The first ever MRI on a dog performed in a Lowveld hospital

WHITE RIVER – A medical intervention normally only available to humans, might just have saved the life of a small dog.

Sanzy is a little pug that had been suffering from a sudden onset of hind-limb paresis or weakness.

She was examined by Dr Graeme Harman and Dr Reyner Oelofsen of the Casterbridge Animal Hospital, just outside of town.

In an effort to help Sanzy both veterinarians realised that a scan was necessary and they promptly contacted the Kiaat Hospital that recently opened its doors between White River and Mbombela.

A MRI scan comprises magnetic resonance imaging techniques used in radiology to investigate the anatomy and physiology of the body as well as the disease.

The veterinarians requested the staff from Advanced Imaging at the new hospital to do a MRI on the dog and the hospital agreed. Sanzy’s booking was confirmed for November 21.

They were hoping to locate the position of a spinal lesion that could be responsible for the paralysis.

Both veterinarians accompanied a heavily sedated Sanzy to the procedure room.

Here Dr Jeff Swartzberg and his dedicated team undertook the MRI examination and the interpretation of the findings.

After the precise location of the lesion was determined the veterinarians could proceed with suitable treatment for Sanzy.

Thanks to the wonderful cooperation between medical and veterinary professionals and their assistants, the option of having specialised procedures done on animals in the Lowveld, rather than having to resort to expensive referrals to other facilities in the country, has provided an alternative to pet owners.

It is the first intervention of this nature at a medical facility for humans in the province.