We were reminded this week, unfortunately, that MRIs are not just for people any more. One of our co-workers has a beautiful six-year-old brindle bullmastiff that began having seizures—and not just one now and then, but multiple times a day. A trip to the neurologist resulted in an order for a brain MRI. 
Unfortunately, the diagnosis was not good—a brain tumor that was large and inoperable. While our friend is heartbroken, she’s also relieved that she knows exactly what’s wrong, what to expect, and roughly how much time she has left with Poudre.
As America’s obsession with pets continues to grow—from pet hotels and day spas, to gourmet treats and diets—pet health care is also getting more sophisticated. Pet MRIs can now be found in veterinary and animal specialty practices. It’s non-invasive and offers the best contract resolution.
Vets are using MRIs to evaluate:
- The nervous system and explore neural tissue disorders, including the brain, spinal chord and peripheral nerves.
- Muscles, ligaments and tendons.
- The extent and margins of soft tissue lesions
- Chronic wounds and potential foreign bodies within the wounds
- Nasal/ paranasal sinus, orbital and ear disorders
Animals requiring an MRI must be sedated with anesthesia, since immobility is necessary. In addition, most vets require blood work and a lung X-ray prior to an MRI. It’s important to remember if a pet has a microchip, it could cause local artifact. Likewise, if metal is located close to the area of interest, image interpretation could also be affected. In rare instances, a study might be non-diagnostic due to a metallic foreign body in the patient.
MRIs Are Now Affordable for Veterinary Clinics
It’s common knowledge in the “human” medical field that refurbished and a pre-owned MRI can deliver the MRI services a practice needs, at a much reduced cost than a new MRI. This also holds true for veterinary clinics. Refurbished and used MRIs are an affordable solution for veterinary care, and by having one at your clinic, you’ll be able to provide a higher level of treatment for pet owners. It also provides more peace of mind in an already stressful situation, as a pet doesn’t have to be sent off-site for imaging. An on-site MRI also provides a new revenue opportunity.
To find out more about the affordability of a used and refurbished MRI for your practice, talk to an expert like Atlantis Worldwide. Contact Aston Diaz at 212-366-9100 or email astondiaz@atlantisworldwide.com
Some blogs you may have missed:
- How Does that MRI Work?
- 8 Channel MRI vs. 4 Channel MRI—What is the Difference?
- Before You Order That MRI: A Checklist
- How to Choose the Best Veterinary CT Scanner for your Practice
- Your Roadmap to the Perfect MRI Installation
- Free MRI Resources
Meet the author: Vikki Harmonay
