See what’s possible with veterinary imaging specialists Introducing NIRF lymphatic imaging services to MARS
Smarter cancer diagnosis starts with NIRF imaging
Discover the latest advancement in oncology vet services as MARS veterinary imaging specialists introduce NIRF lymphatic imaging to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment in dogs and cats.
Advancing cancer care in veterinary medicine
MARS is committed to offering the highest level of care in veterinary oncology, and one of the latest advancements now available at our animal referral hospital is Near-Infrared Fluorescence (NIRF) Lymphatic Imaging. This innovative tool allows our team of veterinary oncology specialists and surgeons to visualise lymphatic pathways in real time, enhancing staging, surgical precision, and overall patient outcomes.
What is NIRF Lymphatic Imaging?
NIRF imaging uses indocyanine green (ICG), a fluorescent dye that travels through lymphatic fluid. When exposed to near-infrared light, the dye fluoresces, enabling us to identify sentinel lymph nodes, assess tumour spread, and ensure complete excision during surgery. This approach goes far beyond traditional palpation or imaging — it provides live, intraoperative guidance for our oncology and surgical teams.
How does the procedure work?
- Fluorescent Dye Injection: ICG is administered near the tumour site.
- Real-Time Visualisation: A specialised camera detects fluorescence as the dye moves through lymphatics.
- Assessment: Surgeons identify sentinel nodes, tumour spread, and ensure surgical margins are clear.
- Intraoperative Application: Used during procedures to guide precise tumour and node removal.
This means less tissue trauma, fewer complications, and improved accuracy in cancer staging.
When is NIRF most useful?
- Cancer staging: Critical for prognosis and treatment planning.
- Sentinel lymph node mapping: Especially in mammary tumours, mast cell tumours, soft tissue sarcomas, and melanomas.
- Complex tumour resections: Where accuracy around critical lymphatic or vascular structures matters.
- Monitoring lymphatic obstruction or lymphoedema: Helping patients with chronic conditions or post-surgical complications.
Why refer to MARS for NIRF imaging?
- Expertise in oncology and surgery: Our oncology vets and vet surgeons in Melbourne use NIRF daily in staging and resections.
- Specialist centre of excellence: As a leading veterinary referral hospital, MARS is the only centre in Victoria offering this advanced imaging tool.
- Better prognostic information: Provides clarity for pet owners and referring vets.
- Cutting-edge oncology care: Enhancing cancer management for dogs and cats with accuracy and compassion.
The future of oncology care
The team at MARS believes in combining technology with specialist expertise to transform the outcomes of our patients. With NIRF lymphatic imaging, we can offer more precise cancer care, fewer complications, and faster recoveries. Secure the best outcome for your pet and give them access to Victoria’s most advanced oncology imaging.
If you are a referring vet, contact our team to discuss oncology cases that may benefit from NIRF lymphatic imaging.
For pets facing cancer, every detail matters.
For pets facing cancer, every detail matters. The ability to see sentinel lymph nodes and lymphatic involvement in real time changes the way oncologists and surgeons can plan treatment. Being able to provide NIRF imaging means more accurate staging, less invasive procedures, and improved patient outcomes.
Refer a patient today and give them access to Victoria’s most advanced oncology imaging.