First Specialist Veterinary Imaging Centre Opens in Feilding

A significant advancement in veterinary care has occurred with the opening of the first specialised outpatient veterinary imaging centre in Feilding, New Zealand. On October 31, 2023, Dr. Mark Owen inaugurated the new facility, NZRadVet, which aims to enhance diagnostic services for local veterinary practices.

Dr. Owen, a veterinary radiologist with a vision for improved access to imaging services, established NZRadVet after years of operating a mobile ultrasound service across the lower North Island. The new clinic, located behind Totally Vets on Manchester Street, is designed to provide comprehensive imaging options, including a cutting-edge Computed Tomography (CT) scanner. This technology allows for detailed cross-sectional and three-dimensional imaging, facilitating precise diagnostics.

“We get cross-sectional views all the way through the body, so we can actually see inside an organ,” Dr. Owen explained, highlighting the centre’s capabilities. With no outpatient CT services available previously in the lower North Island, the clinic addresses a critical gap in veterinary care. Before this development, local veterinarians often had to refer patients to Auckland for such services.

The operational model at NZRadVet is based on referrals from local veterinary clinics. Veterinarians can now request advanced imaging for their patients, allowing for quicker diagnoses and treatments. Once the imaging is completed, the findings and advice are returned to the referring vet to ensure continuity of care.

Collaboration and Future Expansion

The strategic location of the clinic within the same building as Totally Vets enhances collaboration among veterinary professionals. Dr. Owen noted, “When something comes up unexpectedly, I can just walk down the corridor and grab a specialist surgeon for advice.” This collaborative approach is a cornerstone of the clinic’s philosophy, fostering a team-oriented environment.

Owen has assembled a skilled team to support the clinic’s operations, including radiologist and veterinary imaging specialist Emily Short, along with radiographers Nicki Moffatt and Theresa Hardisty, and radiology intern Jessica Montgomery. Currently focused on imaging for cats and dogs, the team aims to expand services to include livestock in the future.

Plans for additional imaging technologies are also in motion. Dr. Owen expressed aspirations to introduce a fluoroscopy machine, which uses a continuous X-ray beam for real-time imaging, as well as an MRI unit. Such advancements would further enhance the clinic’s diagnostic capabilities and provide even greater support for veterinary practices in the region.

Dr. Owen views the new clinic as a tremendous asset to the area. “This is a big advantage for the region, and we’re already receiving numerous referrals,” he stated, reflecting on the growing demand for specialist imaging services. With NZRadVet now operational, pet owners and veterinarians in the lower North Island can expect faster and more accurate diagnoses, ultimately improving the health outcomes for their animals.