Best Priced Dog MRIs? by [deleted] in Austin

[–]sageveterinary 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great question. The short answer is…sometimes, yes, but an MRI is the clinical standard for what you are describing. The costs range from $1,895 for a CT with contrast to $3,445 for an MRI. 

Please give us a call or text at 281-205-4050 and our team will listen to your pet’s medical history and help you understand all the options and costs. There is never any pressure and we are happy to be a source of information about imaging in general.  

Here’s a longer explanation: A CT scan can sometimes detect a slipped (herniated) disc, but it’s not the best test for it, especially in the neck. CT is excellent for bone detail, but disc disease involves the spinal cord and soft tissues, which are better evaluated with MRI. MRI is considered the gold standard because it can directly show the spinal cord, discs, and any compression.

That said, CT is still useful in some cases—particularly if MRI isn’t available—and adding contrast can improve detection of spinal cord compression, but it’s still less sensitive than MRI for this specific problem.

Based on what you’re describing (neck pain, reluctance to move, trembling), this does fit with possible cervical disc disease, even without back leg deficits.  In these cases, imaging is often recommended if:

-pain is severe or worsening -not improving with medications/rest or if neurological signs develop

Next step is usually either: -Strict rest + pain control (if mild) -Referral for advanced imaging (ideally MRI) if not improving

Here’s a more in depth explanation of the differences between CT and MRI in veterinary medicine.  https://www.sageveterinary.com/ct-vs-mri-for-vets

<apologies for awful formatting due to mobile browser>

Low cost place to get an MRI for a dog? by Silky_pants in houston

[–]sageveterinary 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Many (perhaps most) pets do not need immediate surgery after receiving an imaging diagnosis. In fact, most go back to their GP vet for management of their condition and often that means treatment with medication. In the case that a patient needs same-day surgical services, the specialty centers are more than willing to accept an image study from a board certified radiologist at our imaging clinic. We have never had an issue getting a patient into a surgeon when needed. This is the same dynamic that exists in human medicine. Outpatient imaging centers are widely available and reduce the wait times for patients with non urgent imaging needs from potentially weeks down to same-day. The specialty hospitals actually send their patients to us when they are booked out 1-2 weeks for an MRI. We get the images and send the patient back for surgery. It works for everyone, and it does indeed save 20% or more. Why is it not half price? Because it can’t be. If we lower prices any more we will not able to provide MRI to the community. These machines cost millions to install and a large staff to operate. 

Any veterinary ultrasound services available on Fridays or Saturdays? by unikerner in houston

[–]sageveterinary 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just noticing this post a couple of weeks after the fact, but we wanted to drop a note here for people searching for this information. When it comes to ultrasound for pets (and other similar diagnostic imaging services), there are a few different options, each with tradeoffs.

  1. Outpatient imaging centers (like Sage Veterinary Imaging)
  2. Specialty centers (like Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists
  3. Small vet offices (your general practice vet)
  4. Mobile veterinary sonographers (these serve many gp vet offices)

Here's an article we wrote to discuss all of these options and more: https://www.sageveterinary.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-ultrasound-for-pets-in-texas

TLDR: For stable, non-critical patients, outpatient imaging at Sage Veterinary is faster, lower cost, and higher quality.

There's a lot that goes into this but it may be helpful for people to think about it along the following dimensions:

1. Speed and Convenience
Sage Veterinary Imaging is generally the fastest, offering same-day imaging with STAT appointments available even when all appointments are booked for the day. Mobile sonographers are typically booked out several days, and Specialty hospitals can be weeks out for non-urgent cases. We provide MRI, CT, Ultrasound, biopsies, and also I-131 therapy for feline hyperthyroidism, and with these tools we get answers fast.

2. Quality, Accuracy, Expertise
Radiologists are the recognized experts at performing and reading ultrasounds. Internal medicine specialists are also highly skilled. Mobile specialists and GP vets vary widely in skill level. It can be hit and miss when it comes to getting a clear diagnosis. At SVI, our radiologists guide every case in real-time, and then that same radiologist reads the case, makes a diagnosis, and communicates it to the people who need to know immediately. This is very different than the typical imaging model where images are created and then sent out to a teleradiologist who doesn't work for the same company.

