For Emergencies:
Poor little Riley was referred to Bridge Referrals with progressive weakness on his back legs. He had also started knuckling on the hind limbs. His neurological examination was suggestive of a spinal cord lesion and we proceeded with an MRI scan.
Our travelling MRI, supplied by Burgess Diagnostics, provides us with a non-invasive imaging technique so that Riley could be diagnosed.
The benefits of using the MRI in animal diagnosis are:
- They are able to provide highly detailed images of the soft tissue structures within the body, especially useful for the brain and spinal cord, allowing for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of conditions.
- They can be repeated as needed which is useful for monitoring the progression of a condition or for tracking the effectiveness of treatment.
- They are relatively low-risk and do not expose the animal to ionising radiation, which is present in X-ray and CT scans.
- They can be used on animals of all ages and sizes making them a versatile diagnostic tool.
In Riley’s case our MRI machine helped to diagnose Synovial Myxoma Tumour that was pressing on his spinal cord in the lumbar spine. This was confirmed in a subsequent histopathology report.
Synovial Myxoma Tumours are benign tumours that typically develop in the joints of dogs. They are slow-growing tumours that originate in the synovial cells that line the joints. They are most commonly found in the shoulder, elbow, and stifle (knee) joints, but can occur in any joint in the body.
The team at Bridge Referrals surgically removed Riley’s tumour. The removal of the entire tumour was the best chance of helping Riley and of preventing recurrence.
The operation was carried out by Alison and was a success. Riley is now doing well and walking much better. He has regained his strength in his hindlimbs and is running around happily. We’re all very proud of Riley’s progress.
A big part of our work at Bridge Referrals involves using various diagnostic imaging equipment. This allows us to get valuable information to help all our patients. Making an accurate diagnosis is so important, to be able to offer the best outcome for our furry friends.
Our range of diagnostic imaging equipment includes:
- Ultrasound
- Digital x-ray
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- MRI
- Laparoscopy / Thoracoscopy
- Arthroscopy
- Video Endoscopy
Video Endoscopy, for example, allows us to look down any orifice! Into the stomach, intestines, colon, down into the trachea (windpipe), bronchi, into the nose (rhinoscopy) and cystoscopy to look inside a bladder.
If you have a case that you would like to refer to the team at Bridge Referrals then:
- Email us at [email protected]
- Submit on our referral platform
- Call on 0191 5808330
