Why might your veterinarian order an MRI exam?

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) technology offers your veterinarian a powerful way in which to accurately diagnose your pet’s health problems when other diagnostic tests offer no clear answers. Using a powerful magnetic field and radio waves, an MRI exam produces detailed images of the inside of your pet’s body. This gives veterinarians precise views of organs and other body structures from multiple angles, which previously may have only been possible through exploratory surgery.

Images obtained through an MRI enable veterinarians to examine parts of your pet’s body that cannot not be viewed as accurately using other methods, such as x-ray, ultrasound, or CT (computed tomography). MRI is the tool of choice for obtaining images of soft tissue within your pet’s body, such as the brain, spinal cord, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Is MRI safe for your pet?

The MRI exam itself is perfectly safe. Unlike people, animals need to undergo anesthesia during an MRI. This is to ensure the animal is completely still throughout the exam, since any motion can produce blurred or unclear images. While MRI itself is safe for animals, anesthesia may pose some risks, particularly if your pet has pre-existing medical conditions.

To ensure maximum safety for your pet, all Companion MRI locations are embedded within 24/7 acute care centers with access to full veterinary capabilities and emergency resources. Specially trained veterinary and imaging specialists carefully monitor your pet throughout the course of the MRI procedure. Should any complications arise while your pet is under anesthesia, emergency personnel and resources are immediately available onsite to provide care as needed.

MRI has an added advantage over other imaging methods, such as x-ray and CT, in that it does not involve the delivery of ionizing radiation that may pose health risks to your pet.

What is included in an MRI exam?

When you bring your pet to Companion MRI, we provide complete care to ensure the safety of your pet and fast, reliable results. The exam usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes and results are sent to your veterinarian within 24 hours.

Each exam at Companion MRI includes the following:

• A medical evaluation of your pet in preparation for anesthesia.
• Intensive monitoring and personal care for your pet before, during, and after the MRI. Our staff uses sophisticated medical devices to continually monitor the vital signs and status of your pet.
• A licensed veterinarian to oversee the administration of anesthesia to your pet.
• Onsite emergency medical personnel and resources, if needed.
• Interpretation of your pet’s MRI results by a board-certified veterinary radiologist with extensive experience in MRI.

How do you make an appointment?

You will need a referral from your veterinarian in order to schedule an appointment for your pet. After you speak with your veterinarian, we can quickly schedule an MRI exam at a time that is convenient for you.