DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING
AVAILABLE IN THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
ADVANCED VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING
To effectively treat a patient, an accurate diagnosis is required. At VSA, we are fortunate to have two registered Specialists in Diagnostic Imaging (also known as Veterinary Radiologists) on our team, Dr Devon Thompson and Dr Caroline Eivers. Veterinary Radiologists are highly trained and skilled in performing diagnoses and treatments using radiographs (x-rays), ultrasound and advanced imaging such as CT and MRI scanning. They are an integral part of the diagnostic process in caring for your pet.
At VSA, we use advanced imaging equipment to obtain radiographs, ultrasound images and CT images. VSA was the first veterinary hospital in Auckland to offer high-spec CT imaging. Computed tomography imaging, also known as “CAT scanning” (Computed Axial Tomography) utilises a rotating X-ray tube to acquire images of an animal’s anatomy to allow veterinarians to better make a decision around a treatment plan following an illness or injury.
At all 3 of our hospitals, we are fortunate to have in-house digital radiography, CT and multiple dual-purpose trolley-based ultrasound systems, along with C-arm fluoroscopy in Auckland. We also have access to off-site high-field MRI, PET-CT, and radiation therapy. The availability of these different modalities allows us to target our diagnostic imaging to the specific concerns of our patients, obtain imaging-guided tissue samples, provide image-guided therapy or interventions, and therefore optimise patient outcomes.
The benefits of having this imaging expertise and the onsite imaging services means that the VSA veterinary team can work together along-side your regular veterinarian to:
- choose the appropriate imaging modality
- offer timely scheduling availability
- reach the correct diagnosis
- develop an appropriate treatment plan
Common Questions about our Imaging Services
A CT scan is a form of advanced imaging which uses an x-ray generator which rotates around the patient to create detailed cross-sectional images. When viewed together, these images allow us to accurately assess all of the skeletal structures and internal organs in three dimensions, rather than in two dimensions as they are on a plain radiograph or x-ray image.
Common reasons for a CT include: Intervertebral disc disease, respiratory disease, lameness workups, cancer staging , acute trauma cases, assessment of congenital abnormalities, and more.
Yes. The CT machine can be noisy and the patient must be still and positioned in a specific way for several minutes therefore sedation or general anaesthesia is nearly always required. The CT machine generates a large amount of ionising radiation, so staff cannot be in the room during acquisition, however, are able to monitor the patient between scans.
An ultrasound is a study which uses sound waves to image internal organs of the patient. The ultrasound beam is generated by small crystals within a probe which is placed onto the patient.
Common reasons for an ultrasound include: Gastrointestinal disease, pancreatic disease, liver and gallbladder disease, abdominal tumours, renal disease, urinary disease, cardiac disease and more.
MRI is a form of advanced imaging which uses a very powerful magnet and radiowaves to create detailed images. Like CT, each image represents a single slice through the patient, resulting in a three dimensional study. The machine itself looks similar to a CT machine, however, MRI involves no ionising radiation and also provides higher resolution of soft tissues such as the brain and spinal cord.
Common reasons for MRI include: Brain disease, spinal cord disease, musculoskeletal disease.
Veterinary patients need to be anaesthetised for MRI. This is because image acquisition takes a long time (30 minutes or more) and the patient must remain still the entire time.
MEET THE VSA IMAGING CLINICIANS
Dr Devon Thompson
Imaging Specialist
Dr Caroline Eivers
Imaging Specialist
