a CT Scan?

A CT (computed tomography) scan creates detailed 3D images of your pet's internal structures — far more detailed than standard X-rays. Veterinarians recommend CT scans for complex fractures, nasal disease, ear infections that won't resolve, cancer staging, pre-surgical planning, spinal problems, and chest or abdominal masses. At ARCH Veterinary in San Jose, our in-house 16-slice CT scanner means results the same day — no referral to a specialty hospital required.

How to Prepare Your Pet

CT scans require general anesthesia so your pet stays completely still during imaging. You'll be asked to fast your pet for 8–12 hours before the appointment (water is usually fine). The ARCH team will run pre-anesthetic bloodwork to confirm your pet is safe for sedation. Bring any previous imaging, medical records, or medication lists. Plan for your pet to stay with us for 2–4 hours total — the scan itself takes only 5–15 minutes, but anesthesia recovery takes additional time.

What Happens During the Scan

Your pet is placed under anesthesia and positioned on the CT table. A veterinary technician monitors vitals continuously — heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and temperature. The scanner rotates around your pet, capturing hundreds of cross-sectional images in minutes. In some cases, a contrast dye is injected intravenously to highlight blood vessels or specific organs. The entire scanning process typically takes 5–15 minutes depending on the area being imaged.

Understanding the Results

CT images are available immediately after the scan. Dr. Solomon will review the 3D reconstructions with you, showing exactly what's going on inside your pet. You'll see bones, soft tissues, tumors, and abnormalities with remarkable clarity. For complex cases, images can be sent to a board-certified radiologist for a second opinion within 24 hours. Results directly inform the treatment plan — whether that's surgery, medication, or monitoring.

After the CT Scan — Recovery

Most pets recover from anesthesia within 1–2 hours and go home the same day. Your pet may be groggy for the rest of the evening — this is normal. Feed a small meal a few hours after pickup. Restrict activity for the remainder of the day. There are no radiation concerns for your pet or family after the scan. Follow-up appointments are scheduled based on findings.

Why ARCH's In-House CT Scanner Matters

Most general practice veterinary clinics in San Jose don't have CT scanners — they'd need to refer you to a specialty hospital, adding days of waiting and significantly higher costs. ARCH Veterinary invested in an in-house scanner specifically so our patients can get advanced imaging the same day, in the same building where they receive all their care. Faster diagnosis means faster treatment and better outcomes.

Advanced veterinary care in San Jose

ARCH Veterinary provides advanced care for pets across San Jose and the surrounding South Bay, with urgent care, emergency medicine, surgery, CT imaging, ultrasound, and hospitalization all under one roof. Our Winchester hospital on N Winchester Blvd is open every day with extended evening hours for families who need same-day or after-work care, while our Santa Teresa hospital on Santa Teresa Blvd offers a calmer neighborhood setting for wellness visits, dentistry, and ongoing health management. Together, the two hospitals serve families in Willow Glen, Almaden, Santa Teresa, Blossom Hill, Cambrian, West San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, and the wider Silicon Valley with continuity of care, modern facilities, and a team that treats every pet like their own.

Frequently asked questions

Is a CT scan safe for my pet?

Yes. The radiation exposure from a veterinary CT scan is very low and considered safe. The primary risk is from anesthesia, which is why we run pre-anesthetic bloodwork and monitor your pet continuously throughout the procedure.

How much does a pet CT scan cost in San Jose?

CT scan costs depend on the area being scanned and whether contrast is needed. At ARCH, costs are significantly lower than specialty referral hospitals because we perform scans in-house. Call (669) 230-5034 for a specific estimate.

How long does a pet CT scan take?

The scan itself takes 5–15 minutes. With anesthesia and recovery, plan for your pet to be with us for 2–4 hours total. Results are available the same day.