375A Concord Road, Concord West NSW 2138

PET-CT Scan

PET-CT scan images of a dog showing highlighted areas of tracer uptake, used for diagnostic evaluation in veterinary theranostics.

What is a PET-CT Scan for Pets

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a molecular imaging technique that uses tiny amounts of radioactive tracers to show how the tissues are functioning, such as metabolism, receptors, and blood flow, not just what they look like. The technology is used in human cancer diagnostics and is now available in veterinary medicine.

Oncology (cancer) is the number one application for PET-CT scans in veterinary practice.

  • Staging & restaging: Find metastases that may be invisible on CT/US, refining stage and prognosis.
  • Detecting occult primary tumours when metastasis is present but the source is unclear.
  • Therapy planning: PET/CT helps delineate biologic tumour volumes for radiation therapy; dose can be escalated to the most active subregions (“dose painting”).
  • Response assessment: Early metabolic changes on PET often precede size changes on CT, which is helpful for chemotherapy/targeted therapy decisions.
  • Recurrence vs. scar: Helps distinguish active tumour from post-treatment fibrosis.

“The PET-CT technology is used in human cancer diagnostics and is now available in veterinary medicine..”

VIVIEN MUNOZ-FERRADA Dip Med Rad. Dip Med Phys — Medical Physicist
Modern PET-CT scanner in a veterinary imaging facility used for advanced diagnostic and theranostic procedures in pets

How Does a PET-CT Scan Work?

A PET-CT scan is a 3D molecular map of body activity. The process goes from preparation → tracer injection → uptake → scan → image reconstruction → interpretation.

  • Fast: Usually 6–12 hours before the scan to lower blood sugar and improve tracer uptake.
  • Tracer administration: A waiting period, typically 30–60 minutes, allows the tracer to distribute and accumulate in tissues.
  • Anesthesia/sedation & positioning: The pet is sedated or anesthetised to keep it completely still. The patient is then placed on the scanner bed and aligned for whole-body or regional imaging.
  • Scanning: The bed moves slowly through the scanner’s ring. a. Detectors capture small amounts of radiation energy from photon pairs, and software reconstructs the distribution of the tracer in 3D.
  • Image processing: Data is reconstructed into images of the tracer uptake.
  • Analysis & interpretation: A radiologist or nuclear medicine specialist reviews the PET images alongside CT/MRI.
  • Post scan: Your pet can go home the same day.

Is a PET-CT Scan Harmful or Uncomfortable for Pets?

The PET-CT scan is not harmful to the pet. However, a small injection at the start of administering the tracer may cause minor discomfort. It is the same as a routine blood test or vaccination; the tracer does not cause any sensation.

Your pet must remain completely still during the PET-CT scan and will be sedated or administered an anaesthetic. This ensures that your pet is comfortable, relaxed, and stress-free during imaging.

Radiation exposure is very low, comparable to other advanced imaging procedures, and considered safe when medically necessary.

For Vets

Your Partner in Patient Outcomes

We exist to support veterinarians, enabling them to tailor treatment for optimal outcomes. With PET Theranostics, you gain a trusted partner in patient outcomes.

For Vets
For Pet Owners

Care, Compassion and Clarity

Our PET-CT scans give the clearest picture of your pet’s condition, helping your vet determine the best path forward.

For Pet Owners

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PET Theranostics, and what makes it unique?

PET Theranostics is Australia’s first dedicated PET-CT and CT diagnostic imaging centre for pets, bringing world-class technology used in human cancer care into veterinary medicine. The service combines advanced imaging, research, and innovation to give veterinarians and pet owners the most precise diagnostic insights. Every scan helps improve cancer detection, treatment planning, and outcomes for companion animals.

How does PET Theranostics support veterinarians and pet owners?

PET Theranostics partners with veterinarians, offering advanced imaging and clinically actionable reports that enhance diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing management. For pet owners, this means faster answers, clearer information, and confidence in making informed care decisions. The team ensures every patient remains under the care of their primary vet while benefiting from specialist diagnostic expertise.

What is a PET-CT scan for pets?

A PET-CT scan combines two powerful technologies — Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) — to show the structure and function of tissues. It uses molecular tracers to detect disease activity at a cellular level, revealing information invisible to standard imaging. PET-CT is especially valuable in cancer diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and monitoring, helping vets understand how the disease behaves inside the body.

What is a CT scan for pets, and how is it used?

A CT scan focuses on structure, showing what tissues and organs look like in detail. It uses X-rays and computer processing to produce 3D images of bones, soft tissue, and internal organs. CT is commonly used in veterinary medicine to detect tumours, diagnose nasal or chest conditions, assess joints and bones, plan surgeries, and monitor treatment outcomes. It’s a safe, fast, and non-invasive procedure that provides the clarity needed for accurate diagnosis.

What are theranostics, and how do they relate to veterinary care?

Theranostics is an advanced approach that combines diagnosis and treatment into one integrated pathway. Using molecular imaging like PET-CT, disease can be identified and mapped precisely. The same tracer can be paired with a therapeutic isotope to deliver targeted treatment directly to diseased cells, minimising harm to healthy tissue. Already established in human oncology, theranostics is being developed for veterinary use, offering personalised treatment with fewer side effects.

How is PET Theranostics leading research in veterinary oncology?

PET Theranostics was founded with a commitment to combine clinical excellence with research. Every scan contributes to a growing body of knowledge that helps refine imaging protocols, validate new tracers, and explore the potential of theranostic therapies in veterinary medicine. This research is shared across the veterinary community, lifting standards and advancing cancer care for companion animals.

How do pets and their families benefit from PET Theranostics’ approach?

Pets benefit from early and accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment options, and world-class imaging technology. This translates into greater peace of mind for families, as care decisions are informed by the most precise information available. Every scan helps the individual pet and contributes to a broader understanding of cancer in animals, shaping the future of veterinary oncology.

When will theranostic treatments be available for pets?

PET Theranostics’ theranostic treatment service is currently under development and will be launched soon. The team is actively engaged in research and clinical validation to ensure the highest standards of safety and effectiveness. Once available, this breakthrough technology will enable Australian vets and pet owners to access targeted cancer treatments that are already transforming human medicine.

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Contact Us

Vets

To refer a patient or book a consultation, please call us directly on
02 7238 4190 or use the referral form.

Pet Owners

We are a referral-only clinic. Please speak with your Vet about PET Theranostics.

If you have a general enquiry or seek additional clarification about PET-CT/CT scan email us or call our office during normal opening hours.

375A Concord Road, Concord West NSW 2138

Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pm
Saturday/Sunday – Closed