Diagnostic Imaging

General X-Ray and Computed Radiography
Ultrasound
Computed Axial Tomography (CT)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Outpatient CT/MR Imaging Referral Services
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Digital Diagnostic Services

The University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Sydney (UVTHS) is a fully digital radiology department comprised of PACS, General and Computed Radiography, Ultrasound, Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging systems. The benefit of Digital Imaging are numerous because our system allows easy image access for our our clients, veterinarians, researchers and students.
Clients will be able to review their pet’s images with their veterinarian during consultations making the diagnosis and treatment plan clear and concise. Clients may also request a CD which contains their pet’s images and radiology reports. When visiting the UVTHS, please bring relevant previous x-rays and report along to your pet’s visit. At the UVTHS we can enter previous x-ray examinations and reports into our PACS systems where our veterinarians will be able to compare new studies obtained at the UVTHS to previous examinations obtained elsewhere. Imaging data stored on the Fuji PACS will be accessible for subsequent visits meaning your pet’s information is safety stored and ready for use upon your next visit.
Digital Radiology has proven to be a valuable learning tool for our veterinary students. Having access to digital images means that our student can learn about diagnostic imaging procedures, compare clinical reports and cases and have access to the Radiology Teaching Database.
All imaging modalities are DICOM 3.0 compliant.

General X-Ray and Computed Radiography

UVTHS has two radiology suites for general diagnostic imaging service utilising latest in Fuji CR technology.
General radiology services include all routine diagnostic x-ray procedures plus Image Intensified Video-fluoroscopy for myelography, excretory urogram, retrograde vaginourethrogram and other real time procedures.
CR technology has enabled the UVTHS to enhance standard x-ray images through the use of optimised radiographic algorithms. Studies have been further improved with the use of High Detail and or High Speed cassettes depending upon the needs of examination. High detail bone imaging or fast chest radiographs are easily obtained with CR imaging.
Orthopaedic Templating for surgical planning is another advantage of digital radiology. Our surgeons can plan hip or knee pin surgery in advance of the actual procedure to insure the best patient’s outcome possible.

Ultrasound

Philips Medical System supported the purchase of a Philips 5000 digital ultrasound machine. The advantage of Ultrasound lies in its real time imaging ability to evaluate heart function and vessel patency, plus provide valuable measurements of organ size and function. Ultrasound is the gold standard for imaging in the areas of cardiac, abdomen, pelvis and foetal studies.
Examinations available are: Abdominal, cardiac and vascular studies performed using B-mode, colour flow Doppler, pulsed wave Doppler and continuous wave Doppler, harmonic imaging and contrast ultrasound. Ultrasound guided procedures include fine needle aspirates, though the needle biopsies, therapeutic or diagnostic abdominocentesis, thoracocentesis or pericardiocentesis.

Computed Tomography (CT)

CT imaging provides the UVTHS with high resolution cross sectional imaging of brain, spine, chest, abdominal and limb examinations. CT imaging strength lies in its ability to image quickly for chest and abdominal studies so that images are not affected by the pet’s breathing. Exquisite bone detail is easily obtained for skull, sinuses, spine or limb studies. The digital images can be rebuilt and viewed in a 3D volume movie providing additional information to veterinarians. The 16 Slice Philips Brilliance 3.0 is a high end system used worldwide for both veterinary and human imaging.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI strength is seen in its ability to image soft tissues structures such as brain, eyes, pituitary gland, spinal cord, nerves, muscles, tendons and can differentiate normal tissue from tumours pr various disease processes. MRI of the brain is often used to evaluate and define tumour types, infection, seizure disorders, strokes, hydrocephalus and other damage as a result of trauma. MRI of the spine is used for diagnoses of spinal cord tumours or syrinx, herniated disks, spinal cord compression and cord inflammation. Knee and hip MRI can be used to investigate tendon or ligament tears, bone or muscle tumours and inflammation.
The Esaote VET Grande is a 0.25 Tesla Open system designed especially for small animals. The Esaote is distributed by Jacobs’ Medical Systems

Outpatient CT and MRI Imaging Services

Outpatient CT and MR Examinations for referring specialists
UVTHS can provide CT and MR imaging services to neurology, orthopaedic, oncology, ophthalmology and thoracic and gastro-intestinal veterinary specialists. Our service is easy to use and can offer same day or next day appointments. If you are unsure which type of examination would be best suite to diagnosis your patients illness, please use the link and to refer to our “Best Practices for Ordering CT or MR Examinations”.

