Q&A With a Vet: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI Scans)
Sage Veterinary Imaging uses this MRI machine in their Sandy, Utah clinic.
We get a lot of questions about our services. No surprise, considering the number of different types of equipment we have! To help our current and future patients, we are adding Q&A With a Vet to our blog posts. You have the chance to hear from a doctor on exactly what we do and what to expect for your pet.
This week, we cover magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Some of your most common questions and answers about MRI are here. And you get a glimpse of what’s to come if your pet needs an MRI scan.
Ultimately, at Sage Veterinary Imaging, we are here to help you find answers for your pet. Dive right into our vet’s answers to your burning questions about MRI scans for pets below.
What is MRI for pets?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves (instead of radiation!) to create detailed images of the organs and tissues in your (or your pet’s) body.
Most MRI machines are large, tube-shaped magnets. While lying inside an MRI, the magnetic field temporarily realigns water molecules in the body. Radio waves cause these aligned atoms to produce faint signals, which are used to create cross-sectional MRI images — like slices in a loaf of bread.
The MRI machine can also produce 3D images that can be viewed from different angles. MRI’s main advantage is the detailed evaluation of soft tissue structures that are not as easily evaluated on radiographs or CT. This is especially useful for evaluating muscles, tendons, and ligaments, as well as the eyes, brain, and spinal cord.
What can the doctor see during an MRI scan?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a large magnet and radio waves to look at organs and structures inside the patient’s body. Healthcare professionals use MRI scans to diagnose various conditions, from torn ligaments to tumors.
MRIs are useful for identifying more subtle or chronic musculoskeletal injuries (such as injured knees or torn muscles) that may not show up on other imaging modalities. MRI is especially good at evaluating the nervous system (brain and spine) because it gives the most detail about the anatomical structure of the brain, spine, spinal nerves, and intervertebral discs.
This detailed look into these structures is incredibly important and effective when managing chronic conditions such as seizures, pain, weakness, and other more nebulous symptoms. Certain malformations identified during an MRI may also influence the decision to breed a particular animal when identified soon enough.
What happens during an MRI scan for dogs?
MRI takes 30 minutes to 1.5 hours to complete depending on the complexity of the disease being evaluated. For this reason, patients must undergo full, general anesthesia to stay completely still during the process.
Patients will stay with us during the day and have an IV catheter placed. An anesthesia protocol is tailored to their needs. When the patient undergoes the MRI, they receive close anesthetic monitoring by one of our licensed veterinary technicians during the procedure. They will then be returned to their family once they have time to fully recover.
Q: Will my pet be anxious without me?
While your pet is under our care, it will be given a personalized dose of anti-anxiety and sedation medication before the procedure, and your pet will be under full anesthesia during the MRI scan. Most patients do very well throughout the day and are returned to you as soon as they are fully awake and can regulate their own body temperature.
Q: When will I know the results of the scan?
Normally results are given to owners and their primary veterinary hospitals within 24 hours of the scan. Our radiologists examine all of the images, type up a report, and email it to your primary veterinarian. A copy is available to you, the owner, upon request.
Q: If my pet needs to see a neurologist, what happens next?
If a patient consults with our neurologist that day, results can often be delivered the same day with immediate recommendations for treatment and expected outcomes. Neurosurgery, if necessary, would be scheduled for a future time according to availability.
Sage Veterinary Imaging - Leaders in Diagnostic Imaging
Sage Veterinary Imaging centers are the only outpatient veterinary imaging centers in Sandy, Utah and Round Rock, Texas. We are a one-stop shop for imaging and diagnosis. MRIs with us are faster and easier than with other providers. Because no referral is needed and there’s very little paperwork, you save time and get a treatment plan immediately.
You want state-of-the-art, high-tech imaging equipment so you can have the best images available with the most information. Knowledge is, indeed, power! Our MRI produces research-grade images that allow our radiologists to find and assess the problem with exceptional detail. Results go straight to you and your veterinarian so a treatment plan can be made immediately.
Founder, Dr. Jaime Sage
Dr. Jaime Sage received her veterinary training at Texas A&M. After completing a radiology residency, she received further training as an MRI specialist with Patrick Gavin, Ph.D., DACVR/RO, one of the early pioneers of veterinary MRI.
Dr. Sage is currently president of the CT & MRI Society at the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) and has issued over 20,000 MRI reports in the past 15 years. She lectures frequently at meetings and conferences worldwide.
For more information on where to find diagnostic imaging for dogs in Texas or Utah, go to our Contact Us page to learn more.
