9 Investigates

Orange County might buy much-needed X-ray machine for animal shelter

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County leaders could purchase a radiology machine to help care for animals at Orange County Animal Services.

The move comes after 9 Investigates learned the current equipment has been in and out of service for months.

Last week, a 4-year-old Labrador mix named Amy had to be euthanized after being removed from OCAS.  Despite being heartworm positive, she wasn’t considered a priority for an X-ray, and only received one due to suspicion of pregnancy more than two weeks after being impounded.

Amy’s scan revealed her heartworms had progressed beyond the point of treatment.

Though an earlier X-ray may not have saved Amy from being euthanized, 9 Investigates learned that early detection of deadly problems might have been delayed due to issues with the shelter’s X-ray machine.

“A lot has been done to get the machine back in shape,” Animal Services Communications Director Diane Summers said.

9 Investigates first asked about the equipment in August, when the County's Medical Director signed an emergency order to expedite funding for repairs.

Since then, nearly all major parts of the machine have been replaced at a cost of around $5,000.

“We've had it about five years, and the life expectancy of the equipment is 10 years. So we're disappointed it hasn't lasted as long as we would've hoped,” Summers said.

County leaders are now looking into the more expensive option of full replacement, at a cost of up to $70,000.

Until a permanent fix can be made, the shelter has signed a memorandum of understanding to have some animals X-rayed at Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, which happens to share the same parking lot as OCAS.

Officials have not said when the new equipment will be purchased.