The Pet Owner’s Guide to MRIs
Your pets can’t talk (although you wish they could!). So figuring out what’s making them sick is complicated. If common diagnostic procedures fail to provide an answer, your pet could need an MRI. Knowing the cause of your pet’s ailment helps you decide what to do next.
There are many different imaging options, and it can be a little confusing when your vet says your furry friend may need an “MRI”. What does that mean? Our team of vets has put together this guide on MRI for pet owners, so you can rest a little easier and know what to do if an MRI for pets is needed.
This blog covers what an MRI for pets is, why your pet may need one, and where to find the best diagnostic imaging services for dogs or cats in Central Texas.
What is an MRI for pets?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most advanced diagnostic imaging technique in veterinary medicine.[1] MRI has been used in human health and medicine since the 1980s. And in the past decade, it has become more available in veterinary medicine.
MRI scanners generate detailed images of internal body structures in your pet and show subtle abnormalities that cannot be identified with radiographs (X-rays) or CT scans.[1] Some diseases can’t be diagnosed without MRI imaging, like many central nervous system disorders.
Because MRI is non-invasive, highly accurate, and considered safe, it is now the gold standard for diagnosing brain, spinal cord, and musculoskeletal diseases in pets.
How does MRI for pets work?
Most MRI machines are large, tube-shaped magnets. When you lie inside an MRI machine, the magnetic field temporarily realigns water molecules in your body, and radio waves cause these aligned atoms to produce faint signals.
These signals combine to create cross-sectional MRI images — like slices in a loaf of bread. An MRI machine can also produce 3D images that can be viewed from different angles.[2] Experienced veterinary radiologists are trained to read the images and detect nuances in your pet’s body that may be causing pain.
Why does my pet need an MRI?
MRI scans are generally reserved for diagnosing problems and aren’t typically prescribed as a screening procedure for dogs in good health.[3] As mentioned above, MRI is commonly used to find problems in the brain, spinal cord, or musculoskeletal anatomy. MRI is recommended when other tests don’t provide a precise diagnosis.
Some common diseases affecting the brain and spinal cord in pets are:
tumors
abscesses
inflammation of the brain
herniated discs
MRI can also see specific areas of blood flow and nerve damage in some instances. No other technology gets the level of detail that an MRI can, and that’s why it is used for delicate and hard-to-find health ailments in humans and pets alike.
Signs and Symptoms That May Require an MRI for Pets
Here are some common themes we see in patients coming to us for an MRI:
Unusual changes in behavior such as circling, persistent head tilt, or depression
Seizures
Unsteady gait
Foot dragging
Back pain
Lameness of shoulder or knee
Chronic nasal discharge
Oral tumors
Cancer surgery planning to define the margins of a tumor
Pre-surgical check for metastatic disease
Your vet will perform a thorough physical examination to help narrow down what could be wrong with your pet. If X-rays aren’t showing any apparent problems, an MRI may be required. Remember, an MRI can see a lot more than X-rays and CT. If your vet orders an MRI for your pet, they need more information to make a diagnosis.
Why is anesthesia required for an MRI?
Anesthesia is usually necessary for CT and MRI imaging procedures because your pet must stay still for several minutes to get a good-quality scan. The risks of anesthesia are generally low but vary with the patient's age and individual medical state.
We minimize anesthesia risks by choosing the safest methods possible. Sage Veterinary Imaging provides state-of-the-art anesthesia and monitoring equipment operated by experienced personnel, so your pet is in good hands.
CT vs. MRI for Pets
MRI is superior to CT for soft tissue imaging, including the brain, spinal cord, and cancer staging. While CT has traditionally been seen as better for imaging bone and orthopedic disease, high-field MRI detects injuries and lesions earlier and more accurately than CT.
Some facilities only have CT - understandably, that is their primary tool. But in many cases, an MRI gives a significantly clearer diagnostic result.
An outpatient diagnostic imaging center has all of your pet’s imaging needs under one roof and can recommend the best equipment for your pet’s case. MRI is available at Sage Veterinary Imaging, along with CT, X-ray, and ultrasound. Combined with our experienced, educated, and exceptional team, your pet’s underlying disease can be found and treated.
Is MRI safe for my pet?
MRI is a safe and highly effective diagnostic tool that has been used commonly in veterinary medicine for nearly three decades. With this technology, we can obtain highly detailed images that help us locate and visualize the cause of your pet’s illness.
During and after the exam, we work closely with your veterinarian and provide them with the diagnostic information they need to determine the direction of your pet’s future treatments.
What to Expect at Your Pet’s MRI Appointment
Having your pet go to an MRI scan appointment brings up a lot of questions. We let you know what to expect and will be there every step of the way.
First things first: 12 hours before the scan, your pet must hold off on food. While this may feel hard for your pet, it allows the scanner to see more of what’s going on with your pet. If food is present, it runs the risk of creating unclear images.
When your pet arrives at its appointment, skilled technicians may conduct bloodwork to ensure they are ready for the scan. When cleared, your pet goes under anesthesia. This is recommended because any movement during the scan will disrupt the procedure. This also helps keep your pet calm and comfortable.
Once your pet is under and positioned on the scanner, the technicians enter a separate room to begin the scan, but one technician remains with your pet at all times to monitor their vital signs. We understand the desire to be close to your pet during this experience, but for your safety, we cannot allow anyone other than trained staff to enter the treatment areas of our clinic.
After the scan, images are available and sent to your vet immediately. At Sage Veterinary Imaging, our panel of experts works with your vet to discuss the best treatment plan open for your pet.
MRI Prices for Dogs at Sage Veterinary Imaging
At Sage Veterinary Imaging, MRI cost is comparable to the big specialty hospitals and even lower if you consider all the fees specialty hospitals add on. More importantly, Sage Veterinary Imaging produces higher quality and faster 3T MRI images than other providers.
Getting an answer and the right treatment for your pet is the most important thing to us. We get it - cost is often a deciding factor for you regarding veterinary care. It’s difficult to get a large bill when things are tight in your budget department, and you just want your pet to feel better.
Bear in mind that a diagnosis provided by MRI often needs further treatment, like surgery. In many cases, we discourage clients from spending their money on an MRI if we think surgery is required and they have a limited budget.
The last thing we want is to waste your money on imaging at the expense of future treatments. Good imaging is often required to go further with a treatment plan. It can be a difficult choice, but we are here to support you with the information you need.
Where To Find MRI for Dogs In Central Texas
Sage Veterinary Imaging has offices in Round Rock, Texas and Sandy, Utah. Dr. Jaime Sage, the founder, 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 of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and has issued over 20,000 MRI reports over the past 15 years. She frequently lectures at meetings and conferences worldwide.
For more information on where to find an MRI scan for dogs in Texas or Utah, go to our Contact Us page to learn more.
Sources:
https://www.medvetforpets.com/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri-dogs-cats/#:~:text=Magnetic%20resonance%20imaging%20(MRI)%20is,with%20radiographs%20or%20CT%20scans.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mri/about/pac-20384768#:~:text=Most%20MRI%20machines%20are%20large,in%20a%20loaf%20of%20bread.
https://pawsandclawsanimalhospital.com/does-your-dog-need-an-mri/
