Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital Shares its Wish List

As the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital’s caseload continues to grow, so does the need to provide state-of-the-art diagnostics and care. Each year, the School purchases new equipment for the Hospital, but income can’t always stretch to cover all the necessary improvements.
That’s why the Hospital shares its wish list with the public. Sometimes, satisfied clients or other friends of the veterinary school decide to make a gift toward a substantial piece of equipment that will benefit numerous animal patients. Naming opportunities are available to donors that would like to cover the entire purchase cost of a piece of equipment.
Below is a list of the Hospital’s current needs:

• Tomotherapy Cancer Treatment - $3 million
  Wisconsin is one of the nation’s top veterinary cancer treatment facilities. To better serve our high oncology caseload, we need to replace our aging Cobalt-60 radiation therapy unit.  Our goal is to be the first veterinary medical facility in the nation with a tomotherapy unit (a unique combination of radiation treatment and a helical CT scanner).  Developed in Wisconsin, this new technology targets radiation specifically at the tumor and spares surrounding tissues.  It provides superior tumor control with much less toxicity. 
• State-of-the-art MRI - $1.5 million
  The current MRI unit will not be transferable to the new building because of its age. We need a state-of-the-art MRI that can be incorporated into the renovated hospital.
• State of the art CT - $1.0 million
  Advances in technology and the age of the current CT system have prompted planning for the replacement of this important imaging equipment.  Also, a new space within the VMTH will be remodeled to house the Hospital’s CT scanner.  In addition to continuing to serve small animals, the location of the new scanner will allow access for equine patients to receive CT scans for their limbs, head and upper neck. 

Small Animal

• Neurology Ultrasonic Aspirator - $45,000
  This equipment would make it possible for us to accurately remove brain tumors in dogs and cats that currently we cannot operate on.
• Siemens Fluoroscopy Unit for Radiology - $300,000
  Used extensively for urinary, neurologic and GI contrast studies, and for radiographs of large dogs or smaller large animals such as sheep, llamas, foals and calves, the image quality on the existing unit is deteriorating due to age.  Replacement parts for this 25-year old machine have become difficult to find and its fluorography cannot be integrated with the new filmless image viewing system recently installed throughout the hospital.  Replacement would also improve interfacing with the new digital radiography system, enhancing image retrieval, presentations, and long-term archiving.
• Thrombelast Hemostasis Analyzer - $31,000
  This equipment is becoming an essential component for the evaluation of hemorrhagic and thrombotic disorders and complements traditional blood coagulation testing in ways that can have an immediate impact on appropriate therapy.
• Chemistry Analyzer - $100,000
  The chemistry analyzer is an essential component of the Clinical Pathology Laboratory.  This high-volume analyzer provides numerous important tests for clinicians to diagnosis and monitor our patients.  The Hospital’s current machine is being discontinued in the near future, and a replacement must be purchased.
• Avian Oxygen Cage - $3,500
  The Special Species Service has requested obtaining this equipment to provide critical care housing for avian patients.  This unit will allow for the delivery of oxygen in a carefully controlled manner and also the nebulization of medications for critical care therapy.
• 2.7mm Arthroscope $4,000
  This would complement other surgical equipment used by the orthopedic surgeons for stifle (knee) arthroscopy, which is a surgical procedure that is being performed more frequently.  The current arthroscope options are cumbersome for use in small dogs, and the 2.7mm arthroscope and associated equipment would allow for optimal surgical visualization and treatment for these patients.

Large Animal

• Fluoroscope Unit for Large Animal Orthopedic Surgery - $40,000
  This portable imaging unit is used in the operating room to provide guidance to the surgeon for the placement of drills and implants during orthopedic procedures.  Because of its unique design and size, this mini-fluoroscopy device can be moved up closely to the animal’s leg for immediate imaging by the surgeon.
• Large Animal Table for CT and MRI Scanners - $80,000
  Currently, our CT and MRI scanners are limited to small animals, calves and foals. A heavy-duty table designed for large animals will allow us to image lower limbs for fractures, tendon and joint injuries, and the skulls of large animals for dental disease and to assess trauma cases.

To provide the best care, our faculty and staff need access to the best facilities and equipment.