2008-10-10 19:00:21 - Advanced imaging technology will lead to faster, more accurate diagnoses and treatment for San Francisco's dogs and cats.

San Francisco, Calif., Oct. 9, 2008-San Francisco Veterinary Specialists, Inc. (SFVS) has acquired and installed the first computed tomography (CT) scanner in the City of San Francisco that is exclusively for veterinary use. Conveniently located in the Mission/Potrero Hill District, SFVS's CT scanner means no more long-distance trips for pet owners and their pets to facilities outside the City.

'We

are looking forward to the opportunity this new state-of-the-art CT scanner gives us to better serve our referring veterinarians, our clients and our patients,' said Jamie G. Anderson, DVM, MS, DAVDC, DACVIM, internal medicine specialist and chairman of the Board of Doctors at SFVS. 'This advanced imaging technology will lead to faster, more accurate diagnoses and treatment, improving care for pets just as it has done for humans over the last few decades. Combined with our ultrasound and video endoscopy diagnostic tools, SFVS is proud to offer a full suite of cutting-edge equipment to advance patient care-all right here in the City.'

A CT scan provides a sharper picture of what is going on inside the body than traditional X-rays. CT scans allow veterinarians to look within an organ instead of merely seeing an outline. As in human medical care, CT scans are recommended in veterinary practice to diagnose and determine treatment for a variety of health issues. Among other things, CT scans are useful for identifying/locating:

• Cancerous and non-cancerous masses
• Pneumonia, nasal disease and other respiratory system problems
• Urinary problems
• Broken bones and dislocated elbows and hips
• Foreign bodies in soft tissue

CT scans are able to produce precise images of the heart and blood vessels. They are often recommended for pets experiencing unexplained seizures, behavioral changes, mobility problems, and chronic nasal or ear discharge.

The scanner was purchased from Eclipse Medical Imaging, Inc., which provides CT scanners to hospitals, medical centers and outpatient clinics in addition to veterinary facilities. Eclipse also installed the scanner and will be in charge of training SFVS staff on the new system and associated software.

About San Francisco Veterinary Specialists, Inc.
San Francisco Veterinary Specialists, Inc. (SFVS) is the first and only multi-specialty referral hospital in San Francisco. Serving the Bay Area for over 10 years, our full-service hospital offers specialized care, diagnostics and treatment. We specialize in the areas of internal medicine, oncology, surgery, dentistry, dermatology and allergy, holistic medicine, and behavior. In addition, SFVS provides 24-hour, seven-day-a-week critical care and emergency services. More information can be found online at www.sfvs.net.

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