Western College of Veterinary Medicine Breaks Ground for MRI and Radiation Therapy Centre

Posted October 01, 2001


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 28, 2001 2001-09-19-WCVM

Western College of Veterinary Medicine Breaks Ground for MRI and Radiation
Therapy Centre

Today's ground-breaking ceremony at the University of Saskatchewan brings
the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's new Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI) and Radiation Therapy Centre for companion animals one step closer to
becoming a reality.

The 3,961-square-foot centre will cost nearly $1.3 million and will have two
main sections: a concrete bunker to house a reconditioned cobalt unit for
radiation therapy, and a laboratory for an MRI machine specifically
developed for the imaging of dogs, cats and other small animals.

The two technologies make ideal partners since MRI is an imaging tool used
to measure the development stages of cancerous tumours and to determine the
extent of their spread. Cancer is as prevalent a disease in dogs and cats as
in humans, and many companion animals require radiation therapy. However,
the closest veterinary oncology centres available to western Canadians are
located in the U.S.

"Once the centre's construction is completed next spring, WCVM will become
the first veterinary teaching hospital in Canada to operate an MRI dedicated
to companion animal imaging. As well, we're looking forward to being the
first facility in Western Canada to offer radiation therapy specifically for
veterinary cancer patients," said WCVM Dean Alex Livingston.

WCVM will also employ Canada's first board-certified specialists in
veterinary medical oncology and veterinary radiation oncology. A third new
faculty position, a veterinary medical imaging specialist, will work with
the veterinary oncologists to oversee the centre's operations. The
specialists will also develop teaching, clinical and research programs for
undergraduate and graduate students in oncology and medical imaging.

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For more information please contact:
Dr. Alex Livingston
Dean, Western College of Veterinary Medicine
Phone: (306) 966-7448

Dr. Bruce Grahn
Chair, WCVM Capital Campaign Committee
Phone: (306) 966-7083

_________________________________

MRI AND RADIATION THERAPY CENTRE,
WESTERN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
BACKGROUND INFORMATION


1. MRI and Radiation Therapy Centre, Western College of Veterinary Medicine:

-Once the centre is completed, WCVM will be the first veterinary teaching
hospital in Canada to be equipped with MRI technology, and one of two
Canadian veterinary colleges to offer radiation therapy for veterinary
patients.
-Total construction and equipment costs: nearly $1.3 million.
-The Centre will cover 3,961 square feet and will include a secure radiation
therapy room and MRI laboratory, control rooms for both technologies, areas
for animal holding and anesthesia, and an equipment room.
-Three specialists in veterinary medical oncology, veterinary radiation
oncology and veterinary medical imaging will oversee WCVM's new MRI and
radiation therapy programs.
-The Centre's resources will be used for clinical, teaching and research
purposes by WCVM. It will also be used for collaborative, translational
research between WCVM scientists and other U of S research teams.
-MRV Systems Inc. is a joint venture company that will produce the low-cost
MRI machine specifically developed for the imaging of pets and small
animals.
-ACTSS or Animal Cancer Therapy Subsidization Society (formerly known as the
Veterinary Cancer Institute) is a registered charity that supports WCVM's
plans. ACTSS has transferred its cobalt radiation machine and other
resources to WCVM.

2. Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan:
-WCVM, whose first class of veterinary students graduated in 1969, is one of
four veterinary colleges in Canada.
-WCVM is a regional veterinary college serving the four western provinces as
well as the Yukon, Nunavut, and the unnamed part of the former Northwest
Territories.
-WCVM's current enrolment includes 280 undergraduate students and 65
graduate students pursuing advanced training and research. The veterinary
college has more than 2,000 alumni.
-In addition to the MRI and Radiation Therapy Centre, WCVM plans to build a
10,000-square-foot expansion on to its Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Plans
include expanded treatment areas for small animals, specialized procedure
areas, more examination rooms and additional classrooms for teaching
seminars. Total cost of the expansion project is estimated at $4.2 million.