Willows provides a comprehensive imaging service for all of our veterinary patients that is second to none in the UK. Imaging forms the cornerstone of many of the investigations required by our other specialties, and it is comforting to know that our superb state-of-the art all-digital GE imaging facilities are backed by our highly experienced imaging team.

Our diagnostic imaging equipment comprises:

• A 1.5 tesla MRI whole body scanner
• A 16 slice CT scanner with in-room fluoroscopy capability
• A superb Logiq 7 ultrasound scanning unit
• Two digital X-ray rooms with auto-exposure facility
• A high-end Fluorostar fluoroscopy unit for real time/movie X-ray viewing in the operating theatre

Unlike many other veterinary MRI facilities in the UK, our 1.5 tesla GE Signa HDe MRI scanner has a complete range of MRI coils which are placed next to the patient to obtain the image. Selecting the right coil is so important for our veterinary patients as it allows us to optimise our MRI studies with less concern for the great variety of shapes and sizes of animals which we encounter on a daily basis. MRI is the imaging modality of choice for patients with brain, nasal (if there is suspicion of brain involvement) or spinal cord disease, where it is so very important to know quickly whether your pet needs surgery or would be best treated medically.

Our top-of-the range, 16-slice GE Brightspeed CT scanner enables highly accurate lesion localisation with the best quality image. Although it uses X-rays to create an image, its modern design keeps the radiation dose to our patients to an absolute minimum, and its ability to image 16 slices at once means that we are able to acquire our images in much less time than most other veterinary scanners. CT is the imaging modality of choice for nasal disease, vascular (blood vessel) disease, many of our trauma patients, and when planning complex thoracic or abdominal surgery. It gives exceptional detail when looking at the lungs and will detect some lesions that may not show up on conventional X-rays. CT can also be used to position biopsy needles into lesions that may not otherwise be accessible without a complex surgical approach.

Our mobile GE Fluorostar image intensifier allows us to view 'live' X-ray images, which is an absolute requirement for some of our patients. Fluoroscopy is most commonly used by our soft tissue surgeons while operating on patients with portosystemic shunts (an abnormal blood vessel that allows the blood supply to bypass the liver), although it can also be used to perform certain studies of the gastrointestinal tract, and occasionally to assist our surgeons with placing metal implants in some orthopaedic procedures.

Ultrasound is an ideal way of imaging in real-time many of our patients and can be a way of obtaining biopsies from organs without the need for major surgery. We have high-end ultrasound imaging facilities and a wide range of ultrasound probes that suit all of our ultrasound needs, allowing us to see inside and behind the eye of some of our ocular patients, inside the abdomen (and occasionally the chest) of some of our medical and soft tissue surgical patients, and even into muscles and tendons of some of our orthopaedic patients.

With all of these imaging facilities to choose from, it is important to remember that for many patients, our investment in our two GE Proteus digital X-ray suites has not been wasted. These X-ray facilities automatically limit the X-ray exposure to our patients, thereby optimising the quality of the images while keeping the radiation dose to an absolute minimum. Once the exposure has been made the image is digitised using one of Willows' two Fuji Capsula CR units - these deliver exceptional image quality and are operated via a user-friendly interface.

All our imaging facilities are fully digital, and the images obtained are stored on our large Fuji PACS Synapse server. As a safeguard, we have a second server off the main premises which continually backs up all of our imaging data, so there is no risk of anything being lost.  Once sent to the PACS server, all the images are readily viewed on any of the (over 100) PCs within the hospital.  This allows us to show images to clients in the consulting rooms, or view the images in the operating theatre, or to open them elsewhere e.g. to allow case discussion with colleagues. The quality and useability of the system is exceptional.

Our imaging facilities allow our clinicians to choose the best and most cost-effective procedure for their patients’ needs without the thought of compromise. Our imaging team ensure that this complex equipment is optimised for veterinary use, and that the interpretation of any imaging study is second to none. Our diagnostic facility is amongst the most advanced in the UK and provides pivotal support for Willows’ other disciplines.

 

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

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