When Dr. Cody Alcott first envisioned Tucson Veterinary Specialists (TVS), he imagined a place where expertise, technology, and compassion could intersect to elevate the standard of care for pets across southern Arizona. Today, that vision has taken root in a state-of-the-art hospital where advanced diagnostics – anchored by the Hallmarq 1.5T small animal MRI – combine with clinical research and collaboration to deliver best-in-class specialty care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Built on Expertise, Backed by Research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Opened by Dr. Alcott in April 2021, TVS isn\u2019t just another specialty clinic. It\u2019s a referral center where patients with the most complex neurological, surgical, and internal medicine conditions are treated by a multidisciplinary team of board-certified specialists. At the center of its neurology service is Dr. Cody Alcott, one of the few veterinarians in the U.S. dual-boarded in both Neurology and Large Animal Internal Medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Alcott\u2019s experience is more than clinical however. He\u2019s also a published researcher whose work has directly shaped how neurological conditions are treated in companion animals. Notably, he co-authored a 2020 [1] study on extended durotomy techniques for paraplegic dogs with intervertebral disc herniation<\/em> – an area of surgical intervention that aligns closely with the types of cases seen at TVS. That surgical insight is now regularly paired with the practice\u2019s MRI capabilities to drive faster, more confident treatment decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Game Changer: Veterinary-Specific MRI<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Before installing the Hallmarq 1.5T high-field MRI, the neurology team often relied on CT or external referrals for imaging. This sometimes delayed the diagnostic process or limited the depth of what could be seen, particularly in subtle spinal cord or brain lesions.<\/p>\n\n\n
\nThe Hallmarq 1.5T veterinary-specific MRI for the latest high-resolution imaging of the nervous system<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
With the Hallmarq system in-house, everything changed. The veterinary-specific coils, high-field strength, and tailored imaging sequences give TVS the clarity needed to pinpoint neurologic abnormalities with surgical precision. In-house MRI enables the team to go from suspicion to diagnosis to treatment within a matter of hours, not days. For emergency cases, speed makes all the difference, especially for those patients suffering from progressive spinal cord compression or acute brain injuries as Dr Alcott explains:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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I regularly review brain MRIs from other referral hospitals for second opinions. I\u2019m very impressed with the quality of our Hallmarq MRI images relative to traditional used ex-human high-field MRIs. The clarity of our veterinary-specific images strengthens our confidence in central nervous system disease diagnosis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Cody Alcott, DACVIM, Tuscon Veterinary Specialists, Tucson, AZ<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
1.5T MRI: Seeing What Others Miss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tuscon\u2019s MRI has been transformative in cases where other imaging modalities fell short. One memorable case involved a Dachshund with sudden-onset paraplegia. A previous CT scan at a different facility had failed to locate the problem. But, with their Hallmarq MRI a ruptured disc with significant spinal cord compression was revealed. With this diagnosis, Dr. Alcott and his team performed a minimally invasive decompression surgery, and within weeks the dog was walking again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In another instance, a Golden Retriever was referred with vague neurological signs. The clinical images obtained with MRI clearly showed three areas of spinal compression along with an unexpected mass impinging on the chest wall. With this knowledge, the team formulated a coordinated surgical plan, giving the patient a much-improved quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pattern is clear: 1.5T MRI enables deeper insight, earlier diagnosis, and better outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tackling Regional Challenges<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Based in the Southwest means that TVS also sees cases of Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis): a fungal disease that can affect the brain and spinal cord. Recognising a gap in current diagnostic tools, Dr. Alcott has teamed up with infectious disease specialists to investigate cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers that could help detect neurological forms of Valley Fever earlier and more accurately <\/em>[2]. This ongoing research not only serves local pet populations but further illustrates how the team is committed to addressing regional health challenges through evidence-based research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When combined with the precise imaging capabilities that Hallmarq\u2019s MRI can deliver, this research strengthens TVS\u2019s ability to provide accurate, timely care for conditions that are often underdiagnosed or misidentified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Partner to the Veterinary Community<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With in-house MRI, rapid diagnostics, and a team dedicated to collaboration, TVS has become a trusted referral partner for general practice veterinarians across Arizona and beyond. From teleconsulting to seamless intake, their process is designed to support both referring vets and pet families, with clarity and compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n
\nHeaded up by Dr Cody Alcott, the team at Tucson Veterinary Specialists is dedicated to collaboration with the veterinary community<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
A Model for Modern Veterinary Medicine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As Dr. Alcott continues to expand both the practice\u2019s capabilities and its clinical research portfolio, TVS is setting a high standard for what specialty veterinary medicine can offer. Key to future growth is growing the team; The practice has recently taken on neurologist Casey Birkel, DVM, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine \u2013 Neurology who, in her words, sums up her work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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In my humble opinion, nothing is cooler than the brain!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Casey Birkel, DVM, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine \u2013 Neurology<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
With a dedicated team of specialists – and the Hallmarq 1.5T MRI proving so much more than just a tool to aid diagnosis – the practice can continue its mission to see more clearly, treat more effectively, and bring world-class care to the animals who need it most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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