Associated Veterinary Specialists (AVS), a leader in veterinary diagnostic imaging, has acquired CT scanner most typically found in human neurosurgical operating rooms and intensive care units. The Neurologica Ceretom CT Scanner, which is rarely found in veterinary clinics, will allow AVS to accurately diagnose, and then treat, conditions that might otherwise be unidentifiable.

AVS which treats the most complicated conditions, handles referral cases from veterinary clinics throughout the St. Louis area, usually to diagnose conditions that the pet's regular veterinarian cannot, in many cases because that clinic does not possess sophisticated medical imaging equipment.

AVS installed its first CT scanner in 2001. CT (Computed Tomography) scanners use computer-processed X-rays to create views of specific areas of the patient's body which may then be manipulated to allow the veterinarian to view the affected areas in various panes or even as a 3D representation. AVS' Neurologica Ceretom CT Scanner is ideally suited for the veterinary world not only because it works quickly and produces 3D representations to allow precise evaluation of disorders such as fractures of the skull, jaw or extremities. Additionally, it will allow AVS to perform CT scans on cats without anaesthesia. AVS has obtained a "MouseTrap" which is an acrylic tube in which a small animal, primarily cats, can be placed. Ports for oxygen administration are present in the device. Cats will remain relatively motionless within the device while it is placed in the CT scanner and the cat can be scanned without anaesthesia. Small deviations in position of the animal can be corrected with the image analysis software. One of the major uses of this technology will be for cats with respiratory distress. Animals in respiratory distress resist handling making diagnostic procedures very stressful for them. CT produces much more useful images of the upper as well as lower airways than radiography. Cats with these problems can be placed in the MouseTrap, given supplemental oxygen and scanned without having to handle them thus maximizing the information obtained from imaging and minimizing their stress.

As one of the leading Midwest diagnostic, internal medicine and dental veterinary clinics, AVS utilizes the most advanced medical equipment available to correctly diagnose complicated conditions, including cancer, and then suggest treatment.    Associated Veterinary Specialists also utilizes an Esaote Vet MR MRI scanner which also provides high quality diagnostic images for veterinary patients. CT and MRI scans are useful for evaluating different areas and structures within the patient's body, and having both on site aids in rapid and conclusive diagnosis, which is also beneficial in the AVS Emergency Veterinary Clinic, that operates 24/7 in Bridgeton, Missouri.

AVS is a leading provider of advanced veterinary services in the metropolitan area, including Missouri and Illinois. The St. Louis animal clinic practices complicated veterinary medicine including diagnostics and treatment of internal medicine conditions, including oncology, surgery and dentistry, including oral surgery.