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MRI at Carolina Veterinary Specialists Carolina Veterinary Specialists is pleased to announce the addition of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to our diagnostic capabilities. This powerful diagnostic tool will complement our other diagnostic imaging services, which include Computed Tomography (CT), ultrasound, and digital radiography. CVS will be using a mobile, high field magnet (1.5 T) MRI that will be available to provide excellent quality images for even very small animals. This type of MRI is the same variety of machine that is used in many human facilities. Indications: MRI is considered to be the most sensitive form of imaging for some diseases of soft tissue. MRI is the diagnostic procedure of choice for many diseases of the brain and spinal cord. In particular, vascular diseases, such as brain infarction or fibrocartilaginous embolism, may be identified using MRI. Availability of MRI: CVS will offer routine MRI studies weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Emergency MRI may be available on Saturdays and Sundays for critical patients. Procedure: MRI may be scheduled with the service that would normally evaluate the patient's specific condition. General anesthesia is required for MRI since the animal must not move during a scan, and the machine generates significant noise. For patients with neurological conditions, the images will be evaluated immediately and cerebrospinal fluid may then be collected if indicated. Contraindications: The main contraindication for MRI is the presence of certain metal implants (steel, pacemakers) in the patient. Most surgical implants are 316L surgical stainless steel and are compatible with MRI if surgery was done at least 1 month prior to the scan. Animals with microchips may have MRI, although a microchip may cause local artifact. If you have questions about MRI, please do not hesitate to call CVS at 704-504-9608 and we would be happy to discuss this in more detail. CVS Establishes Murray's Fund "Man's best friend." After Murray I am a true believer in this statement. She found me as a puppy and was at my side for fourteen years. Through school, jobs, and relationships, she was always there taking care of me as much as I took care of her. Murray was still very active and energetic into her teens, and though I knew she would not be around for 20 years, I was certainly hopeful that as a small dog, she would make it to 16 or maybe 18 if I were lucky. Then there was the day I found the lump on her leg. And the horrible diagnosis: Cancer. I was referred to an oncology specialist for treatment. I was willing to do whatever was necessary as long as her quality of life was not compromised. Through chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and eventually amputation of her leg, Murray never missed a beat. Even on three legs, she never gave up on chasing that annoying squirrel or rolling around in the snow. Her treatments extended her life for almost a year. It was a year that I will always be grateful for having. In the end, Murray was still looking out for me. If it had not been for her, I would never have met the person that I would eventually marry - her oncologist Claudia!! -Bryan McFadden What is Murray's Fund? Murray was a special little dog with a big heart and bigger spirit and her owners happened to be our Oncologist, Claudia McFadden, and her husband, Bryan. When we decided to create a financial assistance fund for owners who have a pet with cancer, we knew Murray would be a perfect mascot. It is also a wonderful way for us to honor and memorialize Murray. Beneficiaries of Murray's Fund Murray's Fund is for the benefit of owners who have a pet with cancer but do not have the financial resources to treat their pet. Criteria for receiving assistance are as follows: The pet is receiving cancer treatment at Carolina Veterinary Specialists The pet's expected response to treatment is either achieving remission or prolonged good quality of life Pet owners who have a financial need Donating to Murray's Fund If you would like to make a donation to Murray's Fund, please send a check payable to Carolina Veterinary Specialists (please write Murray's Fund in the memo line) to the following address: Carolina Veterinary Specialists c/o Murray's Fund 2225 Township Road Charlotte, NC 28273 If you prefer to make a credit card donation, please call us at 704-504-9608. Soon you will be able to make donations online through PayPal. We are currently in the process of applying for tax exempt status and will notify contributors once we receive approval from the IRS.

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