Imaging for all seasons

When referring, it is nice to have the peace of mind that your client will get the imaging they need with the most appropriate modality.

Imaging is a bit of a buzz word at present. Clients are sometimes a little confused about the ‘best’ option for diagnostics. The lingo of slice counts, frame rates and analog-to-digital conversion capabilities is far from clients’ minds when the question of a high quality diagnosis obtained safely and quickly is their primary wish.

At the Southern Animal Referral Centre we’ve quietly worked on building a range of high quality diagnostic imaging modalities so that patients can receive the best diagnostic imaging option for their condition at the time they need it. Rather than having a primary modality through which all cases are funnelled, patients receive the benefit of multiple modalities.

Digital x-ray and dedicated abdominal or cardiac ultrasound are often used as a first line of diagnostic imaging. These modalities typically require no sedation or anaesthesia and patients can be safely imaged and answers quickly obtained. Results are available immediately and can be transmitted digitally around the hospital or across the world. Having a full complement of staff on hand 24/7 means that front line imaging can happen at any time of the day or night and referrals for survey diagnostics do not have to be delayed.

Dedicated cardiac ultrasound for cardiorespiratory conditions is available with Specialist Veterinary Cardiologist Dr Richard Woolley who provides comprehensive specialist workup and treatment capabilities. Richard has the back-up of a fully staffed emergency centre on-site.

Should these modalities not be appropriate, a full range of endoscopy, bronchoscopy and rhinoscopy capabilities is available for both emergency and non-emergency presentations. Endoscopy can be used seamlessly with other imaging modalities to complete the diagnostic picture. Facilities allow us to scope any animal from a small cat to a Great Dane.

And of course there is on-site CT available for stable patients who are in need of advanced imaging. With the support of a 24 hr veterinary service CTs can be done at any time.

A balanced and comprehensive imaging workup plays a critical role in many cases seen at the Southern Animal Referral Centre. Referral imaging is available for a large range of presentations either as part of your own case workup or as a full referral. Please call us at any time should you feel that a case under your care would benefit from referral imaging.

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