Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI

Most conditions affecting the brain or spinal cord are best assessed using an MRI. We may recommend a brain MRI if a pet shows seizures, balance problems, or behaviour changes, or MRI of the spine (neck and/or back) if a pet shows symptoms of weakness, pain, wobbly walking, or inability to walk.

Xrays and CT scans use ionising radiation to look at the internal structures of the body. While X-rays and CT scans are excellent for looking at the bones and lungs and for cancer screening, they aren’t very useful for evaluating the soft tissues of the brain or spinal cord, as all tissues appear grey. MRI accentuates various types of soft tissues, providing much better tissue resolution and showing problems that CT scans will miss.

Many neurological problems require MRI for a definitive diagnosis. By having both CT and MRI scanners in both hospitals, we can tailor our diagnostic plan for each patient.

Deciding whether a patient needs to be referred for a CT or MRI scan an be challenging. Our team will discuss your pet’s specific needs with you and your vet and determine which modality would be best to reach a diagnosis.

The MRI scanner is a essentially a giant magnet. Scans can take from 15-45 minutes. Patients must remain completely still for the entire MRI, so general anaesthesia is required. A veterinary nurse is always right by their side to ensure safety and monitor them closely during the procedure. Depending on the urgency, we may call you after an MRI scan to discuss moving a pet straight to surgery, for example a dog with a slipped disc causing paralysis.