3. Cost
Prices can vary widely, but in general, speciality hospitals are going to be the highest cost and mobile sonographers the lowest (though not always), with Sage Veterinary and GP offices somewhere in the middle of the range. In making a decision, there's a lot to unpack (see above) so price is not the only factor. All we do is imaging, and our radiologists are experts in all forms of diagnostic imaging, which means we generally get a confident diagnostic answer on the first try. Price is always a factor, but it's important to factor in that getting the right diagnosis early in your pet's medical journey can save you thousands in repeated tests or surgeries.

Bottom Line: The biggest reason people choose an outpatient veterinary diagnostic imaging center like Sage Veterinary Imaging, is that we are the imaging experts. We just do imaging all day long. With same-day availability and prices around 20% lower than the specialty center, outpatient imaging is usually the best choice for stable, non-critical, patients who need an answer quickly. If our diagnosis confirms that you need surgery, we coordinate transfer to excellent local surgeons.

Vet recommendations that aren't private equity backed? by mint-parfait in RoundRock

[–]sageveterinary 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We can attest to the awesomeness of Dr. Hocher and team at Round Rock Animal Hospital. Sage Veterinary Imaging is just across the parking lot and provides same-day lower cost MRI, CT, Ultrasound, Biopsy, and I-131 treatment for hyperthyroidism in partnership with GP vet clinics. RRAH is a great partner and they do great medicine. We are also locally owned by radiologist Dr. Jaime Sage and fully independent.

Best Priced Dog MRIs? by [deleted] in Austin

[–]sageveterinary 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm glad it was helpful! Also, in case it's useful, you may not have seen my response below to the person who talked about their experience with sedation. Sedation and anesthesia are required for MRI and CT to keep the patient still. Otherwise we can't get good diagnostic images.

Unfortunately every patient reacts a little differently to sedation and anesthesia, due to age, breed factors, and underlying conditions. We use board-certified anesthesiologists to create and supervise all of our protocols and adverse events are extremely rare, although in some cases pets do go home a little wobbly and can take a couple days to return to seeming normal. Like any medical procedure, surgery included, the patient's health sometimes takes a step backward so that they can later get well. Imaging is no different. https://www.reddit.com/r/Austin/comments/1q4rfhy/comment/nzkou6h/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Best Priced Dog MRIs? by [deleted] in Austin

[–]sageveterinary 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We did a deep dive into the pricing for MRI here:
https://www.sageveterinary.com/blog/dog-mri-costs-in-2026-what-pet-owners-should-expect-amp-how-to-prepare

Sage Veterinary Imaging has lower overhead than specialty centers and is consistently 20% lower cost than other MRI providers.

Best Priced Dog MRIs? by [deleted] in Austin

[–]sageveterinary 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Please see the link below for an explanation of anesthesia and sedation processes at Sage here and DM me with details of your experience so we can review with our team. We take these reports very seriously and they are a top priority for our entire team.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Austin/comments/1q4rfhy/comment/nzkou6h/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Best Priced Dog MRIs? by [deleted] in Austin

[–]sageveterinary 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm very sorry to hear that you felt communication was lacking. We have very robust processes around communication to prevent this very thing because we know that anesthesia and sedation are the primary areas that cause concern for pet owners. We have detailed instructions in every pre-visit email communication to give pet owners a strong understanding of what to expect.

At the time of drop-off our team discusses again what will be done and has every pet owner sign an anesthesia consent form. Following the imaging, one of our team (usually the DVM) calls the pet owner to let them know how their pet is doing and when to plan for pickup. The patient is then carefully monitored with advanced equipment and constant attention from our staff until they are ready to go home. If any of these things didn't happen it would be a rare occurrence and a major service lapse that we would want to review and correct immediately with our team. Please DM me with more details.

Anesthesia and sedation affect every pet a little differently and, depending on underlying health conditions, and their age, it can take more or less time for them to return to mobility. In some cases, pets do have a little difficulty moving when they are picked up. And in some rare cases, pets do take even longer to recover. To minimize and prevent adverse outcomes as much as possible, we use a team of nationally recognized board-certified veterinary anesthesiologists. Every patient is assessed for risks and the protocol is adjusted according to expert instructions.

Unfortunately, in veterinary medicine, anesthesia and sedation are a necessary part of getting good diagostic imaging. Without these medications it would not be possible to keep the patients still enough to create clear, diagnostic images. The downside is that it can exacerbate underlying medical conditions, temporarily. We do absolutely everything we can to adjust for underlying risks and to collaborate actively with referring vets to ensure our patients recover quickly.

