Veterinary CT scanning in Pozzuoli: new for 2026, coming soon
The GE HealthCare Revolution Maxima CT scanner, brand new and state of the art, is coming to the Villa Di Somma Veterinary Clinic. We will be able to carry out advanced diagnostics on site for dogs, cats and exotic pets, without transferring them to another facility.
24-hour emergency serviceThe CT scanner is not yet operational: we will publish the start date here.
What CT is and why we are bringing it to the clinic
CT (computed tomography) uses X-rays and a computer to produce images of the body in very thin “slices”, as well as 3D reconstructions. It is used when X-rays and ultrasound are not enough to understand what is happening.
Today many animals have to be moved to another facility for a CT scan, sometimes while in a delicate condition. With CT on site, the scan will be done here, where your pet is already being looked after by our vets, and treatment or surgery can follow straight away.
What it means for you
- Scans take just a few seconds, so sedation is shorter
- Highly detailed images of bones, chest, abdomen, skull and spine
- Suitable for every size, from rabbits to giant-breed dogs
- CT, operating theatre and wards in the same building
Scans without transfers
For those living in Pozzuoli, Bacoli, Monte di Procida, Quarto, Licola or the western districts of Naples, it means a CT scan just a few minutes from home, in the same clinic where your pet is already looked after by our vets.
When a CT scan is needed
The decision is always made by the vet, after the consultation. These are the cases where CT is most useful.
Trauma
Accidents, falls, serious bites: fractures, bleeding, chest and spinal injuries.
Neurological problems
Slipped discs, back pain, difficulty walking, skull injuries.
Tumours
Staging: looking for metastases in the lungs and abdomen and planning surgery.
Orthopaedics
Complex fractures, elbow dysplasia, joints; post-operative checks, even with plates and implants.
Nose, ears and teeth
Chronic nasal discharge, deep ear infections, dental abscesses, jaw problems.
Chest and abdomen
Lungs, liver, kidneys, foreign bodies, abnormal blood vessels such as portosystemic shunts.
CT for exotic pets too
Rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles and birds have small, complex anatomies that are hard to assess with X-rays alone. CT shows rabbit teeth and roots, the airways of birds and reptiles, retained eggs and fine fractures.
Exotic pets are very much at home with us. Find out about our exotic pet service.
Examples
- Rabbits: malocclusion and dental abscesses
- Parrots and other birds: respiratory problems
- Tortoises, iguanas and snakes: lungs, eggs, skeleton
- Guinea pigs and small mammals: teeth and abdomen
How a scheduled scan works
Consultation
The vet examines your pet, explains why a CT scan is needed and checks that your pet can be safely sedated, with blood tests if necessary.
Preparation
We will tell you how long your pet needs to fast (usually from the evening before). Do not stop any medication without first talking to the vet.
Sedation and scan
Your pet must stay completely still, so it is sedated or anaesthetised and monitored. Sometimes a contrast agent is injected into a vein.
Results
The vet looking after your pet will explain the findings and the recommended treatment plan.
What to bring
- Any X-rays, ultrasound scans and blood tests already done
- A list of the medication your pet takes
- Your pet’s health booklet or vaccination record
Our CT scanner: GE HealthCare Revolution Maxima
We chose a brand-new machine, not a refurbished one – the same model already used in leading Italian veterinary hospitals.
| Type | Multislice CT: 64 slices, 128 with reconstruction |
| Speed | A full rotation in 0.35 seconds |
| Opening | 70 cm, suitable for animals of all sizes |
| Detail | Matrix up to 1024 × 1024, 0.28 mm resolution |
| Radiation | ASiR-V iterative reconstruction, designed to reduce the dose |
| Plates and implants | Metal artefact reduction (Smart MAR) |
Technical data from the manufacturer, GE HealthCare.
Frequently asked questions
When will the CT scanner be available?
It is one of the clinic’s new developments for 2026: installation is scheduled and we will publish the start date on this page and on our social media channels.
Is a CT scan dangerous for my pet?
It is a non-invasive test. It uses a controlled dose of radiation and requires sedation: this is why the vet first assesses the patient’s health. The scan is very quick, so the sedation is short too.
Is anaesthesia always needed?
Sedation or a short anaesthetic is almost always needed, because the animal must stay perfectly still to obtain clear images.
How long does it take?
The scan itself takes a few seconds. For a scheduled scan, including preparation, sedation and recovery, your pet will stay at the clinic for a few hours.
What is the difference between a CT scan and an X-ray?
An X-ray gives a single image in which the organs overlap. CT shows the body in thin sections and in 3D, so it can detect smaller and hidden lesions.
Are “TAC” and “CT” the same thing?
Yes. CT (computed tomography) is the current technical term; in Italy the scan is still widely known as “TAC”.
Do you also offer MRI?
No, MRI is not available at our clinic.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, thanks to our agreement with Compass you can spread the cost of veterinary care. Ask us for details.
Would you like to know whether a CT scan could help your pet?
Talk to the vet during the consultation. To book an appointment: +39 081 866 2870, during reception hours. There is always a vet and a veterinary nurse at the clinic.
Book an appointmentVilla Di Somma Veterinary Clinic – Via Montenuovo Licola Patria 79, 80078 Pozzuoli (Naples), Italy
