October 2026
Your rabbit has a head tilt, or a lump along the jaw, and the X-rays didn't quite answer the question. That's a common moment in exotic pet medicine. Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and ferrets are small, and important structures like tooth roots, the middle ear and the organs of the upper belly can be hard to see clearly on standard X-rays. A CT scan can often fill in those gaps.
Computed tomography (CT) uses X-rays and a computer to build detailed cross-sectional images of the body. Instead of one flat picture, we can look at bones, teeth, soft tissue and organs slice by slice, and even in 3D. For tiny patients with complicated anatomy, that extra detail can change the treatment plan.
The most common reasons I recommend CT involve the head. In rabbits with a head tilt, CT helps look for middle or inner ear infection, tumors or other structural causes. Rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas can develop tooth root problems and abscesses that are hard to judge on X-rays, and CT shows how far the disease reaches. Jaw injuries in rabbits are often more extensive than they first appear, and CT shows the full picture.
CT is also useful for tumors and masses, where knowing the size, location and any spread helps with surgical planning, and for breathing problems, where it lets us evaluate the nose, airways and lungs. When a rabbit's sore hock may have reached the bone, CT shows bone involvement in more detail than X-rays.
Sudden belly emergencies are another situation where CT can earn its place. In rabbits, a few serious conditions look alike at first, including a twisted liver lobe, an inflamed appendix and a rare twisting of the stomach. X-rays don't reliably show a twisted stomach in rabbits. CT, along with ultrasound, can help sort these out quickly so the right treatment, often surgery, isn't delayed.
CT scans for my exotic patients are performed at Nashville Veterinary Specialists (NVS) through a working relationship with Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital. I oversee the process for exotic companion mammals, including sedation and monitoring.
Most pets are sedated so they stay comfortable and still, which gives clear images. I'll explain what's best for your pet ahead of time. The scan itself usually takes just a few minutes, depending on the area being imaged. A board-certified radiologist reviews the images, and I use the results to build a treatment plan with you.
Any sedation carries some risk, but careful planning makes it much safer. That planning includes a pre-procedure exam, keeping your pet warm, monitoring vital signs, pain relief when it's needed, and getting your pet home and eating as quickly as possible. Small mammals lose heat fast and hide discomfort well, so we plan around both. If your pet is older or has other health problems, ask about their specific risks.
Ask whether your pet should eat before the appointment. Rabbits and guinea pigs usually should not be fasted. Bring your pet's usual hay and food for afterward, a list of current medications, and a covered, solid-sided carrier with familiar bedding to keep the trip calm. Expect your pet to be a little sleepy for the rest of the day. Offer food and water, and keep them warm and quiet.
Call right away if your rabbit suddenly stops eating, seems painful in the belly, or is weak or cold.
Book a prompt visit for a head tilt, circling or loss of balance, swelling on the face or jaw, drooling or dropping food, noisy breathing or nasal discharge, or weight loss without a clear reason.
These signs don't always mean your pet needs a CT, but they do mean an exam is needed.
Dr. Logan Kopp, Nashville's exotic companion mammal specialist, coordinates CT imaging for rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and other small mammals. To find out whether CT could help your pet, call Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital at (615) 361-4646.
This article is general information, not medical advice for your pet. Reading it doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR). Please talk with your own veterinarian before making changes to your pet's care.