Information for Pet Owners

How can an MRI scan help my pet?

The results of the MRI will help your primary care veterinarian make a definitive diagnosis and offer you the best options for treating your pet.
MRI is an excellent imaging modality for soft tissue structures, we can obtain images of the brain, spinal cord, joints and the circulatory system in much more detail than with an X-ray or CT examination.
According to our current knowledge, this is the best way to examine the brain and the spinal cord.

What is an MRI and how does it work?

MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. It has been safely used in human medicine for over 20 years to image the internal structures of the body.
Unlike X-rays and CT, MRI does not use ionizing radiation. Instead, it uses magnetic fields and pulses of radio waves to temporarily and harmlessly energize molecules in your pet’s body. As they relax, these energized molecules give off a signal that’s made into an image by a computer.
The resulting image provides detailed information on structural and functional changes that might contribute to your pet’s disease.

What is a CT and how does it work?

CT stands for computed tomography. A CT uses a rotating X-ray tube to obtain images of a specific “slice” of the body..

How is CT different from an X-ray?

With an X-ray examination we obtain a two-dimensional image of a certain body part, where the organs and the structures are superimposed. CT avoids this phenomenon by producing three-dimensional images.

Will my pet become radioactive/emit radiation following the examination?

Your pet’s body will not emit any radiation following the examination.

Why has an MRI or CT been recommended for my pet?

Diagnosing disease in pets may be a difficult task. When simpler and more easily accessible diagnostic methods or tests yield no results, your veterinarian may need more detailed information from a CT and/or an MRI examination to be able to obtain a definitive diagnosis.

Is it necessary to carry out the examination under general anaesthesia?

Your pet should remain still throughout the examination so we can obtain high quality images. Any movement may negatively affect the success of the examination.
You will need to give your written consent before we perform general anaesthesia.

Will my pet be hospitalised for the night following the examination?

There is no need for hospitalisation. Your pet is ready to be taken home once it’s fully awake.

Will my cat/dog feel pain during the examination?

The examination is painless. In some cases animals may feel uncomfortable because of concurrent diseases. Your pet is placed comfortably during the examination.

Is MRI safe?

The safety of MRI has been tested in human medicine for 20 years. The rate of adverse events has been extremely low for the almost 8 million people undergoing MRI scans. The need for general anaesthesia poses a higher risk for pets. Although it is impossible to avoid 100% of complications associated with general anaesthesia, we strive to minimize the risks. We use medication that is recommended specifically for risk patients (young or old animals, concurrent diseases, hormonal diseases, diabetes mellitus, etc.).
For the safety of your pet:

• Your veterinarian will perform blood test and other examinations or tests and sends us the results so we can plan safe anaesthesia for your pet.
• Your pet is carefully monitored before, during and after general anaesthesia.

MHow long does a CT/MR examination take? When will I get the results?

An average scan takes between 35 and 75 minutes to perform. However the examination may be shorter or longer, depending on the body region that is imaged.
We will provide short information following the examination. The radiological results will be sent to you and your veterinarian within 3 workdays.
Please refer to your primary care veterinarian in every case! Your veterinarian will set up a definitive diagnosis and a therapeutic plan for your pet.

May I stay with my pet during the examination?

Your pet will be prepared for the examination in the same way as it would be prepared for surgical interventions. Since this is a complex procedure, it is important to avoid any factors that may interrupt the examination or distract our attention. The examination can be carried out far more quickly when only trained personnel are present.
In our waiting room you will not be far from your pet during the examination. You will be allowed to see your pet once it has recovered from anaesthesia.

How should I prepare my pet for the examination?

Pets having an MRI or CT must be anesthetized, which means they should not eat within 12 hours and not drink within 6 hours before the exam.
Ask your primary care veterinarian for instructions if your pet is on any medications.
Before starting the examination you are asked to sign a consents statement, asking for the examination to be performed and giving your consent to general anaesthesia. This is also the time to ask any questions you have about the examination.

What happens during the appointment at Medicopus Nonprofit Ltd.?

We will schedule an appointment for the examination. After arrival:

• Our veterinarian answers your questions and carries out a routine physical examination before anaesthesia.
• The hair is clipped on your pet’s leg and an intravenous catheter is placed: the anaesthetic medication will be administered through this catheter. Your pet is then intubated.
• Your pet is anaesthetised and the examination is carried out.
• Your pet is placed in a warm, comfortable room to recover from anaesthesia. Meanwhile you will receive short information regarding the examination.
• Once your pet is fully awake, it is ready to go home.
• The radiological report will be sent to the primary care veterinarian and the owner within 3 workdays, usually by e-mail.

Will the CT/MRI examination affect my pet’s behaviour?

Most animals will be quiet and a bit instable in movements following anaesthesia. It is normal for the animal to eat less than usual on the day of the examination. It will take 1 or 2 days to get back to normal. A mild cough may appear following anaesthesia because of the endotracheal tube. This usually resolves within a few days. However, if you observe anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Service and prices

The cost of imaging depends on the size of the animal, the number of examinations to be performed, the need for a contrast medium, etc.
The price includes:

• Preparation of the animal for anaesthesia
• Intensive monitoring before, during and after the imaging procedure
• Reading and forwarding of the result.

How do I schedule an appointment for an MRI or CT?

A referral/medical records are needed for the examination.
Once a referral has been arranged with your primary care veterinarian, we will shortly schedule an appointment with you.

When will I receive the results?

The radiological report will be sent to the primary care veterinarian and the owner within 3 workdays. Your veterinarian will set up a definitive diagnosis and a therapeutic plan for your pet.