Equipment and Technology
MVSC has the only Veterinary MRI in private practice in Victoria.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
The specifically designed VetMRI machine is housed within our Specialist Centre in Glen Waverley.
It is readily available to same-day procedures, and is an important veterinary diagnostic tool.
Some of the benefits of having an on-site MRI machine include:
- Superior intra-procedural monitoring and after care
- Ability to perform additional procedures while the patient is anaesthetised (e.g. CSF collection/spinal tap, surgical intervention, biopsy sampling).
- Unparalleled view inside the body
- Ability to locate central nervous system abnormalities.
- Ability to produce detailed pictures of internal body structures such as organs, soft tissues and bones which can then be examined on a computer monitor, printed and copied to CD.
Digital Radiography & Fluoroscopy
Digital radiography is a form of X-ray imaging, where digital X-ray sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film. Advantages include:
- Time efficiency through bypassing chemical processing and the ability to digitally transfer and enhance images
- Less radiation can be used to produce an image of similar contrast to conventional radiography.
Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique commonly used by physicians to obtain real-time moving images of the internal structures of a patient through the use of a fluoroscope. In its simplest form, a fluoroscope consists of an X-ray source and fluorescent screen between which a patient is placed—most commonly used for imaging oesophageal and trachea movement.
Endoscopy (Gastroscopy, Colonoscopy, Bronchscopy)
Endoscopy is a medical procedure which allows a veterinarian to observe the inside of the body without performing major surgery. An endoscope (fibrescope) is a long, usually flexible tube with a camera at one end and a control device at the other. The end with the camera is inserted into the patient. Light passes down the tube (via bundles of optical fibres) to illuminate the relevant area and the images are sent to the television screen via the camera. Usually, an endoscope is inserted through one of the body's natural openings, such as the mouth, nostrils or anus. Endoscopy allows us to take biopsies from internal structures to aid in the diagnostic process. It is also useful in the removal of foreign bodies.
This is a diagnostic process that uses the reflection of high-frequency sound waves to make an image of structures deep within the body. It is used to visualise subcutaneous body structures vessels and internal organs for possible pathology or lesions. It is possible to perform both diagnosis and therapeutic procedures using ultrasound to guide interventional procedures (for instance biopsies or drainage of fluid accumulation). A water-based gel is used to couple the ultrasound between the transducer and Patient. This is a non-invasive procedure which can be performed on a sedated or non-sedated patient.
Electrocardiography (ECG) is the recording of the electrical activity of the heart over time via skin electrodes. It is a non-invasive recording produced by an electrocardiograph. Electrodes on different sides of the heart measure the activity of different parts of the heart muscle. An ECG displays the voltage between pairs of these electrodes, and the muscle activity that they measure, from different directions. This display indicates the overall rhythm of the heart and weaknesses in different parts of the heart muscle. It is the best way to measure and diagnose abnormal rhythms of the heart.