The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University has become the first veterinary business in Western Australia to acquire and operate a powerful 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner.

The truck-based device, previously used for human scanning, allows veterinary specialists to non-invasively examine the internal organs of pets for abnormalities and disease.

The high quality images produced are already leading to excellent diagnostic and treatment plan outcomes for small animal patients from The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University.

The MRI will also be used to teach veterinary students at Murdoch University, and in future human and animal health projects.

Previously, radiologists at the University have been using a Computed Tomography (CT) scanner to examine patients. While this type of scanning is excellent for bones and has a multitude of applications, the MRI is superior for soft tissues like the spinal cord and the brain, said Dr Nerissa Stander, a diagnostic imaging specialist who runs the MRI with The Animal Hospital.

“The main use for MRI in our patients is the investigation of neurological conditions. But we can also use the MRI to make tumour evaluations in cancer patients and examine ligaments and tendons for injuries,” she said.

“MRI is non-invasive and requires the animals to have a general anaesthetic before scanning so they do not move in the machine.

“It provides vets with clarity and valuable information for diagnosis so they can help pet owners make more informed decisions.”

Dr Stander is operating her business Vet Imaging Specialists from The Animal Hospital, and is training staff to use the MRI.

The Governor of Western Australia Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC officially launched the MRI recently.

The MRI scanning service is open to patients of clients referred to The Animal Hospital by vets, outpatients of Vet Imaging Specialists and to direct clients of The Animal Hospital.