Referring Veterinarians
What is MRI?
MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a relatively new imaging modality, only widely used in human medicine since the late 1980’s. MRI has been available to veterinary patients since the late 1990’s.
Very simply, MRI images tissue water content using magnetic gradients and radio signals. The major advantage of MRI is that it allows for imaging of tissues inside boney structures and solid organs. MRI is ideal for imaging any part of the body in which internal organ architecture needs to be visualized in order to diagnose disease.
In veterinary medicine, in our small animal patients, MRI has been used extensively in evaluation of the nervous system, nasal cavity, musculoskeletal system, tumors, abdominal organs and vessels.
When should I use an MRI?
MRI is a powerful imaging modality that allows us to safely and quickly gain both anatomical and functional information about our patients without the need for invasive procedures. MRI is appropriately used in both the diagnostic and treatment phases of care.
Primary Diagnosis
Any anatomic region that is not easily accessible surgically or a diagnosis cannot be reliably made with other modalities or tools
- Spine
- Brain
Complementary
A disease process in which cross–sectional imaging adds data that aids in diagnosis, treatment planning or prognosis
- Adrenal mass +/- regional vascular invasion
Problem Solving
A disease process or presentation that is uncommon in which further characterization may help solve a diagnostic dilemma
- Cystic mass extending into pelvic canal
Response to treatment
- Post-resection treatment
- Therapeutic response
When to Refer to MRI
When should I refer for an MRI?
Clinical signs or suspected disease process are both appropriate starting points when considering MRI.
Specific clinical signs that often warrant MRI:
- Seizures (early or late onset)
- Vestibular Symptoms (central or peripheral)
- Neck or Back Pain
- Paresis
- Ataxia
- Lameness
- Abnormal Nasal Drainage or Swelling
MRI Indications Sheet — Viewing this documents requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have Acrobat Reader, you can download it for free by clicking here.
Referral Process
A referral to Animal MRI can be completed many different ways. You may print the PDF version of the form and fax to us at 585-424-1335 or submit an online referral by clicking here. Please be sure to send referral form and applicable medical history as soon as possible.
Animal MRI is conveniently located at VSES allowing for ease of referral to multiple specialty disciplines and transfer if/when necessary. If you anticipate your patient needing additional services or would prefer a specialty consult prior to the MRI please refer to the VSR website for more information on referral services or contact VSR at 585-424-1260 and ask to speak with the referral coordinator for the service you would like to refer to.
How does the referral process work?
A referral can be made by completing the referral form.
- Outpatient MRIs are intended for “healthy” pets that do not require invasive procedures and are good anesthesia candidates. If you have a case that may need an invasive procedure (such as thoracentesis, CSR tap, biopsy, tracheostomy, mechanical ventilation, etc) in conjunction with the MRI, or where immediate care by a specialist will be needed, the patient will be best served to be referred to the Critical Care Service at VSR, for appropriate supervision and support for these procedures.
- If you have any questions or concerns about the case that you would like to review with the veterinarians overseeing the MRI, please call Animal MRI prior to the appointment being scheduled and ask to speak with the veterinarian overseeing MRIs.
- Once the referral form has been received your clients can schedule an appointment with us directly.
- All pertinent information, including medical record, results of recent blood work and electrocardiogram, should be faxed to Animal MRI in advance of your clients’ appointment. Please send all documents to us as soon as you make the recommendation to your client. Testing aged more than two weeks may need to be repeated.
- The day of the scan a veterinarian will review the referral letter, medical history and perform a physical exam prior to the MRI.
- If hospitalization or transfer to on of our specialty services is recommended a veterinarian will call you directly to discuss the case.
Payment is expected at time of service. Animal MRI accepts cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and Care Credit.
Referral Form
Referral Form — Viewing this documents requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have Acrobat Reader, you can download it for free by clicking here.
Results
We strive to provide referring veterinarians with accurate information in a timely manner.
- All images will be reviewed in detail by a veterinary board certified radiologist with years of experience interpreting MRI's.
- In most cases, the veterinary radiologist's report will be submitted to your office within 24 hours so that you can follow up with your client as quickly as possible. We would be happy to provide your office with copies of your patients' images.
- So that you retain complete control of case management, we will not discuss any test results or treatment options directly with your client. We will, however, be available to answer any questions you may have regarding the radiologist's report. We also share a disc of the images with your client.
Services and Cost
The price for a standard MRI is $1500.00. A stat request is an additional $200.00. If additional studies are necessary, they are $500.00.
Spine studies, specifically a Thoracic-Lumbar study, may be considered a double study on a larger dog due to the length of the spine. If the study will incur any additional charges, an Animal MRI staff member will discuss this with you before completing the MRI.
Case Studies
Case Studies Coming Soon.