In the weeks preceding Dr. Conrad’s evaluation of Shirkon, Randy had noticed that Shirkon was developing a gradual progressive weakness and loss of coordination. Shirkon was so weak he was having a hard time with even normal activities like eating. Dr. Conrad performed routine laboratory tests which failed to reveal a metabolic reason for Shirkon’s weakness. Following her initial evaluation, Dr. Conrad prescribed anti-inflammatory medications. While Shirkon responded transiently to the anti inflammatory medications Dr. Conrad had prescribed, his condition continued to deteriorate necessitating more information to guide his ongoing therapy.
Because of Shirkon’s shear size a traditional neurologic examination that relies on reflex hammers, bending joints and tapping tendons, would be challenging. The limited physical interaction possible with essentially wilds animals like Shirkon that just happen to have 3 inch long canine teeth and a bite force able to crush the largest human thigh bone would make a difficult physical evaluation impossible.
As a result it was not known if Shirkon’s symptoms originated from a problem in his brain or a problem in the spinal cord in his neck. As a result, Shirkon was potentially in need of two different MRI procedures. The first would evaluate his brain and middle ears. If that evaluation was negative for disease, a second MRI of the spinal cord in his neck would be needed. Managing the general anesthesia necessary to perform a diagnostic imaging procedure like an MRI is nothing unusual for Dr. Conrad, she routinely cares for patients that range in size from Shirkon’s massive weight to comparatively minute, pocket pets like mice. But Dr. Conrad needed a facility that could accommodate both Shirkon’s massive size as well as her need to limit his anesthesia time, despite the logistical hurdles that such a massive patient creates.
Dr. Conrad knew that many veterinary imaging facilities utilize miniaturized equipment either made to image small human body parts like knees and ankles. Alternatively other veterinary imaging facilities use more full sized equipment that is housed in cramped mobil trailers parked in the parking lot next to the veterinary facility. Shirkon’s shear size precluded the use of either of these options.
