An ultrasound machine more used to helping detect human health conditions and scanning unborn babies is now being put to good use monitoring pregnant canines at New Zealand Police’s Dog Training Centre (DTC) in Trentham.
The portable machine had reached the end of its life as a medical diagnostic tool for human patients at Te Whatu Ora Lakes - the former DHB covering Rotorua and Taupō - and was decommissioned. Thanks to the generosity of Rotorua Hospital, the machine now has a new home in the Dog Training Centre’s breeding and birthing suite.
“We are lucky to own this machine and are grateful to the Lakes District team for thinking of us," says Inspector Todd Southall, National Coordinator of Police Dogs. "Our Breeding Centre staff are now using the machine to check if the bitches are pregnant, and to monitor the health of mums and pups.
“Using our own ultrasound machine helps guide informed decision making when dogs are in distress, reducing the need for some trips to vet clinics to have this done off site. The focus is on the animal’s welfare.”
The machine arrived last week with Rotorua sonographer Rachael Campbell who has worked on supporting the gift to Police as well as delivering training in its use to breeding centre staff.
Rachael is no stranger to police dogs. She’s the daughter of a former dog handler and grew up with dogs.
“Police dogs are a cause that’s really close to my heart," she says. "I feel really privileged to have been part of facilitating all of this.
“It’s not uncommon for ultrasound machines that are pass their prime for humans, to be given or sold to vets. By giving this machine to the DTC it saves time if just a simple scan is needed.”
Mr Alan Wilson, Te Whatu Ora Lakes Chief Operating Officer says: “I’m thrilled that we can repurpose this machine. It’s great that it can continue to be used, in this case, for police dogs.
"The machine actually has another five or six more years of life left in it, but for humans, its 10-year life span for medical use is up.”
Todd says the machine is light and easy to use, and easily mobile – as long as there’s an electrical socket nearby, it can be used in any area.
First to trial the machine was three-year-old German Shepherd, Luna, whose first litter is due on 29 August. The father of her puppies is Wellington Police patrol dog Blue.