Brando, a 9-year-old male Labrador retriever, was saved by a medical test normally reserved for humans. The dog is living proof that some pet owners will go to great lengths to save their animals or improve the quality of their lives.

The dog, a retired guide dog suffering from blindness in one eye, recently received a magnetic resonance image test, or MRI, at Cornell University's Hospital for Animals in Ithaca. The test showed a small tumor on the optic nerve, and its early diagnosis means the dog likely will survive another year to 18 months, perhaps longer.

The $200,000 MRI machine, installed just before Thanksgiving, is North America's first open-magnet MRI system designed for companion animals dogs, cats and other small pets. It has been used on several cats and dogs since it was installed.

"Our caseload is growing," said Rodney Page, professor of oncology at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. "We probably do three to five a week at this point."

The machine is identical to those used on humans, Page said. The machine at Cornell is for use only on small animals. For example, a horse would not qualify.

The test costs between $500 and $1,000, depending on the area of the body tested. Animals must be anesthetized, which costs an additional $100 to $200, Page said.

Brando's owners, Dick and Bette Jayne Spinney of Stamford, estimate they will spend between $8,000 and $10,000 to treat their dog. But Brando is worth it.

"I'm so glad we made the decision to do this," Bette Jayne Spinney said.

"He is a family member. We will spend whatever it takes to make it right."

The Spinneys brought Brando to Cornell University after they noticed his balance was off, and the dog appeared to have trouble with his vision.

"Brando is a lucky dog," Page said. "The new imaging technology, coupled with the owner's intuition, probably saved Brando's life, as the tumor could have quickly grown and caused his death."

The tumor was inoperable, but Brando received radiation treatments, also at Cornell University. From early December to Christmas Eve, the Spinneys drove two-and-a-half hours each way every day to bring the dog for his radiation therapy. After the first week of treatment, Bette Jayne Spinney noticed that Brando's balance had improved, and the dog was more active and able to climb stairs once again. Brando was home in time for the holidays.

"Thanks to the new MRI, we were able to diagnose the tumor at an early stage," said Thomas Kern, chief of opthamology in the College of Veterinary Medicine. "Catching it early bodes for a better prognosis."

Said Bette Jayne Spinney: "He's a miracle dog."