MRI Technology: What, Where and When
10th November 2004 marked the day MRI scanning moved from dream to reality for Parkvets and the pets of SE London.
The scanner, mounted in an articulated lorry provides detailed scans of areas of the body that until now have proved a mystery and will open the doors to new diagnoses and treatments for a variety of conditions.
The addition of MRI to our diagnostic capabilities further enhances our reputation as a centre of excellence for diagnostic imaging.
Of the development head vet Graham Peck says, "MRI gives us diagnostic imaging abilities that would have seemed like science fiction a generation ago. It is a huge leap forward in helping treat difficult cases".
The first day of scanning was an overwhelming success with six cases being admitted for scans. Astonishingly all six animals now have a diagnosis and are progressing with treatment plans far sooner than would have otherwise been possible.
How MRI Works
MRI uses extremely powerful magnetic forces and radio waves to build up a picture of the area being scanned. Unlike other imaging technologies like X-Ray, which is great for bones, or ultrasound, which is great for soft fleshy tissues like kidneys or liver, MRI can scan through everything.
Amazing Detail
Another benefit of MRI is the incredible detail it provides. Scans can be taken in extraordinarily fine slices through the body building up amazing definition, allowing us to make diagnosis in even the most subtle problems like a collapsing disc in the spine or a torn ligament in the knee.
The more powerful the scanner the better the detail and ours, at one Tesla, has plenty of punch!
Safer For Your Pet
It is completely safe for your pet to undergo an MRI scan, the radio waves and magnetic forces pass harmlessly through the body.
Movement Blur!
For an MRI scan to be effective the patient has to have to be totally still, in pets this can be tricky! In fact, the only way this is possible is if the pet is kept under general anaesthetic.
Availability
The scanner will visit the practice initially once per month (for dates see below), however the technology is proving to be extremely popular and we are considering increasing the service to twice monthly if demand exists.
Scans are performed at the Footscray Hospital and appointments for scans will be booked by your vet if appropriate.
Clients are advised to check with their insurance companies whether the cost of MRI scans will be covered by their policy prior to treatment.
If you believe your pet could benefit from a scan then talk to your vet about it. We offer a referral service for local vets.
Will my Pet Benefit from an MRI scan?
If your pet is suspected of suffering from any of the following conditions then MRI can potentially provide diagnostic information that could help treatment:
- Spinal disease - neck or back pain.
- Seizures/Epilepsy.
- Joint disease
- Nasal disease (persistent nose bleeds or sneezing)
- Cancer
Dates for Scanning
The MRI scanner is available for referral cases on the following dates:
- 24th May 2007
- 21st June 2007
- 19th July 2007
- 16th August 2007
- 13th September 2007
- 11th October 2007
- 8th November 2007
- 6th December 2007
Appointments can only be made by referral from your vet.
Your own vet may not be aware of this service so please feel free to pass on our contact information should your vet wish to discuss cases that could benefit from referral. Call us on 02083008111.
