INFORMATION FOR VETERINARIANS
These seem to be the most common questions we get from veterinarians...
When is MRI indicated?
If visualization of the disease will make a difference to diagnosis, prognosis, and especially TREATMENT then MRI is indicated.
Can MRI see (fill in the organ or disease)?
If the disease causes a macroscopic change (bigger than a grain of rice) MRI can see it. The modality cannot see microscopic, most metabolic or physiologic diseases. Some metabolic or physiologic diseases do cause macroscopic lesions that would be detected.
Can MRI replace a biopsy?
MRI will show the extent of the disease, but for a histologic diagnosis, a biopsy is needed.
Is anesthesia necessary?
The animal cannot move (other than normal respiration and blood flow) so anesthesia or heavy sedation is required in all but comatose animals.
When is MRI indicated?
If visualization of the disease will make a difference to diagnosis, prognosis, and especially TREATMENT then MRI is indicated.
Can MRI see (fill in the organ or disease)?
If the disease causes a macroscopic change (bigger than a grain of rice) MRI can see it. The modality cannot see microscopic, most metabolic or physiologic diseases. Some metabolic or physiologic diseases do cause macroscopic lesions that would be detected.
Can MRI replace a biopsy?
MRI will show the extent of the disease, but for a histologic diagnosis, a biopsy is needed.
Is anesthesia necessary?
The animal cannot move (other than normal respiration and blood flow) so anesthesia or heavy sedation is required in all but comatose animals.
