Just months after purchasing and installing a state-of-the-art Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine for small animals, Dr. David Marion of Eureka thinks he has changed veterinary practices in the area for the better.

“We’ve already had a few referrals from other clinics,” he said. “One up in Cranbrook, British Columbia, and another down in Kalispell. I’m hoping this will be a resource for Western Montana.”

The Vet-MR machine, which runs $350,000 brand new, has been a boon to Marion and his practice — A Country Animal Hospital in Eureka — even in the short time it has been installed. Marion said he has used it to diagnose animals with mysterious symptoms, saving potentially invasive procedures.

“One guy came in and his dog had a cruciate tear in its knee,” he said. “We put it in the machine and took a look. It was a very minor tear and easy to fix. We saved that guy a $1,500 surgery.”

Debbie Marion, David’s wife and office manager, said it presents options for treatment.

“It adds a new possible solution to medical problems,” she said.

The machine is designed mainly for dogs and cats. It is the only such machine in the state, although a Billings clinic has one for cattle and horses.

The closest machines are at Washington State University and in Canada.

“Living in Eureka, we’re a long ways from the only MRI around in Pullman and Calgary,” Marion said. “And the cost for the closer one is exorbitantly higher because it’s in Canada. A lot of my clients wouldn’t drive that far, much less be able to afford it.”

Marion and Megan Smith are trained technicians with the machine. Kayleena Doherty is an assistant technician. The machine was transported in May from Ohio and was fully operational by late June.

Marion said one of his biggest challenges is justifying the worth of the procedure to people.

“People hospitals will use MRIs a lot more because people generally have insurance,” he said. “There isn’t really pet insurance so the cost is a hard sell, even when it would be in the best health of the animal.”

Costs for the scans reflect the size of the animal, which can range from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. Prices range from $300 to $750.

Clinics in the area can send an animal to A Country Animal Hospital, get the MRI done and ship back the furry friend.

To contact A Country Animal Hospital, visit www.acountryanimalhospital.com or call 406-297-7903.