24/11/2011Posted : November 24, 2011
BCF helps out at Longleat Safari Park

BCF Technology received quite an unusual request for a loan of the Tru DR lx Equine DR system recently, which saw the company's equipment used to scan an arthritic elephant.

BCF Technology received quite an unusual request for a loan of the Tru DR lx Equine DR system recently, which saw the company's equipment used to scan an arthritic elephant.

Anne being scanned and a radiograph of her phalanges. The company received a call from Neil Brimson at Garston Vets in Dorset (long standing BCF customers with many ultrasound systems) asking if they had much experience with large animal radiography, and looking for help at Longleat Safari Park, one of the practice's regular customers.

The request was to scan Anne, a 3,600kg Indian elephant suffering from arthritis in her feet and legs. Anne's specialist vet Nic Masters wanted to radiograph her feet to investigate further.

Mr Masters said: "Despite Anne's considerable frame and tendency to play games with the film focus distance laser, the BCF Tru DR lx Equine proved more than up to the job.

"We got some great pictures of her phalanges all round – essential if we are to ensure best possible foot care; such an important aspect of captive elephant husbandry."

Kat Evans from BCF Technology said: "The opportunity to radiograph such an amazing creature as Anne was one I will remember for a very long time."