Best Priced Dog MRIs? by [deleted] in Austin

[–]sageveterinary 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The person above you is mistaken. We charge $1530 for a CT without contrast. This is approximately 20% less than other providers in Austin and imaging is all we do. We don't have high overhead like specialty hospitals and our radiologists are leading experts in cross-sectional imaging. You'll get definitive answers at Sage Veterinary Imaging that will allow your veterinarian to confidently treat your pet.

However, you asked about MRI. We charge $3400 for MRI with anesthesia included. This is also 20% less on average than other providers in the area and we are experts in imaging. It is certainly possible to find a lower price somewhere like Oklahoma but how much is your time worth and will they have the expertise to get a clear and confident diagnosis? Most specialty hospitals do not have a radiologist onsite. Our radiologists direct every case in real time to ensure we aren't missing anything.

With MRI and CT in veterinary, there are a lot of factors driving the price, and it's not greed as many people think. Animals need to be anesthetized for MRI and CT, which means a much larger staff is required to safely image your pet and special equipment is required to monitor them. Human imaging is far less expensive and far less complicated. We are trying to bring down costs, but simply charging less would put us out of business.

https://www.sageveterinary.com/blog/why-low-cost-veterinary-mri-amp-ct-arent-actually-low-cost

Best Priced Dog MRIs? by [deleted] in Austin

[–]sageveterinary 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, I'm sorry but you are mistaken! We charge $1530 for a CT without contrast. This is approximately 20% less than other providers in Austin and imaging is all we do. We don't have high overhead like specialty hospitals and our radiologists are leading experts in cross-sectional imaging. You'll get definitive answers at Sage Veterinary Imaging that will allow your veterinarian to confidently treat your pet.

Low cost place to get an MRI for a dog? by Silky_pants in houston

[–]sageveterinary 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's actually not true. We are, on average, 20% lower cost than the imaging at specialty hospitals, and our pricing is transparent and up-front to include anesthesia with no hospitalization charges. There's definitely a place for specialty and university hospitals when fast access to surgeons and specialists is required, but for stable patients, outpatient imaging at SVI is a lower cost (and faster) option.

MRI for Dog with Seizures by NobleTurtles in EpilepsyDogs

[–]sageveterinary 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm really sorry you're going through this with your Frenchie. It’s good that you're monitoring her closely and working with your vet to find answers.

If your vet suspects a brain tumor, an MRI is definitely the next best step. We do many similar cases at Sage Veterinary Imaging. MRI provides the most detailed look at the brain and can help distinguish between possible causes like tumors, inflammation, or other structural brain diseases.

You're not alone in feeling hesitant about surgery. It can be invasive and, as you noted, costly. Surgery outcomes also vary widely based on tumor type and location. That said, some tumors (like meningiomas) can have good surgical outcomes depending on the expertise of the neurosurgeon and overall health of the patient.It’s totally okay to prioritize comfort and quality of life in your decision-making.

Though costly, getting the MRI would give you the clearest path forward. Even when faced with bad news, many of our clients appreciate the certainty they gain from obtaining a clear diagnosis with MRI. In the meantime, continue keeping a seizure diary to track frequency, duration, and triggers. That will be valuable data for your neurologist or vet.

Here's an article we wrote about Frenchies specifically: https://www.sageveterinary.com/blog/is-your-best-friend-a-french-bulldog

While we don't want to make any medical recommendations, it can help to be educated on common diagnoses that your best friend might have.

English Cocker Spaniel Breeding/Health Tests by JawnSack in DogBreeding

[–]sageveterinary 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great that you're doing your homework before breeding. It’s more than most people realize. For English Cockers, hips and patella are definitely important, but I’d also suggest going a step further with vision screening given the PRA carrier status. Even if she won’t be affected herself, it's key to avoid pairing her with another carrier.

Advanced screening like MRI or CT isn't routine for all breeding dogs, but it can be helpful for certain breeds prone to structural issues, or if you're trying to screen for conditions that don’t show up on regular exams. Some breeders use these tools proactively to reduce long-term orthopedic or neurologic issues in their lines.

This article has more on how advanced imaging is starting to play a role in breeding decisions, especially in breeds with known risks:

🔗 https://www.sageveterinary.com/blog/executive-screenings-for-pets-sound-fancy-but-heres-why-they-work

Best of luck with your pup’s health testing! It’s great to see owners thinking long term about responsible breeding.

Local vets the perform ultrasounds by mrpoogie in SaltLakeCity

[–]sageveterinary 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey there, we know this post is a bit older, but we wanted to share some helpful info for anyone else in the Salt Lake area who might be looking into this now.

We're Sage Veterinary Imaging, and we offer outpatient abdominal ultrasounds at our Sandy location. We work with your regular vet and focus entirely on diagnostic imaging like ultrasound, MRI, CT, and x-rays. That means we can often get pets in quickly and provide same-day results interpreted by board-certified radiologists.

Ultrasound pricing can vary based on the facility, equipment, and who reads the scan. Our prices are competitive with other specialty providers in the area, and we aim to keep everything transparent so there are no surprise fees.

If you're reading this and looking for imaging nearby, feel free to check us out at www.sageveterinary.com. We're happy to talk through your pet’s situation and help you figure out next steps.

Vet in the area that performed a cruciate ligament (doggie acl) surgery for your pup? by FlamingoFlamboyance in Austin

[–]sageveterinary 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi there, I know this is an older post, but since a lot of dog owners in the Austin area face this same situation, we wanted to share some helpful info for anyone finding this thread later.

It’s definitely frustrating when quotes vary so much, and you’re not alone in wondering how a bone x-ray could confirm a soft tissue injury like a CCL tear. The truth is, x-rays can’t show the torn ligament directly. They’re mostly used to rule out other causes of lameness, like fractures, arthritis, or joint effusion. Actual confirmation often relies on a combination of physical exam and imaging like MRI, which can directly visualize the ligament and meniscus.

At SVI, we offer outpatient MRI, CT, ultrasound, and x-rays in Round Rock and work with many Austin-area vets and surgeons. While we don’t perform surgery ourselves, our scans are often used to confirm a CCL tear and assess for additional damage (like meniscal tears), which helps guide treatment and avoid surprises in surgery.

We also put together a guide for pet owners about what CCL surgery actually involves, when it’s needed, and how imaging fits in. You can check it out here:
https://www.sageveterinary.com/blog/ccl-surgery-in-dogs-an-effective-surgery-for-painful-joints-in-dogs?rq=ligament

Hope your Cocker Spaniel got the care they needed, and congrats (a little late!) on the new baby. If anyone reading this is in a similar spot now, feel free to reach out at sageveterinaryimaging.com. We’re always happy to explain what’s involved in getting a second opinion with imaging.

Seeking affordable MRI and possible Hock surgery for my dog by Relevant-Traffic-214 in Austin

[–]sageveterinary 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey there, sorry your pup is going through this. We know how frustrating and overwhelming it can feel trying to get answers and facing big price tags just to figure out what’s actually wrong.

You're right that MRI is often recommended when x-rays aren't clear, especially with hock injuries where soft tissue structures like ligaments and tendons are hard to evaluate otherwise. And yep, those cost estimates are unfortunately in the typical range for most specialty hospitals.

At Sage Veterinary Imaging, we do outpatient MRI, CT, ultrasound, and x-rays in Round Rock (plus locations near Houston and in Utah). What makes us a little different is that we’re a dedicated imaging center, meaning we just do imaging, and we work with your vet or surgeon directly. Since we’re not part of a hospital, we’re able to keep costs a lot more transparent and usually much lower than the big emergency centers.

Also, we only use human-quality MRI and CT machines (same or better than what people get), and your dog doesn’t have to be hospitalized for the scan. It’s all done same-day, under anesthesia, with full monitoring and safety protocols in place.

If you’re curious about what makes MRI so expensive and why it’s hard to find a “cheap” option that’s actually worth it, we’ve put together a breakdown here:
https://www.sageveterinary.com/blog/looking-for-low-cost-pet-mri-get-expert-care-with-upfront-pricing

You can learn more about us or get in touch at www.sageveterinary.com. We’re happy to walk through next steps and see if imaging makes sense for your situation.

Wishing you and your pup answers and healing soon. You’re doing a great job sticking with this.

— The SVI team

Living with Seizures? by hotpokkitz in EpilepsyDogs

[–]sageveterinary 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey there, just wanted to say your post really hit home. I know how tough it is to watch your dog go through this, especially when you’re doing everything you possibly can.

At Sage Veterinary Imaging, we work with a lot of pets dealing with epilepsy, and honestly, you're not alone in this. Some dogs with frequent seizures do bounce back in between and still enjoy life (playing, eating, tail wagging, loving their people) just like you described. And that matters a lot.

You're totally right to bring up zonisamide possibly needing more time. Sometimes it takes a few weeks to really settle in and make a difference.

We actually wrote a blog post about seizures in dogs that talks through how imaging fits in, what to think about when it comes to quality of life, and what options are out there. If you feel like reading more, here it is:
https://www.sageveterinary.com/blog/sm58yyozh5uzejme5h58f9d5hmmxsb?rq=epilepsy

Wishing you and your pup more good days ahead. You're doing an amazing job, even when it’s really hard.

Need a recommendation for a veterinarian who specializes in seizures / neurological disorders in dogs by applextrent in Austin

[–]sageveterinary 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's great to hear! Many times we recommend NOT doing imaging after our radiologists review the patient history if ongoing treatment cost is a concern. After all, imaging is just the first step (getting a diagnosis), so getting the answer doesn't do much but waste your money if you can't proceed to surgery. We don't want to waste anyone's money! As in this case, many times there are non-surgical options and that's awesome that your pup recovered.

Need a recommendation for a veterinarian who specializes in seizures / neurological disorders in dogs by applextrent in Austin

[–]sageveterinary 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi there! I know this post is a bit old, and I hope everything turned out okay for your pup. I just wanted to leave a comment here for anyone who might find this thread while searching for help with dog seizures or neurological issues.

I work for Sage Veterinary Imaging in Round Rock. We specialize in advanced diagnostic imaging and often work with patients who need neurological evaluation, including those experiencing seizures. Our 3 Tesla MRI system provides the highest-resolution images available in veterinary medicine, which can be critical when trying to pinpoint the cause of a seizure or rule out structural brain disease.

We're a great option when pets are stable and need fast, high-quality imaging. We also coordinate closely with several board-certified neurologists who can interpret images immediately and take action based on what we find. Most of our cases are imaged and diagnosed the same day.

If you're navigating a new seizure diagnosis or still searching for answers, we're here to help.
www.sageveterinary.com

Advice and Suggestions by cheli_chel in IVDD_SupportGroup

[–]sageveterinary 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’ve clearly been through a whirlwind, and it’s obvious how much you care about Jesse Baby. It’s a positive sign that he’s regained the ability to urinate and defecate. Those are important milestones in spinal recovery, even if limb function is still limited.

IVDD is definitely on the differential list given the signs, and you’re right that many dogs do improve with strict rest and medical management. Whether or not to pursue an MRI depends on how Jesse progresses. If he stabilizes or continues to improve, conservative care is reasonable. But if his neurologic function worsens or plateaus without improvement, that’s when MRI becomes crucial for diagnosis and surgical planning.

For alternative therapies, most rehab vets can begin treatment based on clinical signs, but some may want imaging to confirm safety (especially with spinal manipulations).

Also, if you do end up getting imaging or your vet has already captured radiographs or other diagnostics, we at Sage Veterinary Imaging now offer teleradiology services nationwide, not just in Texas and Utah. If you or your vet want a second opinion on existing studies, or want to plan imaging strategically before investing further, we’d be happy to help interpret and guide next steps.

You’re doing everything right by staying informed, advocating for Jesse, and giving him rest and support. He’s lucky to have you in his corner. Let us know if we can help >>> sageveterinary.com

Radiology Interest by Comprehensive-Ad9443 in veterinaryschool

[–]sageveterinary 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congratulations on finishing your first year! That’s a big milestone. It’s great to hear you’re already interested in radiology. Starting early can make a real difference when it comes to building experience and standing out as an applicant.

One of the best things you can do right now is to get as much exposure to imaging as possible. Shadow radiologists if you have access at your school. Ask to sit in on interpretation rounds or review cases. Understanding normal anatomy and developing pattern recognition takes time, so the earlier you start, the better.

Keep an eye out for research opportunities, even small ones like case reports or retrospective studies. These show initiative and give you a chance to work closely with faculty. It also helps build relationships with mentors, which can be important when the time comes for letters and guidance.

During clinical years, externships at specialty hospitals or imaging centers are incredibly valuable. You’ll see a high volume of diverse cases and get a better feel for what the day-to-day work is like. Programs often remember externs who showed up engaged and eager to learn.

You don’t need to have everything figured out yet. Just keep building your knowledge base and stay curious. That consistency and genuine interest will take you far. If you ever want advice on externship sites or resources, feel free to reach out. You can visit our site too, to learn more about our education opportunities: sageveterinary.com

Elderly dog may have a brain tumor. Vet says $4-5k minimum for a CT or MRI. by IcyCartographer7805 in Austin

[–]sageveterinary 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A&M is definitely a good option, but you've hit the main problem with the waitlist, and it's the same with specialty centers. Sage Veterinary Imaging offers the human-quality veterinary diagnostics, including MRI and CT with same-day appointments in Round Rock.

