Dog CAT Scan Cost: What You’ll Pay for Diagnostic Imaging

When you adopt a dog, you take on the responsibility of caring for them when health issues arise. And at some point, you may be faced with the possibility of your dog needing a CAT scan. Here, we’ll review dog CAT scan costs, why your pup might need one, and the benefits of having your pet undergo this test.

A dog CAT scan, or CT scan, is an advanced test used to create detailed images of a dog's bones, organs, and soft tissues. A CAT scan takes many X-ray images from different angles. These images are then combined to create a comprehensive view of the area being looked at.

Your vet might recommend a dog CAT scan to:

Assess trauma related to an injury
Figure out why your dog is having pain or mobility issues
Evaluate symptoms like a deep cough
Check for tumors and pinpoint their location and size

A CAT scan differs from other diagnostic tools like MRIs and X-rays in the way the test is performed. An X-ray takes a quick, basic image that can be used to make a simple diagnosis, like a broken bone. A CAT scan is an advanced form of X-Ray that offers 3D images to make a more complex diagnosis.

An MRI, meanwhile, uses magnets and radio waves to take detailed images. An MRI can offer even more detailed images than a CAT scan, especially when it comes to soft tissue.

In terms of cost, a CAT scan and MRI will usually come with a much higher price tag than an X-ray. Part of the reason is that a dog may not need anesthesia for a simple X-ray if they can be held still by a technician or veterinary assistant. For CAT scans and MRIs, dogs typically require anesthesia so the test can be performed with accuracy.

Dog CAT Scan Cost Breakdown

PetMD puts the average cost of a dog CAT scan at $1,500 to $3,000 or more. There are different factors that determine a dog CT scan cost. These include:

The type of facility
Your geographic location
The size and weight of your dog
Whether your dog’s CAT scan requires contrast dye
What pre-CAT scan tests and monitoring your dog needs
Who’s reading the CAT scan and making recommendations for follow-up care

How Much Does a Dog CAT Scan Cost with Insurance?

One possible way to defray the cost of a dog CAT scan is to get pet insurance. Pet insurance policies typically reimburse 80% to 90% of eligible expenses. So, if your dog needs a $3,000 CAT scan, with pet insurance, you might only end up having to pay $300 to $600.

However, pet insurance policies generally do not cover pre-existing conditions. If your dog needs a CAT scan to diagnose a new injury or issue, it may be covered. But if it’s for a pre-existing condition, you may have to foot the bill yourself. Also, if you only have a wellness package, it may not cover a dog CAT scan.

Even if your pet insurance does cover your dog’s CAT scan, you may have to pay for the test up front and wait for your insurer to reimburse you. That’s why it’s important to have a pet emergency fund.

Is a Dog CAT Scan Worth It?

Veterinarians tend to recommend CAT scans to diagnose complex medical issues like injuries, chronic pain, and tumors. If it’s something like a simple fracture, your vet may decide that an X-ray will get the job done at a lower cost and with fewer complications, such as needing anesthesia. But if your vet recommends a dog CAT scan, there’s usually a reason for it.

Your vet might also recommend a CAT scan when the results of that test will dictate what treatment plan your pet gets. For example, if your dog is having trouble walking and a CAT scan reveals the cause, it may tell your vet whether your dog needs surgery or can take medication to treat the issue at hand. And if there’s concern that your dog has cancer, a CAT scan can help determine the extent of the illness to develop a targeted treatment plan.

In some cases, your vet may recommend an alternative test, especially if money is an issue. An X-ray, as mentioned, might work for a basic fracture, while an ultrasound, which is non-invasive, might work to diagnose abdominal issues. An ultrasound, for example, can help determine whether there's excess fluid in your dog's abdomen, diagnose kidney stones, and more.

An MRI may also be more appropriate for soft tissue or neurological issues. But an MRI might easily cost as much as a CAT scan, if not more.

Pet CAT Scan Near Me: Finding a Facility You Can Trust

The idea of having your dog undergo a CAT scan can be scary, especially given the likelihood of them needing anesthesia. It's important to find a medical facility you feel comfortable with.

Most of the time, your vet will be able to recommend a facility to get a CAT scan done. If you trust your vet, you can probably trust their recommendation. However, you may want to shop around and compare prices at different licensed facilities, especially if you don't have pet insurance or know that your insurance policy won't help cover the costs.

Any place you go for a dog CAT scan should have board-certified veterinary radiologists on staff. And also, check reviews and customer feedback. It may be worth paying a little more money for a better experience.

Advocating for Your Dog and Your Budget

It's natural to feel overwhelmed when your vet recommends a CAT scan. And it's also okay to question that recommendation and ask if there are lower-cost alternatives to a dog cat scan.

If your vet truly feels that a CAT scan is necessary, see if you can find a facility that will work with you on payment. It's common for veterinary centers to offer different plans for people who need to spread their payments out over time.

If you have pet insurance that may help with costs, call them and ask what the timeline for reimbursement is. That may help you decide how you'll pay for the CAT scan up front at the facility.