The Rosenthal Imaging & Treatment Center
The Rosenthal Imaging and Treatment Center (RITC) is a newly constructed facility providing state-of-the-art care for companion animals.
The Rosenthal Imaging and Treatment Center (RITC) is a new high-tech, 9200 sq. ft. facility housing modern medical imaging and radiation therapy equipment. The RITC will include MRI, CT, a linear accelerator, two examination rooms, a fully equipped anesthesia prep room, a patient recovery suite, and a conference room. A reception area separate from the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital is provided for RITC clients as is a comfortable waiting room.
- A GE 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner allows superb imaging of internal structures and provides soft tissue detail not available with conventional X-rays or CT scans. The MRI is operated by a certified MRI radiology technologist, and images are interpreted by board-certified radiologists, and other specialists.
- A 16-slice helical CT unit was installed in 2009 and is housed in the Rosenthal Imaging and Treatment Center (RITC). This CT scanner allows for rapid acquisition of cross-sectional images. This significantly decreases the time to complete a scan and therefore duration of anesthesia and also provides images with superb resolution. In conjunction with the latest computer software multi-slice CT permits evaluation of blood flow within the body and dynamic assessment tumor perfusion.
- The RITC offers megavoltage radiation therapy delivered with a Siemens 6 MV linear accelerator that produces both high energy photons and electron beams. Three dimensional computer treatment planning and a custom block fabrication station allow for precise targeting of the tumor which increases treatment effectiveness while minimizing complications with normal tissue. Treatment is performed by a board certified radiation oncologist in conjunction with skilled radiation therapists.
- A board-certified anesthesiologist oversees a staff of certified veterinary technicians who work together to individualize anesthesia for each patient. Vital signs of every patient are monitored with the aid of specialized equipment throughout each procedure. A centralized preparation and recovery area allows for efficient and constant observation during anesthesia and recovery.
Outpatient Service
MRI has had limited availability in veterinary medicine due to the high cost of the magnet, associated software and hardware, and the need for a specially shielded room. The Rosenthal Imaging and Treatment Center (RITC) at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital houses a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner dedicated to imaging dogs, cats, and other companion animals. This MRI scanner is the same type of scanner used in human hospitals and provides images of comparable quality. Your clients and patients will be cared for by our expert staff from the time they enter the RITC until they leave with their MRI images.
- The RITC houses a modern 1.5 Tesla GE MRI scanner that is available for imaging patients seen at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital and outpatients referred from local practitioners.
- MRI provides high resolution, high contrast images. MRI is sensitive for detecting soft tissue pathology that may not be detectable by plain films or CT imaging.
- Pre-anesthesia evaluation is performed by a board-certified anesthesiologist who works in conjunction with the client and referring veterinarian to provide optimal patient care. The anesthesiologist will select the drugs and administration protocol according to each patient’s individual requirements. The ECG, blood pressure, and respiratory indices are continuously monitored during the imaging session.
- MRI data is acquired by a certified MRI radiology technologist with training in both the human and veterinary fields. MRI images are interpreted by specialists in radiology, neurology, and/or surgery as appropriate.
- Results are conveyed promptly to the referring veterinarian via written report. Referring veterinarians will also have access to the Picture Archive Communicating System (PACS) in order to review the images. The RITC is committed to providing the highest level of service to patients, clients, and referring veterinarians. Our goal is to deliver a smooth, positive experience from the time your client enters our facility to the time you have your results.
For answers to common questions about veterinary oncology, please visit OncoLink Vet.
Form for an MRI: