Dog MRI Cost

If your veterinarian recommended an MRI for your dog, you might want to know the cost. It can be very expensive, usually between $2,500 and $6,000, with around $2,300 as the most common price. MRI, means magnetic resonance imaging, is a safe and pain free method to see inside your dog’s body.

It uses strong magnets and special machines to make clear pictures. In this guide, we will clarify how much does a dog MRI cost?, factors affecting MRI cost, how long does a dog MRI take, and the reasons why is it important for diagnosing your dog’s health problems.

How Much Is An MRI Scan For A Dog?

On average, an MRI for a dog costs around $2,500 to $6,000.

Scans are expensive because MRI machines cost a lot, and many small vet clinics don’t have them. Your veterinarian will probably refer you to a hospital that has a dedicated imaging section and a radiologist.

What makes prices vary so much? The cost of an MRI can change based on which vet clinic you choose. It’s smart to compare prices at different locations to know the cheaper options

What Is an MRI?

MRI stands for “magnetic resonance imaging.” An MRI machine uses a strong magnet and radio waves to create pictures that show cross sections of the inside of the body. This is a non-invasive way for your vet to get clear images of what’s happening inside your dog.

MRIs are mainly used to look at areas that don’t show up well on X-rays or CT scans, especially the brain and spinal cord.

Types Of Mris For Dogs

There are two types of MRIs for dogs: low-field and high-field.

Low-field MRIs use a weaker magnetic field and are easier to set up, making them less expensive to install and maintain. However, they take longer to perform, which can mean more anesthesia is needed.

High-field MRIs are faster and require less time under anesthesia. They also produce clearer and more detailed images, which can lead to a more accurate diagnosis. Because of the size of the equipment, high-field MRIs tend to cost more.

Is Your Dog a Good Candidate for an MRI?

The need for MRI arises when your dog shows following symptoms that include:

Back or neck pain
Balance issues
Changes in behavior
Loss of movement
Seizures
Weakness

How Is MRI Different from X-ray or CT Scan?

MRI employs a powerful magnet and radio waves to produce clear images of soft tissues.

X-rays, on the other hand, utilize radiation to illustrate hard tissues such as bones. CT scans merge X-rays from various angles to generate cross-sectional views of the body.

In short, MRIs are optimal for examining soft tissues (such as the brain and muscles), whereas X-rays are effective for viewing bones, and CT scans provide a combination of both but involve radiation.

Why are Pet Scans So Expensive?

Here is more information on factors that impact dog MRI costs:

Location of the Vet Clinic: Prices can change depending on where the clinic is. Urban clinics usually charge more due to higher costs, while rural clinics might be cheaper.
Vet and Staff Charges: Different vets and staff may have different fees. Specialists or very experienced staff may have higher charges because of their skills.

Anesthesia Requirement: The amount of anesthesia needed varies with your dog’s size. Bigger dogs usually need more anesthesia, which can raise the total cost.
Number of Parts Examined: If the MRI scans multiple parts of the body, the cost will go up.

MRI Machine Type: There are different types of MRI machines. Low-field MRI machines are less expensive, but they might not provide as clear images as high-field machines, that are expensive

Technician Experience: If a licensed technician runs the MRI, their experience might raise the cost. More trained technicians provide better care and may yield more reliable results.
Post-MRI Care: If your dog needs monitoring after the MRI, there could be extra costs for overnight stays or additional care, affecting the final price.

All these factors are important in deciding the final cost of the MRI for dogs.

If you are interested to know the cost of MRI machine, let’s discuss that

How much does a pet MRI machine cost?

A common price for a PET scanner is about $225,000 for a basic model and can go up to $475,000 for a better scanning system. The most advanced PET/CT scanners can cost around $750,000.

How long Does a Dog MRI Take?

A dog MRI mostly takes around 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.

But, you will have to reach the clinic earlier, because it needs time to prepare your dog for the scan that involve anesthesia, and then they will monitor your dog afterward.

Therefore, expect to be at the clinic for several hours overall.

Is Pet MRI Safe?

If your pet has back problems, seizures, or cannot move, your vet may suggest getting an MRI. This test can help find out what is wrong and can make your pet feel better. An MRI is not painful and is seen as safe because it does not use radiation.

What are the Disadvantages of a PET MRI?

Let’s discuss what are the side effects of MRI in dogs:

Need for Anesthesia: An MRI needs general anesthesia, which can be dangerous for older or ill dogs. This also raises the price and complicates the process.

High Price: An MRI typically costs a lot more than other imaging options.

Not Best for Every Problem: While MRIs provide detailed pictures of the brain, spine, and ligaments, they might not be ideal for checking internal organs, fractures, or head injuries. Other imaging like X-rays or CT scans might work better.

Must Stay Still: Dogs have to stay completely still during the scan. If they move, it can blur the pictures and lead to more scans and anesthesia.

Dog Stress: The MRI machine and anesthesia requirements can cause stress for some dogs because they are in a strange place.

How Much Does an MRI Cost for Dog in Canada?

In Canada, a dog MRI may cost from $2,000 to $6,000. Prices can differ due to:

Location: The area of the veterinary clinic.
Facility Type: The type of veterinary practice.
Condition Complexity: The severity of your dog’s health problem.
Anesthesia: The quantity required, depending on your dog’s weight.
Regions Studied: The amount of body areas scanned.
Equipment Type: If a low-field or high-field MRI is utilized.
Operator Qualifications: Whether a certified technologist performs the MRI.
Hospitalization: If your dog requires an overnight stay for observation.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Dog MRIs?

Many pet insurance companies give facilities and reimburse your money for dog MRI. But to confirm that your pet insurance covers an MRI or not depends on your specific policy, so it’s important to review or consult your provider to avoid any misunderstanding.

Moreover, be aware that most pet insurance plans do not cover preexisting conditions and typically have a waiting period after purchase before you can make a claim. Therefore, it’s advisable to get pet insurance for your dog before you actually need it.

Is an MRI Worth it for a Dog?

Yes, MRI scans worth it. They can give your vet detailed pictures of your pet’s soft tissues like the brain, spinal cord, ligaments, tendons, and organs in the belly.

What Occurs When a Dog Undergoes an MRI?

In the MRI process, the vet will sedate your dog. Then, they will put your dog in a big machine that has a strong magnet. While the machine works, it sends radio waves into your dog’s body to make clear pictures.

Conditions That MRIs Can Help Find

If your dog has symptoms like limping, lameness, seizures, pain in joints or neck, back pain, or paralysis, your vet might recommend an MRI to understand what’s wrong.

MRIs can help diagnose different conditions in dogs, including:

Tumors on the spinal disc, herniated discs, or narrowing of the spine
Brain tumors, inflammation, or abscesses
Strokes
Bone and muscle diseases and injuries (like torn cranial cruciate ligament or shoulder issues)
Problems in the belly, such as large organs or tumors

MRIs can find problems that other tests, such as CT scans and x-rays, often miss, particularly related to the brain or spine.

This blog post has covered how much does a dog MRI cost. Although the dogs MRI cost is expensive but getting pet health insurance for your dog can help you be ready for any surprises.

So, get MRI done from a good clinic and get your dog treated.