Just like many diagnostic imaging procedures (e.g., myelogram, CT scan,
endoscopy), your pet will need to be anesthetized in order for them to stay
completely still (any small movements will blur the images). Therefore, before
your pet arrives at our center, we will have discussed having a pre-anesthetic
blood panel (CBC/chem.) done by your veterinarian, and fasted your pet the
night before the study.
When you arrive, we will answer any questions you may have. After we take
your pet back to the scanning area, the veterinarian will perform a
pre-anesthesia exam to make sure the heart and lungs sound healthy, and to
check for any issues that might arise during the procedure.
If your veterinarian has not already done so, we will shave a small area on a leg and place an IV catheter to administer medications for anesthesia and fluids during the scan. Our veterinarian will initiate the anesthesia, after which we’ll move your pet into the scan room and connect our specialized ventilator and monitoring equipment. Once we’re satisfied everything is going well, the scan will begin, and we will contact the radiologist to make sure they receive everything they need for a diagnosis. Most MRI scans take approximately 1-2 hours and CT scans take less than an hour to complete, depending on how many areas we are scanning and how subtle the problem(s), often called lesions, are to identify.
Following the scan, your pet will be moved to a warm, comfortable recovery area (often someone’s lap, if your pet will fit). Once your pet has recovered from the anesthesia, they will be ready to go home although they may still appear slightly dizzy. If report is requested by your veterinarian, radiologist will review the images and provide a written report, which will be sent to your veterinarian within 1-2 days.
Hospitalization is not typically necessary after a study unless surgery is expected. If hospitalization or transfer to a specialty service is recommended, that will be discussed with you and your veterinarian. In most cases your pet will go home soon after the scan has been performed and they have recovered from the anesthesia.
We accept payment through your veterinary clinic only. Therefore, we would not take any charges at the time of the scans. |
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