INFORMATION FOR ANIMAL OWNERS
These seem to be the most common questions we get from animal owners...
Can you perform an MRI on my animal?
No, we don't own an MRI machine. Our job is to provide diagnostic consultation for veterinarians who have already done an MRI. If you suspect that your animal needs an MRI, the first step is to speak with your veterinarian. You can also consult our handy map to find an MRI facility near you.
What is a board-certified radiologist?
We are specialists in radiology, ultrasonography, CT/MRI, nuclear medicine, and radiation oncology for both small and large Animals. Clients routinely deal with specialists in human healthcare and are familiar with the concept of specialization and the consultation process. Owners appreciate consultations and/or referrals for specialized imaging, image interpretation or radiation therapy procedures. See Types of Imaging & Therapy for more information about these types of procedures. Many ACVR Radiologists and Radiation Oncologists in private practice work at "referral-only" animal hospitals. Such practices require that the primary care veterinarian contact the radiologist or radiation oncologist. In this way, the radiologist or radiation oncologist can be properly informed as to the patient's history and the scope of the current problem." (ACVR.org)
A more detailed description can be found on the American College of Veterinary Radiology's website.
Why does my animal need an MRI?
Unlike people, your animal can't tell us where it hurts. If common diagnostic procedures have failed to provide an answer, your animal may need an MRI. Knowing the cause of your pet's ailment can help you and your veterinarian decide what to do next. Many patients have gone on to successful surgery and have resumed an active life. In some cases, nothing further can be done to help the animal, but the owner has peace of mind that everything reasonable has been done. Here are some common themes we see in animals that are indicated for MRI:
1. Unusual changes in behavior such as circling, persistent head tilt, or depression
2. Seizures
3. Unsteady gait
4. Foot dragging
5. Back pain
6. Lameness of shoulder or knee
7. Chronic nasal discharge
8. Oral tumors
9. Cancer surgery planning to define the margins of a tumor
10. Pre-surgical check for metastatic disease
CT scans are less expensive. Should we do that instead?
CT and MRI are used for two very different purposes. CT is better for imaging bone structures, while MRI is superior for evaluating brain or spinal abnormalities, cancer staging, soft tissue imaging of muscle, and locating the cause of certain orthopedic disease.
Is MRI Safe for my pet?
MRI scanners have been safely used in animals and people for years. MRI uses strong magnetic fields to form images. Magnetic fields can interrupt function of pacemakers but is otherwise harmless. MRI studies should avoided in patients with pacemakers.
Why is it necessary to use anesthesia?
Anesthesia is usually necessary for CT and MR imaging procedures, as the patient must stay perfectly still for several minutes to acquire a good quality scan. The risks of anesthesia are generally low but vary with the age and individual medical state of the patient. We minimize anesthesia risks by choosing the safest methods possible and providing state of the art anesthesia and monitoring equipment monitored by experienced personnel.
Can you perform an MRI on my animal?
No, we don't own an MRI machine. Our job is to provide diagnostic consultation for veterinarians who have already done an MRI. If you suspect that your animal needs an MRI, the first step is to speak with your veterinarian. You can also consult our handy map to find an MRI facility near you.
What is a board-certified radiologist?
We are specialists in radiology, ultrasonography, CT/MRI, nuclear medicine, and radiation oncology for both small and large Animals. Clients routinely deal with specialists in human healthcare and are familiar with the concept of specialization and the consultation process. Owners appreciate consultations and/or referrals for specialized imaging, image interpretation or radiation therapy procedures. See Types of Imaging & Therapy for more information about these types of procedures. Many ACVR Radiologists and Radiation Oncologists in private practice work at "referral-only" animal hospitals. Such practices require that the primary care veterinarian contact the radiologist or radiation oncologist. In this way, the radiologist or radiation oncologist can be properly informed as to the patient's history and the scope of the current problem." (ACVR.org)
A more detailed description can be found on the American College of Veterinary Radiology's website.
Why does my animal need an MRI?
Unlike people, your animal can't tell us where it hurts. If common diagnostic procedures have failed to provide an answer, your animal may need an MRI. Knowing the cause of your pet's ailment can help you and your veterinarian decide what to do next. Many patients have gone on to successful surgery and have resumed an active life. In some cases, nothing further can be done to help the animal, but the owner has peace of mind that everything reasonable has been done. Here are some common themes we see in animals that are indicated for MRI:
1. Unusual changes in behavior such as circling, persistent head tilt, or depression
2. Seizures
3. Unsteady gait
4. Foot dragging
5. Back pain
6. Lameness of shoulder or knee
7. Chronic nasal discharge
8. Oral tumors
9. Cancer surgery planning to define the margins of a tumor
10. Pre-surgical check for metastatic disease
CT scans are less expensive. Should we do that instead?
CT and MRI are used for two very different purposes. CT is better for imaging bone structures, while MRI is superior for evaluating brain or spinal abnormalities, cancer staging, soft tissue imaging of muscle, and locating the cause of certain orthopedic disease.
Is MRI Safe for my pet?
MRI scanners have been safely used in animals and people for years. MRI uses strong magnetic fields to form images. Magnetic fields can interrupt function of pacemakers but is otherwise harmless. MRI studies should avoided in patients with pacemakers.
Why is it necessary to use anesthesia?
Anesthesia is usually necessary for CT and MR imaging procedures, as the patient must stay perfectly still for several minutes to acquire a good quality scan. The risks of anesthesia are generally low but vary with the age and individual medical state of the patient. We minimize anesthesia risks by choosing the safest methods possible and providing state of the art anesthesia and monitoring equipment monitored by experienced personnel.
