ARC Vets has announced the installation of advanced imaging technology at its ARC Central Hospital in New Zealand.
The new equipment includes state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, which represent a significant enhancement in pet healthcare within the country.
New Zealand's pet ownership rate, the second-highest globally, stands at 64%. The country is home to approximately 4.35 million pets, almost matching its human population. This new technology aims to provide high-quality care for these pets by enabling precise diagnoses while minimising trauma.
Fiona Park, Managing Director and Registered Specialist in Internal Medicine at ARC Vets, said: "Onsite access to CT and MRI scans for beloved pet family members allows us to improve the level of care and service we provide."
"It dramatically reduces anaesthetic risk and additional stress associated with transporting a sick animal to external MRI services. This means that more pets can access this form of imaging," she explained.
"When paired with care from our team of leading veterinary specialists, New Zealand's pets are able to access veterinary healthcare at a level not seen before in this country."
Park further explained: "At ARC Vets, we understand that Kiwis see their pets as members of their family and want to provide them with access to the best diagnostic technology and care possible. That is why we have invested in advanced imaging and diagnostic equipment, including MRI and CT scanners, which are unavailable in most veterinary practices."
The advanced diagnostic equipment has been engineered and manufactured by Siemens Healthineers, a leader in medical imaging technology for both animals and humans.
The equipment comes with advanced clinical applications capable of producing high-resolution images, even for small pets. ARC Vets have an experienced medical imaging technologist operating the equipment and have collaborated with overseas veterinary specialists to develop veterinary-specific protocols.
"The number of animals that require a CT or MRI as part of their diagnostic or treatment is increasing. Therefore, it's vital that we use high-resolution diagnostic equipment to maximise our ability to identify problems and guide treatment. Our leading diagnostic technology reduces scan times and minimises mechanical noise and allows us to make rapid diagnosis and treatment plans for our patients," Dr Park added.
Many pet insurance policies cover the new MRI and CT services. Additionally, ARC Vets offers financing support through Petfunders to ensure that pets in need can access these advanced imaging services.
