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The Veterinary Hospital at the University of Melbourne's Werribee Campus is now operating Australia's first high field 1.5 Tesla veterinary magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ) unit made possible by an anonymous bequest.

The addition of the MRI unit consolidates the University of Melbourne as being at the forefront of animal imaging in Australia.

The machine's high field strength provides image quality that is superior to that usually obtained by machines available for use in animals. In fact, the machine was designed for human use, but adapted to the special needs of animal imaging. The quality of the imaging studies is equivalent to those obtained in a human hospital.

“The potential applications and benefits of the technology are impressive and life-changing for hospital and referral patients. Patients have ready access to the MRI technology on site, operated by a dedicated technician and with results interpreted by expert veterinary radiologists, who understand the nuances of animal disease,” says Lecturer in Diagnostic Imaging, Dr Milne.

Among the many benefits are the: investigation and diagnosis of hereditary brain diseases of dogs; rapid diagnosis of seizure disorders, strokes, and acute spinal problems (allowing timely treatment); investigation of lameness in horses (due to improved ability to view  problems in ligaments, tendons and joints that are difficult to see with other techniques); imaging of the horse brain; accurate determination of the location and extent of soft tissue tumours (assisting surgical planning); non-invasive investigation of vascular shunts and thrombosis disorders; as well as increasing the knowledge of the causes and process of animal diseases, such as epilepsy, brain tumours, heart conditions and degenerative joint disease.

The MRI is a boost to the Hospital's already extensive radiological services — making them the most comprehensive veterinary imaging facility in Australia. Services include radiology, the PennHIP radiograph for canine hip dysplasia testing, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT, and nuclear medicine. Reporting services are provided to veterinary practices nation wide (including via teleradiology services over the Internet).

The MRI also highlights the comprehensive nature of the service the Hospital is able to provide: a veterinary clinic for local clients and Australia-wide, as well as all-inclusive specialist services (including neurology, internal medicine, surgery, anaesthesia and critical care), with a dedicated 24-hour emergency and critical care service on site.

The MRI service is available for domestic pets (such as dogs and cats) and horses, as well as exotic pets.

Source: The University of Melbourne

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