West Coast Veterinary Hospital - Open Day

West Coast Veterinary Hospital

EVER wondered what happens behind the scenes at a vet hospital - or what an MRI machine for a horse might look like?

The largest mixed veterinary practice in WA, treating both horses and small animals under the same roof, is inviting people behind the scenes to meet its vet team, explore the hospital and learn more about technology now available for diagnosing and treating animals.

Among the equipment on display will be advanced equine diagnostic imaging, new nuclear scintigraphy (bone scanning) technology and an MRI machine - the first to be installed in a WA veterinary hospital.

The family and dog-friendly event is also offering pilates with pups, dog-friendly popsicles, free paella, a bucking bull and giveaways and prizes.

West Coast Veterinary Hospital director Dr Garnett Hall said advances in veterinary technology had changed the way many conditions could be investigated.

"People are generally familiar with MRI and other forms of diagnostic imaging through human medicine but they might be surprised by the technology now being used in veterinary practice," he said.

"The open day allows people to see some of that equipment and get a better understanding of what happens behind the scenes when an animal comes to a vet.

"A lot of the work that goes into diagnosing and treating an animal happens away from the consultation room so this is a chance for people to see another side of veterinary care.

"The equine imaging service means horses requiring these diagnostic procedures can now be examined in WA rather than having to travel across the Nullarbor to access them."

Dr Hall has worked as a mixed-animal veterinarian in Australia and overseas, including caring for military working dogs with the Australian and British armies.

He has also performed humanitarian veterinary work in East Timor and remote areas of Australia.

"People usually come to see us because their animal needs veterinary care and sometimes that can be a stressful experience for both the animal and its owner," he said.

"This is an opportunity to come in when nothing is wrong, have a look around, talk to the people who work here and learn more about what we do."

Control Pilates and Fitness owner Georgina Tagliaferri is running the pilates with pups sessions.

"Anyone who owns a dog knows they don't necessarily follow instructions or respect your personal space, so I'm expecting the dogs to make the session fairly unpredictable," she laughed.

"But it's not about a perfect pilates class - it's a way for people to get moving with their dogs and have some fun at the same time."

The West Coast Veterinary Hospital Open Day is at 10 Freeman Road, Forrestdale.