Lynks Group offers both Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) imaging for your pets. The type of diagnostic imaging your pet needs will be determined by your referring veterinarian after consultation with the radiologist.
MRIs are non-invasive, non-painful imaging scans that can be used to visualize the details of your pet’s internal body structures. MRI images are generated by using a magnetic field and therefore, do not expose your pet to any ionizing radiation. The body areas scanned are used to construct computer generated images that can be reviewed by a radiologist. MRI imaging requires that the patient remain perfectly still. This is achieved in pets by using sedation for the duration of the imaging procedure. MRIs are useful for providing images with good contrast of the body’s soft tissues (i.e. muscles, spine, brain, etc.). Once an MRI is complete, the radiologist will then review the CD containing all of the images gathered. After the radiologist has been able to review all of the images and generate a detailed report, they will contact your referring veterinarian to let them know the results of the MRI study and to discuss your pet’s case. Your veterinarian will then call you to discuss the MRI findings, possible treatment options, and to help answer your questions. Your referring veterinarian will be sent a CD of the MRI study along with a radiology report.
CTs are also non-invasive, non-painful imaging scans. CT images are generated by a computer that processes a series of radiographs taken into a 3-D image of the body area of interest. Since CT scans are composed of a series of radiographs, your pet will be exposed to ionizing radiation. The amount of radiation your pet is exposed to will depend on many factors (i.e. type of scan, size of your pet, duration of scan, resolution required, etc.). The 3-D images generated of the body areas scanned can then be reviewed by a radiologist. CT imaging requires that the patient remain perfectly still. This is achieved in pets by using sedation for the duration of the imaging procedure. CTs are useful for providing images to identify calcifications, tumors, areas of bone trauma, hemorrhages, ligament injuries, etc. Once a CT is complete, the radiologist will review the images gathered. Once the radiologist has been able to review the images, they will contact your referring veterinarian to let them know the results of the CT and to discuss your pet’s case. Your veterinarian will then call you to discuss the CT findings, possible treatment options, and to help answer your questions. Your referring veterinarian will be sent a CD of the CT study along with a radiology report.
• Please bring a referral request completed by your veterinarian (along with other pertinent information like blood work, recent history, etc.) or request that they send us one by fax or e-mail.
• If radiographs have previously been obtained by your veterinarian relating to your pet’s current condition, please bring the radiographs with you to the appointment or have your referring veterinarian send them to us digitally.
1. Does my dog or cat need to be sedated for an MRI? Yes. Your pet will need be sedated for the duration of the MRI procedure. Your pet will have an IV catheter and be intubated. During the entire duration of the MRI, your pet will have Dr. Caroline Horn, a Veterinarian who is an anesthetist, in the room with them to ensure that they are continually monitored. Sedation is required to ensure that the animal remains perfectly still during the MRI imaging procedure to ensure diagnostic quality imaging.
2. When will I know the results of the MRI? Typically the MRI study is reviewed by the radiologist within 1-2 days following the MRI. Since there are many images gathered during the MRI procedure, the radiologist will need the appropriate time to carefully review the study in its entirety. The radiologist will let your referring veterinarian know of the MRI results and send them a copy of the MRI with a detailed report. Your referring veterinarian will contact you with the radiologist’s findings and help you decide on the next appropriate diagnostic or therapeutic steps for your pet.
3. How do I know if my pet needs an MRI or a CT? Your veterinarian will discuss your pet’s case with the radiologist to determine the appropriate imaging modality. Your veterinarian will then be able to inform you which type of imaging will be the best diagnostic tool for your pet’s current condition.
4. Can I take my pet home after an MRI or CT? Yes.
5. How much do MRIs cost? Please call Peak Veterinary Referral Center at 802.878.2022 to ask about current pricing.