Magnetic resonance imaging, also called MRI, is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses magnetic fields to look inside your pet without using x-rays or surgery. A computer uses the magnetic signal to create a picture of your pet’s internal body tissues.
MRI has been widely used in human diagnosis for years. With this technology, veterinarians now can more accurately determine the cause and location of many diseases. MRI identifies conditions such as cancer, infection and inflammation. Disorders of the brain and spinal cord are best evaluated with MRI. MRI is also used to evaluate the soft tissues around joints. MRI is completely painless and has no known side effects. However, your pet will need to remain perfectly still for about 45 minutes to complete the study. Therefore, general anesthesia is necessary to perform the MRI scan.
Until recently, MRI was not widely available in veterinary medicine. Many veterinary facilities use ‘low field’ scanners which may miss subtle, but significant, changes. At VICSD we use a high field’ MRI like those used at human hospitals.
The radiologists at VICSD have gone through several years of advanced training to learn how to interpret MRI studies. VICSD’s MRI team provides the best diagnostic service available inSan Diego. The staff of VICSD are well trained in anesthesia and use state of the art anesthetics and anesthesia monitoring equipment to ensure the safety of your pet.
