Maci the koala gets an ultrasound check in the lead-up to the November breeding season. Maci's with Featherdale keeper Chad Staples, GE Healthcare CEO Michael Ackland and Robert Johnson from South Penrith Vet Clinic. Picture: Gary Warrick
A RED bellied black snake, bearded dragon, wombat and koala are among Featherdale Wildlife Park residents to test its new ultrasound machine.
The recent donation of the diagnostic machine from GE Healthcare will be used to identify injuries and to check illness, fertility and breeding availability.
The LOGIQ 9 ultrasound will allow the Featherdale team to provide the care to animals normally only available in veterinary hospitals.
"Too often once an animal begins to show signs of sickness, the illness has progressed beyond successful treatment," Featherdale's senior curator Chad Staples said.
"By conducting routine screening we can understand the way internal organs function. If any anomalies are identified we can start treatment immediately."
South Penrith Veterinary clinic co-owner Dr Robert Johnson, who has been treating animals at Featherdale for 35 years, visits once a week.
"This is a wonderful addition to the equipment at Featherdale," he said. "I'll use it often.
"Featherdale does a great job in looking after the animals."
The ultrasound is non-invasive, which means most animals aren't too bothered.
"The koalas think you're patting them on the tummy," Dr Johnson said.
GE Healthcare Australia and New Zealand chief executive Michael Ackland was proud to support Featherdale's efforts.
"While we specialise in products for use in human medicine, some of the world's leading veterinary hospitals use our equipment, and this ultrasound will enable Featherdale to scan an animal's entire organ such as a kidney or liver within seconds," Mr Ackland said.
The ultrasound will be initially used on Featherdale's koala colony to detect reproductive issues.
Koalas were recently listed as vulnerable in Queensland, NSW and the ACT.