The July 30 guest essay, “Fund will help pet owners in ‘extreme situations,’” reminded us that companion animals, or pets, are referred for CT scans.
About the same time, an extensive New York Times front-page article reported large and widespread overdoses in four different locations: three in California and one in Huntsville, Ala.
An article in the Times in June 2009 advised against CT scans for the heart and questioned their use in other areas of the body.
In January 2010, another front-page article, “The Radiation Boom,” reported too many treatment errors. Many in the medical profession have suggested that the risks of getting too much radiation may outweigh any benefits from scans.
Doctors must rely on technologists, who may have insufficient information from CT-scan manufacturers to provide the proper dosage and deliver results. Doctors may refer patients for a scan because of lawsuit fears or to justify the purchase of very expensive equipment.
Pressure to overtest and overtreat is highest in hospital emergency rooms. Those who visit a doctor or a veterinarian should have a friend or relative — someone who can be more objective at such a stressful time — accompany them.
During the visit, if a CT scan is suggested, someone should ask questions, such as: “Why?” “What information is expected from it?” “What are the alternatives?” “How likely is the CT scan to show nothing of concern?” “If something of concern, such as an apparent tumor, determines the diagnosis, what may be the prognosis?” “What treatment might then be recommended, considering the age and condition of the patient?” “What is the cost and coverage?”
Physicians and veterinarians offer what is available and, in their opinion, appropriate. It is up to the consumer, as patient or protector of the animal-patient, to ask questions and decide whether to accept what is offered.
Byrna Weir
Chelmsford Road
Brighton
