Thank you for using Neighbourly
New Zealand’s first dedicated animal MRI clinic has opened in Christchurch as a growing number of Kiwis are willing to invest in their pets’ care, including one man who spent $75,000 flying his cat to Auckland to be operated on by a top animal surgeon.
Pacific Radiology has teamed up with … View moreNew Zealand’s first dedicated animal MRI clinic has opened in Christchurch as a growing number of Kiwis are willing to invest in their pets’ care, including one man who spent $75,000 flying his cat to Auckland to be operated on by a top animal surgeon.
Pacific Radiology has teamed up with McMaster & Heap veterinary practice in Hoon Hay to offer the service using the same technology currently used to treat human patients.
Able to scan animals less than 180 centimetres in circumference, the wide bore MRI technology can be used on household pets, farm animals and some zoo animals, including tigers.
Costing upwards of $3500, MRI is considered the gold standard of veterinary diagnostic treatment according to McMaster & Heap veterinarian Michelle McMaster, but they have not been widely used on animals.
Used to look inside a body, Magnetic Resonance Imaging utilises magnetic fields and radio waves to create a three-dimensional image, providing accurate high resolution images of an animal’s brains, spine, limbs and joints.
For the past four years McMaster has been taking pets that needed an MRI to Forté Health, but the scans had to be fitted around human patients and were often undertaken at night.
With clients prepared to spend more money on their pets, McMasters, who has been working as a vet for over 30 years, has been helping scan up to nine animals a month alongside Pacific Radiology MRI Animal Imaging Lead Gareth Leeper using Forté Health.
Christchurch pet owner Justin, who did not want his last name used, knows all too well how important having an MRI facility close at hand is after Sashenka (pictured), his 14-year-old Norwegian Forest cat, became ill in 2019.
After many tests and with no diagnosis a CT scan eventually showed Sashenka had a meningioma tumour.
Considered to be his fur daughter, Justin, whose partner is expecting their first child, had no hesitation in making an appointment and flying her to Auckland to be operated on by a top animal surgeon.
There Sashenka could get an MRI scan that would enable the surgery to take place – without it she would not have survived.
“It was critical,” Justin says.
Sashenka made a miraculous recovery from the operation but required a further five scans, two CT scans and three rounds of chemotherapy before she died two years later.
Town and Country vet Roger Bay and his team euthanise a growing number of animals at home, where the pet’s last memory is of its happy place.
Although Justin estimates he spent around $75,000 on Sashenka’s care, he has no regrets and is part of a growing number of Kiwis willing to invest in their pet’s care.
“She was my everything…my fur daughter and my best friend.”
McMaster said most pet owners that come to her clinic will try and fix “everything”.
“We very rarely put anything down.”
PD Insurance NZ chief operating officer Michelle Le Long said year-on-year they have seen growth in the pet insurance market, although she thinks the market is still under-insured with less than 25% of the estimated 1.7 companion pets not insured.
Le Long said it wasn’t unusual to have pet owners in their early 20s signing on as the value of pets have increased.
A lot of insurers covered diagnostic MRI scans, she said.
A roof on Christchurch’s planned stadium is being described as key to making the venue competitive, despite its cost.
Following recently revealed cost blowouts, public feedback has been pouring in on whether Te Kaha stadium should be built as planned.
Rising construction costs have hiked the … View moreA roof on Christchurch’s planned stadium is being described as key to making the venue competitive, despite its cost.
Following recently revealed cost blowouts, public feedback has been pouring in on whether Te Kaha stadium should be built as planned.
Rising construction costs have hiked the forecast cost to build the 30,000-seat venue, described as a multi-use arena, from $533 million to $673m. Further escalations are possible.
City councillors will decide on July 14 whether to top up the budget, pause and redesign the project, or scrap it all together. Paying the extra would boost the average rates bill by $144 a year, or about $2.75 a week.
Read more here and tell us what you think of the stadium plan - and whether it should have a roof, or whether it should go ahead at all - in the comments below.
