Technician looks at a computer screen showing an MRI scan with MRI in background

VMC limits use of aging small animal MRI unit

The WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC) is now limiting the use of its small animal MRI unit for clinical cases in an effort to extend the longevity of the hospital's aging machine.

While the VMC's small animal MRI is still operating, maintenance issues related to its age are limiting the equipment's future. The VMC is working to purchase a new MRI unit, and hopefully, a project update can be shared this fall.

In the interim, the hospital's leadership team is urging VMC clinicians and referring veterinarians to consider all other specialized imaging options before selecting MRI as a medical imaging option for their patients. 

The VMC is also limiting use of the MRI to clinical cases and will no longer accommodate research-associated MRI scans as another way to extend the machine's longevity.

The VMC apologizes for the inconvenience to its referring veterinary clinics and their patients. The hospital will continue notifying western Canadian veterinary clinics about any further updates regarding the MRI's operation schedule.