Is an MRI Right for Your Dog? Exploring Benefits and Costs

Many people are familiar with advanced imaging technology in human medicine, but they may be surprised to hear their veterinarian say their dog needs an MRI. While it wasn’t that long ago that MRI machines were almost unheard of in veterinary medicine, today, they are widely used and can aid in diagnosing numerous medical conditions. Let’s discuss some common reasons your dog might need an MRI, potential dog MRI costs and considerations, and the veterinary MRI process.

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What is an MRI?

The commonly used abbreviation MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. MRI machines use magnets and radio waves to produce detailed diagnostic imaging in a non-invasive way. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, two other common forms of diagnostic imaging tools, MRIs do not use radiation.

MRI technology creates a magnetic field that aligns protons within the body. Radio waves then displace these protons out of alignment. As they return to their original position, they emit energy signals, which the machine reads and uses to create detailed images of what's going on inside the body.

History of MRI in veterinary medicine

MRI technology has been used in human medicine since the 1970s, but outside of rare instances, it wasn’t used in veterinary medicine until the 1990s. Even then, it was not widely available. Animal patients were typically transferred to a university hospital to access an MRI machine.

Today, with advancements in specialty veterinary medicine, especially in the field of neurology, the use of MRI for dogs and cats has grown exponentially. MRI has become the gold standard for diagnosing brain and spinal cord disorders. While you still won’t find an MRI machine at every vet clinic, a growing number of specialty veterinary hospitals nationwide with in-house MRI machines have made this technology much more accessible.

Why would a dog need an MRI?

There are many reasons your veterinarian might recommend an MRI for your dog. Veterinary MRI scans are used to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of many medical conditions:

• Neurological disorders such as seizures, strokes, meningitis, and encephalitis
• Brain and spinal cord injuries or tumors
• Degenerative conditions like intervertebral disc disease and degenerative myelopathy
• Traumatic injuries from falls or hit-by-car accidents
• Injuries to the joints, tendons, and ligaments
• Unexplained pain or lameness (not showing on other diagnostic imaging tools like X-ray or CT scan)
• Developmental abnormalities
• Tumors and masses
• Disorders of the eyes or middle ear
• Orthopedic injuries

The MRI procedure for dogs

For example, like a human MRI, dogs are scanned in a donut-shaped machine. However, when it comes to veterinary magnetic resonance imaging, anesthesia is needed to keep patients still for precise imaging and to prevent anxiety or stress.

Dogs are typically put under general anesthesia during a veterinary MRI, so there may be a pre-screening process to assess any risks. This includes a physical exam and blood work. Additional tests may be needed depending on any health issues your dog might have.

During the MRI procedure, which usually lasts about 60 to 120 minutes, a veterinary team will monitor your dog to ensure they're safe while under anesthesia. After the scan is complete, your dog will be moved to a recovery area, monitored, and kept comfortable while they awaken.

MRI aftercare and results

While the veterinarian overseeing your dog’s care may have some preliminary findings to share with you, in most cases, the MRI scan will be sent to a veterinary radiologist for a complete diagnostic report. Depending on the radiology service, results could take up to a day or two. But if your dog is in critical condition, stat reads are typically available, and/or the vet overseeing the case will usually have enough information to determine if something like emergency surgery is necessary.

Once your veterinarian has the results, they’ll discuss the findings, the potential diagnosis, and the next steps with you. In some cases, further diagnostic testing may be needed; in others, the diagnosis may be clear enough to discuss treatment options.

Risks and considerations

Like all procedures, MRIs come with some considerations that pet owners may need to make, including potential risks, costs, and accessibility.

Dog MRI safety risks

While the MRI procedure is safe and non-invasive, all anesthetic procedures can be risky. Your vet will determine your dog’s individual risk level based on their age, size, breed, health status, and the results of their pre-screening exam and blood work. Your vet will discuss the risks, precautions, and whether they feel your pet is a good candidate to undergo anesthesia for an MRI.

Certain types of metals can also interfere with the imaging or create a potential complication. It is typically recommended that patients with newly placed microchips or certain types of orthopedic implants wait three months before having an MRI scan. Dogs suspected of having ingested a metallic foreign body or having a gunshot wound will also not be good candidates for an MRI.

Dog MRI cost and accessibility

For some pet owners, the cost and accessibility of MRI services can be a big hurdle. While veterinary MRI is more accessible than ever, it is still a specialty service that is not available everywhere. In rural areas, the nearest veterinary MRI might be several hours away.

Cost is another limiting factor for many pet owners. MRIs are one of the most costly forms of veterinary diagnostics, averaging $2,000 to $6,000, but some can be even more. This is because MRI machines are expensive to purchase and maintain, require specially trained staff to operate, and require patients to undergo anesthesia. In many cases, a specialist will also be involved with your dog’s MRI evaluation, diagnosis, and aftercare, which can add to the total cost.

Does pet insurance cover MRI scans?

Some pet insurance plans cover MRIs, and some don’t; it largely depends on the type of policy and why the MRI is being ordered. Most comprehensive coverage plans, also known as accident and illness plans, cover MRIs to aid in diagnosing and treating injuries or illnesses, as long as they are not pre-existing. Some accident-only plans cover MRIs when they are needed for diagnosing and treating accidental injuries, such as to detect internal injuries in a dog that was hit by a car or suffered a fall.

Deciding whether to get an MRI for your dog

MRI offers some of the most detailed diagnostic imaging currently available in veterinary medicine and can be the key to diagnosing and treating many complex conditions.

Moving forward with an MRI can be a big decision for some pet owners, especially if accessibility and cost are determining factors. Still, it’s essential to discuss this with your veterinarian. They can help you make an informed decision based on your pet’s condition, refer you to the best hospital for an MRI, and may even have veterinary financing information for you to explore.

There may be a few different ways to facilitate and finance your pet’s MRI, so it’s important to review all of your options before making a final decision.