In my practice, I primarily work with dogs and cats with brain or spinal disease. Most frequently I am dealing with herniated discs or tumors.

In my exam room I can determine whether an animal has neurological disease and its approximate location and the probable cause with a high degree of certainty. However, determining exact cause and location often requires more advance diagnostics, such as MR imaging.

As treatments can vary dramatically, from medicines to radiation therapy to surgery, and even the various treatments having their own risks, it is important that I have the most accurate information possible.

MR imaging is, in the majority of cases, the most important tool to achieve that aim.

The Iams Pet Imaging Center provides me that tool and more. Before Iams Pet Imaging was set up in my area, I was required to use human MRI facilities in the middle of the night, or older, mobile units which did not give the best images. At these facilities, I had to provide the anesthesia with the equipment we could transport there as well as direct the MR technologist on the differences of scanning a person versus a dog or cat. This would result in less then ideal anesthesia and imaging.

At the Iams Pet Imaging Center, the anesthesia is run by a board certified anesthesiologist with all the drugs and equipment you would find at an advanced hospital. This dramatically increases the safety of the anesthesia so that I don’t feel the anesthesia is a significant risk, probably less so then driving to the hospital.

Also, the technologist at the Iams Pet Imaging Center is experienced in MRI and has had additional training in the special requirements of imaging dogs and cats. This results in much better imaging and so is much more likely to help me reach my final diagnosis and choose the most effective therapy.

With the introduction of the Iams Pet Imaging Center, I have ready, daily access to a state-of-the-art MRI machine supported by a board-certified anesthesiologist and a well trained technologist. This guarantees me the best imaging possible. This has dramatically improved my goal of getting the most information possible in a safe and timely manner so that I can determine and apply the most appropriate treatment, getting my patient back to a healthy and happy life.

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