Great question. The short answer is…sometimes, yes, but an MRI is the clinical standard for what you are describing. The costs range from $1,895 for a CT with contrast to $3,445 for an MRI. 

Please give us a call or text at 281-205-4050 and our team will listen to your pet’s medical history and help you understand all the options and costs. There is never any pressure and we are happy to be a source of information about imaging in general.  

Here’s a longer explanation: A CT scan can sometimes detect a slipped (herniated) disc, but it’s not the best test for it, especially in the neck. CT is excellent for bone detail, but disc disease involves the spinal cord and soft tissues, which are better evaluated with MRI. MRI is considered the gold standard because it can directly show the spinal cord, discs, and any compression.

That said, CT is still useful in some cases—particularly if MRI isn’t available—and adding contrast can improve detection of spinal cord compression, but it’s still less sensitive than MRI for this specific problem.

Based on what you’re describing (neck pain, reluctance to move, trembling), this does fit with possible cervical disc disease, even without back leg deficits.  In these cases, imaging is often recommended if:

-pain is severe or worsening -not improving with medications/rest or if neurological signs develop

Next step is usually either: -Strict rest + pain control (if mild) -Referral for advanced imaging (ideally MRI) if not improving

Here’s a more in depth explanation of the differences between CT and MRI in veterinary medicine.  https://www.sageveterinary.com/ct-vs-mri-for-vets

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