Good morning everyone if you have or know of someone who is a food vendor and or coffee cart we would love to hear from you as spaces are available this saturday. During winter its half price for vendors ,come on down and join our friendly group, e mail us at Northernmarketchristchurch@gmail.com … View moreGood morning everyone if you have or know of someone who is a food vendor and or coffee cart we would love to hear from you as spaces are available this saturday. During winter its half price for vendors ,come on down and join our friendly group, e mail us at Northernmarketchristchurch@gmail.com for all interested 🙂
Have you read our June Seniors newsletter? In this issue we discuss the Older Workers Employment Action Plan, Budget 2022 and hear from Equal Employment Commissioner Saunoamaali'i Karanina Sumeo. Read it here now: bit.ly...
Try to read to your child every day. It’s a special time to snuggle up and enjoy a story. Stories matter and children love re-reading them and poring over the pictures. Try adding funny voices to bring characters to life ?
The chilly, gum boot wearing, kettle on, soup season has moved into town! Don’t get stung by your winter power bill neighbours, start shopping around now - even if you’re on a contract.
We asked neighbours why they’re not switching power providers and found out for many it feels a bit … View moreThe chilly, gum boot wearing, kettle on, soup season has moved into town! Don’t get stung by your winter power bill neighbours, start shopping around now - even if you’re on a contract.
We asked neighbours why they’re not switching power providers and found out for many it feels a bit baffling with so many options and not enough help. Read why Kiwis aren’t switching and the easy steps to get your power sorted before bill shock hits.
Need to keep it stress free? Call our NZ based team on 0508 226 672, it’s free!
We’re here to help you compare, save and smile!
Help Kiwis in need this winter by giving through the Trade Me Kindness Store. Trade Me has teamed up with three awesome Kiwi charities - KidsCan, RainbowYOUTH and Women’s Refuge. The Kindness Store’s virtual shelves are stocked with small things that make a big difference to the Kiwis these … View moreHelp Kiwis in need this winter by giving through the Trade Me Kindness Store. Trade Me has teamed up with three awesome Kiwi charities - KidsCan, RainbowYOUTH and Women’s Refuge. The Kindness Store’s virtual shelves are stocked with small things that make a big difference to the Kiwis these charities help.
Giving is easy – just pick, click and ‘Give Now’. Trade Me takes care of the rest. 100% of the donations go to the charities – Trade Me doesn’t take a cut.
Authors Local show-There is a free show for the children at the Woolston Community Library at 10 am on the 19th of July.
There will be singing, dancing, book reading and the introduction of brand new characters. There is a flyer attached below and If you can join us please let me know as numbers … View moreAuthors Local show-There is a free show for the children at the Woolston Community Library at 10 am on the 19th of July.
There will be singing, dancing, book reading and the introduction of brand new characters. There is a flyer attached below and If you can join us please let me know as numbers are limited. Toot Toot
Hi! we are two Christchurch authors extending an invitation for you to join us for book readings music & dancing as we introduce our new storybook characters. It's at the Woolston Community Library this School holidays at 10 am on the 19th of July. Numbers are limited so please confirm :)
… View moreHi! we are two Christchurch authors extending an invitation for you to join us for book readings music & dancing as we introduce our new storybook characters. It's at the Woolston Community Library this School holidays at 10 am on the 19th of July. Numbers are limited so please confirm :)
Toot Toot
Hi Guys, who wants to see a coffee tumbler (Stainless steel) getting engraved with our laser machine?
I will make a video and upload it here if interested!
Zumba Fitness classes in Marshland and Redwood, 4 different classes a week to choose from! Appropriate for beginners! Just bring a gold coin for your first class, concession cards are available to purchase
Are you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.
To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a … View moreAre you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.
To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a beautiful view, or something that makes you smile. You could be in for a once-in-a-lifetime getaway!
Hi I am looking for an English teacher for my son Chaitanya who is in year 11
Volunteer are welcomed
Can anyone help.. My husband is looking to buy any old sporting programmes - match day magazines.. Rugby, Football, Cricket, Melbourne Cup Horse Racing, Motor Racing, Speedway, Soccer etc to add to his collection... Also any other interesting sporting memorabilia including metal badges etc etc.. … View moreCan anyone help.. My husband is looking to buy any old sporting programmes - match day magazines.. Rugby, Football, Cricket, Melbourne Cup Horse Racing, Motor Racing, Speedway, Soccer etc to add to his collection... Also any other interesting sporting memorabilia including metal badges etc etc.. Please message me or email hubby on mjbraithwaite@xtra.co.nz
© Neighbourly 2024
Loading…
