Lynks Group offers both Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) imaging for your patients. Please call and talk to a radiologist to help determine which type of diagnostic imaging your patient may need.
MRIs are non-invasive, non-painful imaging scans that can be used to visualize the details of a patient’s internal body structures. MRI images are generated by using a magnetic field and therefore, do not expose a patient 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 reviewed all of the images and generated a detailed report, they will contact you, the referring veterinarian, to let you know the results of the MRI study and to discuss your patient’s case. You, the referring veterinarian, will be responsible for calling your client to discuss the MRI findings, possible treatment options, and to help answer their questions. You 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, the patient will be exposed to ionizing radiation. The amount of radiation the patient 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. After the radiologist has reviewed the images, they will contact you, the referring veterinarian, to let you know the results of the CT and to discuss your patient’s case. We will ask that you call your clients to discuss the CT findings, possible treatment options, and to help answer their questions. You will be sent a CD of the CT study along with a detailed radiology report.
• If you have a patient that you would like to refer to us for an MRI or CT, please call 802.985.5315 to first discuss the case with a radiologist to determine which imaging modality will best suit your patient.
• Please send a referral form along with other pertinent patient history information (i.e. blood work, recent history, radiographs relating to current issue, etc.). Referral information can be sent to us by fax (802.985.5893) or by e-mail.
1. Does a patient need to be sedated for an MRI? Yes. Your patient will need to be sedated for the duration of the MRI procedure. The patient will have an IV catheter and be intubated. During the entire duration of the MRI, the patient will have a technician, 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 you, the referring veterinarian, know of the MRI results and send you a copy of the MRI with a detailed report. After talking to the radiologist, you will be asked to contact your client to make them aware of the radiologist’s findings and help them decide on the next appropriate diagnostic or therapeutic steps for their pet.
3. How do I know if my patient needs an MRI or a CT? You can call to speak with a radiologist to discuss your patient’s case to help determine the appropriate imaging modality.
4. Can my client take their pet home after an MRI or CT? Yes.
5. How much do MRIs cost? Please call to ask about current pricing.