How a CAT saved a dog with a brain tumour

Last updated at 16:32 02 November 2007


A human cat scanner that uses 3D imagery has been used in a vet's surgery in Britain for the first time.

The high-resolution Siemens machine was tested on Polly, a five-year-old chocolate labrador, who had an aggressive brain tumour removed eight weeks ago.

After a four-week course of radiotherapy, Polly was given the all-clear when the scan - known as a Cat or CT scan - at the Veterinary Referral Centre in Laindon, Essex, showed no sign of the tumour.

Her owner Trudy Kelly, 51, from Muswell Hill, said: "I was moved to tears watching the scan and seeing the great result."

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Dog having cat scan

She paid £5,000 for Polly's treatment, but said it had been worth every penny.

"It's a small price to pay to experience treatment of this kind, and it's been reassuring to have been able to take every step with Polly and watch the results unfold instead of sitting in a vet's corridor worried out of my mind."

"She's back to her old self and she has a big fan club back home who will be giving her a very warm welcome."

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Dog having cat scan

The installation of the scanner at the Veterinary Referral Centre now means a package of cancer care for cats and dogs can be done under one roof.

Previously, a CT scan was carried out offsite, involving three members of staff, making the procedure expensive.

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