MSU Unveils $2 Million Large-Animal MRI, First at U.S. Academic Institution

Michigan State University (MSU)’s College of Veterinarian Medicine is now armed with the first large-animal MRI machine ever at an academic institution. It cost $2 million and is one of only three in the country.

The magnetic resonance imaging machine will allow veterinarians to tackle research questions and greatly impact both animal and human health, Anthony Pease, diagnostic imaging section chief, says.
 
The machine has just become fully operational and has an opening that is nearly 50 percent larger than the standard MRI, allowing doctors and researchers at the college to analyze larger animals such as horses and cows.

“The main benefit is to look at the spinal cord and brain better than we ever have before,” Pease says. “CT imaging has been able to provide information about bone, but now we can image muscle, brain and spinal cord without invasive procedures.

“Also, we will be able to look at how the animal brain works, how animals sense pain, and how their minds work when they sleep.”

Many animals face arthritis. For the first time, veterinarians will be able to see articular cartilage in animals to look for early signs of the crippling disease. What is learned will have application to human ailments as well, Pease says.
 
Construction began in January 2009 on the project which has been in the works for four years. Now that the MRI machine is operational, MSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital offers every possible imaging technique, says hospital director Pat LeBlanc. That includes the new MRI, ultrasound and CT imaging, fluoroscopy and nuclear medicine.

Source: MSU

Gretchen Cochran, Innovation & Jobs editor, may be reached here.