Q&A with a Vet: MRI for Dogs & Cats
Sage Veterinary Imaging’s 3T MRI scanner in Sandy, Utah ensures top-tier veterinary imaging for accurate diagnoses.
We get a lot of questions about our services, especially about veterinary MRI scans. If you’ve ever wondered how a dog MRI works, how long an MRI for pets takes, or whether a vet MRI is safe, you’re in the right place.
To help our current and future patients, we’ve rounded up all of our most-asked questions in this ‘Q&A with a Vet’ blog series. This is where our veterinary specialists dive into your curiosities about MRI scans for dogs, cats, and other pets. They explain everything from what an MRI shows to how the process works.
At Sage Veterinary Imaging (SVI), our mission is to provide pet owners with clear answers and state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging. Keep reading for expert insights into vet MRI scans and what to expect if your pet needs one.
What is an MRI for pets?
A veterinary MRI is an advanced imaging technique that helps veterinarians see detailed images of a pet’s organs, muscles, and soft tissues, without using radiation. Instead, it relies on a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create high-resolution images inside your pet’s body.
MRI scans are particularly useful for diagnosing conditions that X-rays or CT scans might miss, such as:
Spinal injuries
Soft tissue damage
That’s why an MRI for dogs, cats, and other pets is often recommended when veterinarians need a closer look at the brain, spine, ligaments, or internal organs.
How Does a Vet MRI Work?
A veterinary MRI scan is one of the most advanced imaging tools available for diagnosing conditions in pets. Instead of using radiation like X-rays or CT scans, an MRI for pets relies on a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to generate high-resolution, 3D images of the body's internal structures.
The MRI Scanner
Most vet MRI machines are large, tube-shaped magnets. Your pet lies inside the scanner, which creates a controlled magnetic field.
Water Molecule Alignment
The machine temporarily realigns water molecules in the body, helping produce clear, precise images.
Radio Wave Signals
The scanner sends radio waves through the body, generating detailed cross-sectional images—like slices in a loaf of bread.
3D Image Compilation
These images are compiled into 3D models for a complete, in-depth view of organs, tissues, and bones.
What Happens During an MRI Scan for Dogs?
This pup is ready for expert care at Sage Veterinary Imaging, where advanced diagnostics provide accurate answers.
If your dog needs an MRI scan, you might be wondering what to expect. Because an MRI for dogs requires complete stillness for high-quality images, your pet will be placed under general anesthesia for the procedure.
The Step-by-Step Process:
Pre-Scan Preparation – Your dog will arrive at our clinic and be given a thorough health check to ensure they are ready for anesthesia.
IV Catheter Placement – An IV line is placed to administer fluids and medications as needed.
Anesthesia & Monitoring – A tailored anesthesia protocol is used based on your dog’s size, age, and medical needs. One of our licensed veterinary technicians will monitor their vital signs throughout the scan.
MRI Scan (30-90 Minutes) – The scan itself takes 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the complexity of the condition being evaluated.
Recovery & Going Home – After the scan, your dog will be closely monitored as they wake up from anesthesia. Once they are alert and can regulate their body temperature, they will be reunited with you.
Is MRI Safe for Dogs?
MRI scans for dogs are safe and painless, with expert radiologists monitoring your pet every step of the way.
Yes! Veterinary MRI scans are completely non-invasive and use no radiation. With expert anesthetic monitoring, the procedure is safe, comfortable, and stress-free for your pet.
If your veterinarian has recommended an MRI for your dog, it’s because they need the clearest possible images to diagnose and treat your pet’s condition effectively. Our team is here to ensure the process is smooth, safe, and informative every step of the way.
Will My Pet Be Anxious Without Me?
We understand that leaving your pet for an MRI scan can feel stressful, but rest assured. We take every measure to keep them calm, comfortable, and safe throughout the process.
Before the scan, your pet will receive a personalized dose of anti-anxiety and sedation medication to help them relax.
During the MRI for dogs, cats, and other pets, they will be under full anesthesia so that they won’t feel anything or experience stress.
Our licensed veterinary technicians closely monitor your pet’s vitals, ensuring a smooth and safe procedure.
Most pets do very well throughout the day and are returned to you as soon as they’re fully awake and able to regulate their body temperature.
When Will I Know the Results of My Pet’s MRI Scan?
You won’t have to wait long—MRI results are typically available within 24 hours.
Our board-certified veterinary radiologists carefully examine the images and prepare a detailed report.
This report is sent to your primary veterinarian, who will review the findings with you.
If you’d like a copy of the report for your records, just let us know. We’re happy to provide it!
If My Pet Needs to See a Neurologist, What Happens Next?
If your pet requires a consultation with a veterinary neurologist, we make the process as seamless as possible:
In many cases, same-day results are available when consulting with a neurologist.
You’ll receive immediate recommendations for treatment and next steps.
If neurosurgery is needed, we’ll work with you to schedule the procedure at the earliest available time.
SVI: Leaders in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging
Our Sandy, Utah location offers advanced veterinary imaging, including MRI, ultrasound, and CT scans for pets.
At Sage Veterinary Imaging (SVI), we specialize in advanced diagnostic imaging for pets, providing cutting-edge MRI technology with faster, easier access than traditional providers.
With locations in Sandy, Utah, and Round Rock, Texas, we’re the only outpatient veterinary imaging centers in these areas offering expert diagnostics without the need for a referral.
At SVI, we believe knowledge is power, and we are committed to helping pet owners and veterinarians make the most informed decisions for their pet’s health.
Contact Us to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment.
Meet Dr. Jaime Sage
As president of the CT & MRI Society at ACVR, Dr. Jaime Sage is a top expert in veterinary radiology.
Dr. Jaime Sage is a pioneer in veterinary MRI and radiology. She received her veterinary training at Texas A&M, followed by a radiology residency and specialized MRI training with Patrick Gavin, Ph.D., DACVR/RO, one of the early leaders in veterinary MRI technology.
Dr. Sage is the current president of the CT & MRI Society at the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) and has interpreted over 20,000 MRI reports in her 15+ years of experience. She’s also a frequent lecturer at international veterinary conferences, sharing her expertise with professionals worldwide.
