The doctors at WVNSC are ACVIM board-certified Neurologists, trained and experienced in small animal neurology and neurosurgery. The hospital features state-of-the-art medical technologies including in-house magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), digital radiology, in-house laboratory capabilities, and a dedicated neurosurgery suite.
Team WVNSC’s mission statement takes into account the whole team effort needed to provide exceptional patient care, “While the health and wellbeing of our patients are of utmost importance for the WVNSC team, the health and wellbeing of our patient’s families, our team’s families and the communities we live and work in are just as important.”
Cost effective small animal MRI without the headache
A keen believer in building relationships, it was important to Dr. Moeser that his MRI provider was hands-on from initial enquiry through to installation and beyond. In his search for the most cost-effective and reliable solution, Dr. Moeser explored various options including refurbished human magnets.
However, in deciding to go with the Hallmarq solution, Dr. Moeser retained the financial flexibility he needed to get his company off the ground and invest in other areas. In addition, the veterinary-specific design of MIRA, Hallmarq’s small animal 1.5T MRI, includes a built-in RF shield that negates the need for an expensive room fit-out, disruptive building works and large upfront capital expenditure. This, in addition to the zero-helium design and the company’s Remote Operations Service, all added up to provide the complete package for a veterinary start up looking for financial flexibility.
“Alongside the machine producing excellent images, Hallmarq offered practical solutions to me in financial and logistical terms. Hallmarq is a one stop shop and produces, delivers, installs, and maintains the equipment and software used to run the equipment.”
Patients and people first and foremost
Dr. Moser’s ethos is to serve people, patients and community first and foremost. With a keen understanding that one size does not fit all, Dr. Moeser makes sure to discuss all available options, helping each family make the best decision for their particular circumstances surrounding the health of their family pet.
“I am a small animal veterinary neurologist and MRI has become almost a necessity. Our clients do expect almost the same level of care that is provided to humans”
To that end, WVNSC uses a 1.5 tesla (T) high-field MRI just like that used for human patients! With MIRA – The Hallmarq zero-helium, small animal 1.5T MRI machine installed at Wisconsin – Dr. Moeser and his team can offer the gold standard in diagnostic imaging to ensure every pet that visits them has the very best that’s available. The biggest difference is that cats and dogs need to be anaesthetised to prevent motion during the scan. However, understanding that people and pets have very different anatomy, the Hallmarq small animal MRI is designed exclusively for small animal patients allowing fast scan times and pristine images of exceptional diagnostic quality. What’s more, with its V-shaped patient bed and dual coil functionality, MIRA can image the smallest of Chihuahuas or the largest of Great Danes without compromise.
“I could not have had a better experience with the WI Veterinary Neurology & Surgical Center. Dr. Moeser and his team continually went above and beyond – answering my many questions, figuring out what was going on with my dog, taking the time needed for him, and checking in afterwards. You can tell Dr. Moeser is passionate about what he does, and genuinely wants to help.”
Jameson
Reducing cost and complexity for the practice
For a new entrepreneur just starting out, offering 1.5T MRI can seem like a daunting prospect. However, Dr. Moeser was hugely reassured by both MIRA’s technology and the support that surrounds it both pre and post installation:
Most 1.5 MRI systems contain helium, an expensive, scarce resource which – under certain conditions – can escape (or quench) from the MRI system. The result is significant unplanned costs for the veterinary hospital, which could be as much as $50,000. Not having to worry about resourcing and purchasing helium has meant one less headache for WVNSC leaving them free to focus on patient care.
Understandably, initial building and site preparation costs are another big concern for any start up. Designed specifically for veterinary hospitals, Hallmarq has removed the requirement for installing an RF shield in the walls of the MRI suite, typically saving around $100,000 on site preparation costs. And, because our system contains no helium, you don’t have the extra costs and permit issues associated with installing a helium quench pipe.
As with any business, recruiting and retaining qualified staff can prove a constant headache. With Imaging as a Service, Dr. Moeser now has access to Hallmarq-licensed MRI Technicians who can remotely operate the MRI system for him. Known as Remote Operations Service (ROS), this service removes the cost of recruiting and training an MRI tech whose annual cost can exceed $100,000.
So, what’s next for Wisconsin?
In what has been a remarkable first year for Dr. Moeser, the practice saw a total of 349 cats and dogs for MRI scans in 2024. This number continues to grow as word gets out about the exceptional level of care and expertise that his team delivers for every patient.
It is this level of care and commitment that has helped put WVNSC on the map as a centre of excellence for veterinary neurology. His customers couldn’t agree more.
In just over 12 months, Dr. Moeser has navigated the many ups and downs of setting up as a new business owner in veterinary neurology. It’s fair to say that it’s come with its own share of headaches but also a huge amount of satisfaction in seeing pets and their owners reap the benefits of his hard work. Hallmarq is proud to be part of that journey and look forward to supporting the team in 2025 and beyond.
For more information on Wisconsin Veterinary Neurology & Surgical Center click here
For more information on MIRA zero helium small animal 1.5T MRI click here