Best Practices for Ordering CT or MR Examinations
If you are a general or private practice veterinarian and would like referral of your patients to a specialist please contact a specialist at the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital at 02 9351 3437.

If you are a pet owner interested in these imaging tests , please contact your local veterinary service for referral. If you do not have a regular veterinarian, please call 02 9351 3437 to contact the General Medical Service at the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for the best advice regarding your pet’s health.

What our Outpatient CT/MR Imaging Services offer to specialists

• CT examinations for skull, sinuses, spine, chest, abdomen and extremities
• MR Examinations for brain, orbit, pituitary, soft tissue neck, spines
• Full anaesthetic care before, during and after the procedure
• Radiology consult call to provide you with an immediate verbal diagnosis
• Radiology imaging report including selected image for quick review
  CD containing all the patients images
• Visiting veterinary staff are welcome to stay at UVTHS with your patient during the procedure, or to leave the patient with us and return after the examination.
• We do not provide patient transportation to and from the UVTHS at this time.

How to Order an Out Patient CT or MRI Examination

Please use the step by step process below when ordering either a CT or MR examination. You can download our “Outpatient CT/MR Imaging Request Form” Ordering process forms or request a CT/MR Outpatient Referral Packet be mailed to your practice. Please see the download links at the bottom of this section, or our contact information for mail out packets below.

How to Order Outpatient CT examinations

1. Call (02) 9036 9623 Ms. Helen Laurendet to schedule CT appointments.
   -Helen will arrange the appointment times and co-ordinate with our anaesthesia department.
   -Helen will be the contact point for all aspects of the case during and after the [b||procedure]].
2. Fill out the CT/MR UVTHS Outpatient Request and include:
   -Patient information
   -Exam requested in the CT section and the body part
   -Clinical history
   -Ask your Client to sign the section “Consent for Diagnostic Imaging and Anaesthesia at UVTHS” on the CT/MR Outpatient request form.
3. Photocopy at least 1 sheet of the patients clinical history notes relevant to the anaesthesiology and the diagnostic imaging procedure
4. FAX the referral and the photocopies of the patient’s clinical history to (02) 9351 7436, preferably 24 hours before the appointment

How to Order Outpatient MRI examination

1. Call 0412 900 623, Ms. Kathy Hughes to schedule MR appointments.
   -Kathy will arrange the appointment times and co-ordinate with our anaesthesia department. .
   -Kathy will be the contact point for all aspects of the case during and after the procedure.
2. Fill out the CT/MR UVTHS Outpatient Request and include:
   -Patient information
   -Exam requested in the MR section and the body part
   -Clinical history
   -Ask your Client to sign the section “Consent for Diagnostic Imaging and Anaesthesia at UVTHS” on the CT/MR Outpatient request form.
3. FAX the referral and the photocopies of the patient’s clinical history to 9351 7436, preferably 24 hours before the appointment.

Download form: How to Order Outpatient CT/MR Examinations at UVTHS
Download form: Outpatient CT/MR Imaging Request Form

Best practices for ordering CT or MR Examinations

When ordering a CT or MR examination you can use chart below to help you select which examination is best suited to your patients needs. The table lists some typical clinical problems and which modality is the 1st choice and or 2nd choice used for diagnosis

Contact Us

For Radiology Consultations: Dr. Robert Wrigley Tel: (02) 9351 3437

If you would like to receive our CT/MR Outpatient Referral Packet by mail, rather than download forms, please contact:
Ms. Kathy Hughes Tel: 0412- 900- 623 or
Email :