Diagnostic Imaging

Our Canon Medical Aquilion Lightning 16 is a 16-slice CT scanner, customised for use in small animals, with a high-resolution detector incorporating the smallest elements of any CT scanner, giving slices of 0.5mm. The scanner is particularly high speed, providing fast examination times and reducing the amount of anaesthesia required.

Which cases is CT most effective in?

• For assessment of complex anatomic areas such as the skull or spine
• Planning of complex fracture repair
• For soft tissue and oncological cases

Investigation of diseases of the thorax and abdomen, as the rapid acquisition of the images negates the movement artefact that would occur during an MRI scan

At HSR we have a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine specifically manufactured for use in animals. High-field MRI produces clearer images because it has stronger magnets and a higher field strength. Aside from the obvious benefits regarding image quality, high field MRI is much quicker than low field counterparts.

Hallmarq have come up with a variety of innovations applicable to veterinary patients. Amongst others, PetVet’s unique veterinary head coil uses an elongated design to give greater coverage than a standard human head coil, which is particularly effective in acquiring excellent images of the spine in small dogs and cats.

In contrast, there is a large V-shaped coil, developed specifically with large dogs in mind, making it possible to scan the entire spine of large and giant breeds, without having to move the patient for scanning of different regions. With the addition of dual coil capability for imaging difficult areas, we are delighted to be able to offer this cutting-edge technology.

Which cases is MRI most effective in?

• Diagnosis of spinal cord compression and spinal cord injury
• Brain tumours
• Tendon and ligament injuries
• Investigation of seizures
• Vestibular problems
• Neck and back pain
• Nasal discharge

Radiography is essential in veterinary diagnostics.

Here at HSR, we use digital radiography which allows for the images to be accessed immediately, removing the need to wait for processing. This means we can share the images across the hospital if they are needed by colleagues at their desk or on our monitors in operating theatres.

Which cases are X-rays most effective in?

• Orthopaedic problems: limb deformities, lameness and fractures
• Diagnosis of bone tumours
• Assessing the abdomen
• Checking organs
• Viewing changes in tumours or tissues such as tumours, cysts or stones

Ultrasound is considered essential in many clinical scenarios, particularly abdominal, musculoskeletal imaging and internal medicine diagnoses and therapies. Ultrasounds are also useful for guided biopsy taking, where the live scan can be used direct needles to the site of interest.

Which cases is ultrasound most effective in?

• Foreign objects
• Urinary tract issues
• Gastrointestinal tract issues
• Respiratory tract issues
• Ultrasound guided biopsy taking

At HSR, we have an OEC Fluorostar 7900 Digital Mobile 4 configurations compact C-arm with 1Kx1K image quality. Due to the nature of the tool, it is not necessary for the patient to be completely still as with x-rays.

Which cases is Fluoroscopy most effective in?

• Tracheal collapse
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Assessment of skeletal system
• Swallowing disorders
• Minimally invasive surgeries