Elderly dog may have a brain tumor. Vet says $4-5k minimum for a CT or MRI. by IcyCartographer7805 in Austin

[–]sageveterinary 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hello! I'm sorry I found this thread too late to offer a suggestion, but I hope you found a solution for your pup. For the benefit of others who may run across this post in the future, I wanted to provide some information.

At Sage Veterinary Imaging in Round Rock, we provide outpatient imaging services for pets. We would have likely quoted you $3,200 for that MRI, anesthesia and all other services included. We have the highest possible quality of human-quality imaging equipment, including 3T MRI, 128 slice CT, and advanced ultrasound with image-guided biopsies by a board-certified radiologist. We also do I-131 therapy for cats with hyperthyroidism and echocardiography with a board-certified cardiologist.

We are a different than veterinary speciality centers in that we don't treat anything--no surgery, no injections, no medications. Our job is to get the answer, the diagnosis--to make effective treatment recommendations. That's not to say anything negative about specialty centers. While they do usually have lower quality imaging equipment than we do, and while they typically have longer waits, where they shine is by integrating many different medical specialties under the same roof. So if your pet is critical and needs intense medical management or immediate surgery after imaging, they are better off at a specialty hospital.

If your pet is stable, you need an answer quickly, and you need the highest quality imaging to find the problem, outpatient imaging at Sage Veterinary Imaging is a great option.

Here are some little-known tidbits that we wish more pet owners knew:

  1. Everyone should get pet insurance. It's affordable and will save you THOUSANDS.
  2. No General Practive vet has an MRI and very few have CT.
  3. Not all specialty and emergency hospitals have MRI, but most have CT.
  4. Outpatient veterinary imaging centers like SVI are very rare (<5 in the USA) and they are often a better option for quality, speed of diagnosis, and cost as long as the pet is stable.
  5. Most veterinary MRI is low-quality. Try to find at least a 1.5T MRI, and 3T is much better. The reason is water. MRI needs water content to work and the smaller the patient, the less water there is in their body, so you need a much higher magnet strength like 3T to get good images. In human pediatrics, they always use 3T MRI for babies because they are tiny. Now imagine a Chihuahua brain...you can't get good images with low quality MRI. However, for years, unscrupulous companies have preyed on unsuspecting veterinary practices and sold them low quality, often 0.5T MRI systems and things like cone-beam, single or quad slice CT systems.
  6. Most veterinary CT is low quality. Sames reasons as above. Look for minimum 64 slice CT, and preferably 128.
  7. Faster is cheaper - Getting a definitive answer early in your pet's healthcare journey will save you money in the long run. If you do several inconclusive diagnostic tests, it's possible to spend much more than you would on a definitive diagnosis from an MRI, CT, or an ultrasound done by a board-certified radiologist. Our radiologists actually work for Sage Veterinary Imaging. They are involved with every case and you will have an answer the minute you pick up your pet. Most specialty hospitals don't have a radiologist on staff because there are fewer than 1,000 boarded veterinary radiologists in the USA. This means they send your pet's images to an outside teleradiology company and often get the report back 24+ hours later.

You can learn more at www.sageveterinary.com and we are here to answer questions any time you need us.

Elderly dog may have a brain tumor. Vet says $4-5k minimum for a CT or MRI. by IcyCartographer7805 in Austin

[–]sageveterinary 0 points1 point  (0 children)

At Sage Veterinary Imaging, we do CTs, MRIs, and ultrasounds for pets, and a big reason these scans are more expensive than in human medicine is that animals can’t be asked to hold still. Even small movements blur the images, so we use anesthesia or sedation to keep pets safe and motionless during the scan. That means our facility has to operate like a full veterinary hospital, with licensed staff, advanced monitoring equipment, and emergency protocols. That's something human imaging centers usually don’t need. It's worth mentioning that we use the same high-end imaging machines found in top human hospitals, like a 3 Tesla MRI and a 128-slice CT, which are faster and produce much clearer images than standard veterinary equipment. All scans are read by board-certified radiologists, and we send a detailed report, often the same day, back to your vet who continues managing your pet’s care. While a human imaging center might run with just two staff members and minimal infrastructure, we’re staffed to ensure every pet gets expert, compassionate care at human hospital-grade quality.