From the second half of January, VetScan Small Animal Diagnostics will operate a unique, high-field MRI device in Hungary. With this device, animals from the smallest to 100 kg “giants” can be examined, significantly improving the chances of recovery for our pets.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of today’s most advanced diagnostic methods, which creates images of the internal tissues of the body without side effects, using a magnetic field and radio waves. Numerous soft tissue diseases can only be visualized with MRI: besides detecting tiny structural changes, it also shows, for example, the relative positions of the spinal cord and intervertebral discs, as well as the specific structure of the spinal cord and brain.
In veterinary medicine, such a high-field device has not been available for daily diagnostics until now, although certain diseases – such as spinal disorders, stroke, or epilepsy – occur in both small and large animals just as they do in humans. Precise diagnosis is more difficult, however, because the patient cannot express what they feel. From mid-January, responsible pet owners can receive an accurate picture of their pet’s condition at the VetScan Small Animal Diagnostics center: this is the first center in Hungary operating a high-field MRI device installed explicitly for animals, significantly increasing the chances of recovery.
“The newly opened center fills a gap in veterinary medicine. The 1.5 Tesla MRI device put into operation is suitable for examining small and large animals, even up to 100 kilograms, and produces excellent quality images. With its help, we can precisely detect the tiniest abnormalities that are difficult to notice with other imaging methods, and an accurate diagnosis significantly speeds up the healing process and increases the chances of recovery.” – explained Dr. Zoltán Kerekes, chief veterinarian of VetScan Small Animal Diagnostics Ltd.
The examination, unique so far in Hungary, is completely painless
The examination is painless, but during the 20-30 minute procedure the patient must lie still, which in animals can only be achieved under anesthesia. The anesthesiologist is present throughout the examination and monitors the animal’s breathing, heartbeat, and other vital functions.
“Since early childhood, I have been a great animal lover and a committed supporter of responsible pet ownership. We consider our dog a family member, so it is very reassuring that a frequently life-saving examination such as MRI has become available for him as well. We regularly visit the veterinarian and seriously consider signs of illness, but we know well that serious problems might not be revealed during a routine checkup. Since our Great Dane, Ringo, cannot be called a small dog by any means, I am especially pleased that the institution is open to animals close to 100 kilograms as well.” – shares Kriszta D. Tóth, TV presenter.
“The MRI device, which was previously used for human diagnostic examinations, will provide tremendous help in animal diagnostics from mid-January. The veterinary application of such a high-field, professional imaging machine is unique in Hungary.” – explained György Leitner, Managing Director of VetScan Small Animal Diagnostics Ltd.
| When is an MRI needed? | |
| BODY PART | SYMPTOM |
| Brain | Epilepsy-like seizures |
| Circling, tilted head posture | |
| Movement coordination disorders | |
| Paralysis of facial muscles, eyelids | |
| Head injury | |
| Behavioral changes (sudden onset of dullness, aggression, drowsiness, abnormal scratching) | |
| Eye, eye area | Swelling around the eye, facial skull deformity |
| Sudden blindness | |
| Head and neck area | Persistent nasal discharge with blood or thick secretions |
| Swelling on the face and skull | |
| Chronic swallowing difficulty, breathing difficulty | |
| Neck swellings | |
| Circling, tilted head posture | |
| Spine | Neck and back pain |
| Partial/complete paralysis | |
| Movement coordination disorders | |
| Traumatic injuries of the spinal column | |
| Limbs | Lameness |
| Swelling of joints or bones | |
| Abdominal cavity | Chronic abdominal pain |
| Pelvis | Chronic abdominal pain |
Further information:
Dr. Zoltán Kerekes +36-30/195-81-88, www.vetscan.hu
VetScan Small Animal Diagnostics Ltd.
Diagnoscan Hungary, with 25 years of experience, established its first imaging diagnostic center in 1991 under the name International Health Center, in the building of the former MÁV Hospital. Later known as Euromedic Diagnostics, and since 2013 Diagnoscan Hungary, it became part of Affidea, a corporate group owned by the Swiss Bertarelli family, known for its healthcare investments. The Affidea group is Europe's largest private healthcare provider: it operates more than 160 diagnostic, laboratory, and oncotherapy centers in 14 countries under its flag. Diagnoscan Hungary operates 11 human diagnostic centers nationwide and opened its first veterinary diagnostic center in December 2015 under the name VetScan Small Animal Diagnostics Ltd.
