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Magnetic Resonance Imaging

For years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been the gold standard in human and veterinary medicine for imaging of the nervous system. We understand this and the importance of state-of-the-art imaging in the science of veterinary neurology and in the health of every one of our patients.

Often, including an MRI in our diagnostic assessment provides us with a more accurate diagnosis for both surgical and medical neurology cases allowing us to provide a more specific treatment plan and improved outcomes.

MRI is Non-Invasive, Rapid and Thorough

Using MRI allows our team to provide a more accurate diagnosis and to differentiate between conditions that may necessitate surgery and those that do not. When used with other diagnostic testing, it can also allow us to differentiate between structural, infectious and neoplastic causes of disease, all of which require different treatment. At BVNS we offer onsite MRI at all our locations through our imaging partner, Bush Advanced Veterinary Imaging. Having onsite MRI allows us to quickly and easily provide MRI to our patients, often on the same day as their initial appointment. 

If you are a client whose pet is going to undergo an MRI at a BVNS location, please review this important "What You Can Expect" information sheet on the procedure. 

MRI and Other Diagnostic Imaging Options

"In contrast, computed tomography (CT) and myelography, are both based on older X-ray technology. Myelography is a time-consuming and technically-difficult procedure involving the placement of a needle next to or through the spinal cord and the injection of an agent, which can cause seizure, a worsening of neurological grade, and death from arachnoid hemorrhage in the brain."

- Excerpt from "Spinal Cord Imaging: Why Use MRI?"

At BVNS, we will consider all diagnostic options that are appropriate for a patient and discuss these options with the client. While other options may be considered, it is important to note that in comparison to many of these options MRI is vastly superior and safer.

For these reasons, we will often recommend it over options such as computed tomography and myelography. For important information on why we use MRI and a comparison between MRI and the other available options, please review this important handout or contact us and we'll be happy to answer your questions!