The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University (TAHMU) today opened Western Australia’s most advanced equine diagnostic imaging facility, providing veterinarians with state-of-the-art tools to detect and prevent injuries in horses.
The Standing Advanced Imaging Suite includes a Qalibra standing computerised tomography (CT) machine – the most advanced of its type in the world – for scanning of the head, neck and lower limbs of standing, lightly sedated horses and scans of the spine and upper limbs in anaesthetised horses.
Dr David Byrne, Senior Lecturer in Equine Medicine, said the Qalibra system is unique because the entire gantry moves around the area of the horse to be scanned and can be adjusted for the horse’s height. It is also the largest available scanner of its type in the world.
Scans can also be completed very quickly, which reduces stress for the horse."
- Dr David Byrne
“Because many of the scans can be done with a horse under light sedation, rather than anaesthesia, it offers a simpler, safer option,” Dr Byrne said.
"Scans can also be completed very quickly, which reduces stress for the horse.
“The suite builds on Murdoch’s unique specialist capabilities across all areas of veterinary medicine and ensures that TAHMU continues to offer sector-leading technology and capabilities.”
Murdoch’s Standing Advanced Imaging Suite also includes the first standing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner in Western Australia to detect soft tissue injuries in horses.
“Together, the equine CT and MRI – both technologies adapted from human medicine - provide a powerful tool for supporting the health of horses here in WA, as well as optimising the performance of racehorses,” Dr Byrne said.
“With any injury, early detection is vital. We can use both MRI and CT to diagnose causes of lameness earlier than previously, and to optimise management, thus preventing further injury.”
Murdoch University offers the only veterinary course in Western Australia and is ranked in the top 50 universities in the world for veterinary medicine (Global Rankings of Academic Subjects 2023).
Dean of Veterinary Medicine Dr Henry Annandale said the new Standing Advanced Imaging Suite supports the school’s mission to advance excellence in veterinary science through leadership in the community and the profession.
“The suite will be an important teaching tool for our veterinary students and ensures they develop an understanding of the latest equine diagnostic technology currently available,” he said.
“Students will also have access to learning material obtained through the Standing Advanced Imaging Suite as part of their training.”
Dr Annandale said supporting animal health links to one of Murdoch University’s key strategic themes of sustainability, namely the “protection of our living planet, upon which we are also reliant, to ensure quality of life for all”.
Racing WA contributed financially to the new facility, using funds from the allocation of racing prize money dedicated to animal welfare initiatives. TAHMU also offers a 10 per cent discount to all active racehorses on standing MRI and CT.
Racing WA Chief Racing Officer David Hunter said the partnership with Murdoch University was integral to bringing the imaging suite to the racing community and is an important step forward in equine welfare standards.
“A world class standing CT and MRI scanner puts WA at the forefront of animal welfare, particularly within the racing industry,” Mr Hunter said.
“Early detection will allow trainers and vets to apply strategies to improve the health of horses in their care, leading to possible career longevity, improved performance and enhanced options for racehorses in life after racing.
“Additionally, the rebate offered by Racing WA increases accessibility and supports our commitment to set the highest standards of welfare throughout all stages of a racehorse’s career, as well as supporting them through retirement.”
The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University – Equine Services is led by a team of highly qualified equine veterinarians with extensive experience. The clinical team is committed to providing horses with the highest quality care and most up-to-date procedures and treatments available, ranging from routine investigations to emergency surgeries.