Onderstepoort veterinary academic hospital gets MRI scanner for animals
"An added advantage is that our MRI scanner will be the only high-field MRI in South Africa and probably Africa with image acquisition optimised for veterinary patients."
A brand-new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner at the Onderstepoort veterinary academic hospital in the north of Pretoria is believed to be the strongest unit of its sort in veterinary use anywhere in Africa.
“The scanner will allow us to now scan the bodies of even the largest dogs and many other animals – including wildlife such as big cats and great apes,” said Dr Paul van Dam, director of the veterinary hospital.
In South Africa, the use of MRIs for diagnostic purposes is limited to small animals and most MRI scans are done in human facilities by special arrangement.
“An added advantage is that our MRI scanner will be the only high-field MRI in South Africa and probably Africa with image acquisition optimised for veterinary patients.”
The new scanner makes for faster examinations, with greater detail and clearer pictures compared to lower-strength units.
“We can also scan the limbs and necks of larger animals like horses on a purpose-built (and locally designed) table.”
The veterinary academic hospital, which belongs to the University of Pretoria’s veterinary science faculty, boasts an impressive array of facilities and equipment.
They include an extended and improved state-of-the-art dog and cat ICU and high-care facility, 10 theatres for small and large animals where total hip replacements, implant-driven orthopaedic procedures for cats and dogs and life-saving emergency surgery on all animal species are performed.
Facilities also include accommodation for all animal species, from the smallest pet to horses, farm animals and wildlife, including the big cats and even immature rhinos.
“All this ensures that we are never lacking in patients to heal or opportunities to train students to the highest standards,” said Van Dam.
Faculty dean Professor Vinny Naidoo said that the acquisition of the MRI scanner meant the hospital now had a comprehensive set of imaging modalities that also included conventional radio-graphs (X-rays), ultrasound, scintigraphy and computed tomography (CT).
The MRI scanner was made possible in part by a generous bequest from Betty Noakes, who left a large part of her estate to the hospital to be used for the benefit of animals.
“We trust that the MRI will indeed play a large role in improving the lives of our patients,” said Naidoo.
The new facility was opened on July 26 during an online event by Professor Tawana Kupe, vice-chancellor and principal of the University of Pretoria.
“Over the years, the hospital has distinguished itself on various levels,” he said.
“It has now begun another exciting chapter in the faculty’s more than 100-year history.”
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