Can I be in the room during the MRI?

Your pet's well-being is very important to us. We will prepare your pet for and care for them during the MRI with the same discipline and seriousness of any complex surgical procedure. It is especially important to avoid interruptions and possible distractions to allow the Companion MRI veterinary staff and MRI technologist to fully concentrate on caring for your pet and performing the MRI expediently and properly. The MRI will be completed much more rapidly when only trained staff is present. Of course, you are welcome to wait in our offices during the procedure. We will be happy to let you be with your pet as soon as he or she wakes up.

What happens when I bring my pet in for an MRI?

The Companion MRI Regional Diagnostic Center provides a reception area you can use during your pet's MRI. The entire process will take between two to three hours.

If you don't want to wait, you can leave your pet with us and schedule a time to return after the procedure. If you leave the center, please make sure our staff has an immediate contact phone number in the event of a question or scheduling change.

After you enter our facility, the following will take place:

  • The staff veterinarian will answer any questions you may have and perform a physical exam before anesthetizing your pet.
  • If needed, your pet will be given a mild sedative and pain killer. Both are very safe.
  • An intravenous catheter will be placed for the administration of anesthetic agents. Hair around the catheter site will be clipped.
  • Your pet will be anesthetized and the MRI performed.
  • Following the MRI, your pet will be moved to a warm, comfortable recovery area. Once your pet has recovered from the anesthesia, they will be ready to go home.
  • A board-certified veterinary radiologist will review the images and provide a written report. The report will be sent to your veterinarian between 24-48 hours.
  • When your pet is discharged, one of the veterinary staff will discuss care at home following anesthesia in detail.

Hospitalization is not necessary after an MRI. Your pet will go home after the MRI has been performed and they have recovered from the anesthesia.