Eastcott Veterinary Referrals, in Swindon, has invested in a new MR5300 1.5T MRI scanner and challenged pet owners to come up with an amusing name for it.Three years ago, a social media competition saw a previous Eastcott scanner christened MRIah Carey – and now the hunt is on for a nickname to rival that.Niki Burton, hospital director at Eastcott, said: “It’s a fun exercise to engage with our clients and local community to name this incredible new piece of imaging equipment.“I must admit MRIah Carey will take some beating but I’m sure we’ll still be receiving some scantastic suggestions for our new machine!“It really is cutting edge, hi-tech piece equipment that will further boost the imaging facilities provided here Eastcott.“Such an important investment once again confirms our on-going commitment to providing the best treatment to our pet patients using the latest technology and equipment.”
Eastcott’s experienced radiographer and registered vet nurse Nicholas Taylor has no doubts that pet owners and referring vets across central and southern England and Wales will benefit from the increased diagnostic capabilities of the new scanner.
However, Nicholas was also keen to point out the renowned animal hospital always provides pet owners with all possible treatment options.He said: “Although we have fantastic facilities for diagnosing and treating our patients, not every neurology patient we see needs to have an MRI.“In a number of cases, the experience of our team and a thorough review of the case with their owner and referring vet allows us to provide an appropriate level of care for pets without further testing“We aim to provide the right care for our patients. We are privileged at Eastcott that this care can range from a consultation and treatment trial with our team, to a high-fidelity MRI scan which allows us to make a decision on how best to proceed.”
On the new scanner’s capabilities, Nicholas added: “The scanner will provide improved image quality which is essential in neurological investigations of the brain and spinal cord, and examinations of joints and soft tissue.
“The technological advances and image quality is the same as that used in the NHS and this will provide our veterinary specialists with the advanced diagnostic imaging for patients under our care for many years to come.“Its advanced technology also offers potential reductions in the time required to perform MRI examinations while the anaesthesia ‘pod’ has provided additional space for anaesthetic induction, minor procedures and investigations for our expanding neurology department.“All of which improves patient flow and frees space and resources in the main hospital for other services.
“As a diagnostic radiographer who has worked with MRI equipment in the NHS and veterinary profession, I am sure the new scanner will greatly benefit our patients and I looks forward to working with the Eastcott team to continue improving the multi-disciplinary services which we offer.”
Another benefit of Eastcott’s new scanner is a huge reduction in the amount of helium gas it uses for cooling.Nicholas said: “The BlueSeal magnet technology of the MR5300 uses just seven litres of liquid helium for cooling.“That’s compared to the 1,500 litres used by MRI scanners with conventional magnets like the mobile scanner it is replacing at Eastcott so it’s a huge advance in so many different areas.”
Anyone who would like to suggest a name for the new MRI machine is encouraged to do so via Eastcott’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/EastcottVets.
Eastcott Veterinary Referrals offers expert care in cardiology, dentistry, internal medicine, ophthalmology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, diagnostic imaging and CT, anaesthesia and analgesia and has its own Emergency Care Centre.
For more information about Eastcott Referrals, which is part of Linnaeus, visit www.eastcottreferrals.co.uk.
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Issued July 2024