South Australia’s first veterinary CT (computer tomography) scanner, suitable for animals of all sizes, has been launched at the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy campus.
The new scanner is part of the university’s veterinary health centre and is available for clinical consultations for general public and referrals from other veterinary services.
It also will be used for research and teaching in the Animal and Veterinary Sciences School.
“This new state-of-the-art equipment means we can provide the South Australian general and veterinary communities with top-quality diagnostic imaging so animals of all descriptions can receive the most appropriate and highest quality clinical care,” Wayne Hein, new Dean of the Roseworthy campus and school head said.
“It also means we can provide our veterinary students with the most up-to-date education in diagnostic imaging, and provide a new research tool for our animal scientists.
“We hope it will bring additional referrals of complex cases. That way our students can be even more prepared for diverse veterinary careers.”
Additional software for the scanner enables 3D reconstruction of the anatomy for surgical planning and research.
While an animal is being scanned, clinicians, students or researchers in an adjacent room can view a 3D reconstruction.
Situated in the Equine Health and Performance Centre, the scanner has an equine CT table which allows it to cater for animals up to one tonne in weight.
“The closest available CT scanner that can be used with horses and other large animals is in Ballarat or Melbourne,” Hein said.
“We can now provide a comprehensive diagnostic service for the equine and animal production industries, as well as cats and dogs.”
The scanner has the capability of providing a very fine ‘slice’ of 0.5mm thickness which delivers excellent image quality of fine structures, particularly for small animals.
The CT scanner was launched at a ceremony attended by representatives from research, the veterinary community and Toshiba, the scanner’s manufacturer.