Services
VET SERVICES INCLUDING ANIMAL MRI & ANIMAL ULTRASOUND
GRIMSBY, CAISTOR & IMMINGHAM
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
For more than ten years now, we have been performing Magnetic Resonance Imaging with same day reporting of the imaging results to pet owners. Our ability to provide in-house interpretation and reporting enables us to progress rapidly from imaging to the treatment of complex neurological and musculoskeletal cases. We offer a complete diagnostic MRI service including the use of gadolinium contrast and the collection of cerebrospinal fluid samples where indicated. As a fully-integrated and permanently staffed facility, the MRI suite forms a central part of
our mission; to bring the highest standards of diagnostics and subsequent treatment options to the region. This enables us to offer an advanced imaging service to patients and other veterinary practices in the East Midlands region, and our MRI referral caseload is continually
increasing. The scanner can safely and reliably investigate suitable cases quickly and efficiently, minimising any possible delay in treatment for your animal. We also perform CM/SM scans for the
BVA/Kennel Club Chiari Malformation/Syringomyelia Scheme.
Indications for animal MRI
- Head trauma
- Suspected intra-cranial space-occupying lesion
- Suspected raised intra-cranial pressure
- Epilepsy
- Inflammatory and congenital brain disease
- Spinal disease
- Chronic or unilateral nasal discharge
- Middle/inner ear disease
- Orbital disease
- Screening for inherited neurological abnormalities
- Orthopaedics (stifle/elbow/shoulder conditions)
- Stress fractures
- Renal/hepatic disease
- Various soft tissue conditions such as prostatic cysts/neoplasia
ULTRASOUND SCANNING
We perform both abdominal and cardiac ultrasound investigations on a daily basis. Our ultrasonographers discuss each pet’s ultrasound results on the same day on which the scan is performed. We have a human hospital-standard Mylab Twice ultrasound machine which produces images of far superior quality to those produced by any veterinary machine. Ultrasound scanning can be used to diagnose many diseases in small animals. It is the best method to evaluate the health of soft tissue organs. The typical examination requires no sedation and is easily
performed on small animals. In some cases (for example, if the animal is uncomfortable or restless), light sedation may be required. The only patient preparation needed is clipping of the hair overlying the area needed to be scanned (as the ultrasound is not able to pass through hair).
Animal ultrasound is useful in the following situations:
- Evaluation of the heart and diagnosis of cardiac problems
- Assessing the health of the liver and visualising changes when it is diseased
- Determination of abnormal structures/growth in the abdominal cavity
- Diagnosing pregnancy and assessing stages of development
- Examination of bladder and kidney disease
RADIOGRAPHY
We have a modern SST Med DRF43 (full digital radiography) system which produces image definition of unsurpassed quality.
We perform safe, effective radiography daily to diagnose both bone and soft tissue problems.
In addition, we regularly perform:
- Contrast radiography
- Radiography for the BVA/Kennel Club Hip Dysplasia/Elbow Dysplasia schemes
MEDICAL HEALTH SCREENING
With the technology available in our in-house laboratory we offer clients same day health screening and diagnoses of a wide range of disease conditions:
- General health screening to check liver and kidney function, blood sugar levels, levels of total protein (albumin, globulin), cholesterol etc.
- Haematology to look for anaemia and check the body’s response to infections
- Electrolytes: the blood ion levels. These have to be correct for muscles to function effectively
- Hormone assays: checking for an underactive/overactive thyroid gland, diagnosing Cushing’s disease, checking bile acid levels to treat liver conditions more effectively.
- Urine screening: chemical testing, specific gravity, microscopy to look for the formation of bladder stones and crystals, infections, inflammations and tumours
- Hair and skin microscopy: for the diagnosis of skin mite infections and ringworm
We also carry out blood testing to check the effectiveness of treatments for hormone problems (see above) and epilepsy.
For animals with allergic skin disease and eczema which is not well controlled with medication we also test for the exact allergens involved and set up a programme of hypo-sensitisation to control the irritation more effectively.
ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY
We have many years’ experience of fixation of fractures including epiphyseal and elbow fracture repair. We have cutting edge equipment for ASIF plating of complex fractures, joint fusion techniques, pancarpal and pantarsal arthrodesis and excision arthroplasty for advanced hip dysplasia. We also perform surgery for stifle problems: Lateral fabellotibial suture and tibial tuberosity advancement for cruciate ligament injuries (TTA measurements in radiograph on the left), partial or total meniscectomy for meniscal damage and trochleoplasty for correction of patellar luxation.
Where MRI indicates the necessity for spinal surgery, we also perform spinal decompression by dorsal hemilaminectomy and ventral slot.
Opening times - Grimsby
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 8:00 pmSaturday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday/Bank Holidays 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (urgent cases only)
Out of hours emergency service available at all other times
For Immingham and Caistor Opening times click here
Frequently asked questions
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for a list of frequently asked questions about the practice and your pets
Contact Abbey Vet Centre
(01472) 347054 / 362821 / 240422Abbey Veterinary Centre
2 Augusta St
Grimsby
NE Lincs, DN34 4TA
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