Your veterinarian will have a much easier time making a correct diagnosis with the aid of a dog MRI. If your dog needs an MRI and your veterinarian suggests getting one, you may be curious about what the process comprises and how much it costs.
The cost of a dog MRI can range anywhere from $2000 to $4000, depending on the level of image complexity, dog age, type of dog MRI scan, the size (height and weight) of your dog, vet reputation, and location of the vet clinic/facility.
Some additional costs
When considering obtaining an MRI for your dog, you should be aware that additional costs may be involved.
These costs may include the cost of medications, the accommodation of your dog in the clinic if he or she has to be there overnight for further procedures, entry fees, the cost of emergency care, and the cost of prescription drugs if your dog needs them while under anesthesia.
Following the completion of their MRI, you may be subject to additional fees for any additional treatment or diagnostic imaging that your dog may require.
Does dog insurance cover MRI?
The diagnostic procedures, like MRIs and CT scans, that are necessary for identifying neurological or musculoskeletal disorders are often covered within the terms of an all-inclusive insurance policy for pets.
You can find all the information you need about what procedures and assessments are covered in the insurance plan inside the documentation accompanying your policy.
If you are looking to get insurance for your pet, our recommendation is that you select a policy that not only provides the highest possible level of coverage but also fits comfortably within your budget.
How to get your dog an MRI if you can’t afford it?
If you cannot afford to have an MRI performed on your pet, here are several other solutions:
- Check to see if there is a vet charity, some vet teaching university/college, or a non-profit organization that can assist with the financial burden of purchasing an MRI for your pet. Several organizations help animals in need of pricey medical treatment by providing financial assistance to such groups.
- You may use the internet to solicit financial support through several different crowdfunding platforms.
- Share your experience on various social media platforms. People are typically willing to lend a hand, particularly if they are already acquainted with both you and your pet.
- You may bring the cost of an MRI down by working with your veterinarian. It is possible that they will be able to provide you with a referral to an imaging clinic in your region that offers more affordable services.
- Carry out some research to see if you can locate a local MRI service that offers lower rates in your area. Make several calls to the hospitals and institutions in the area and find out whether they provide this service.
- If you do not have enough money to pay for the complete process, you may inquire about the possibility of setting up a payment plan with the clinic.
- Inquire for assistance from close associates and family members. There is a possibility that some individuals will be able to contribute monetary aid or gifts for the therapy.
- Try not to give up! If you genuinely care about your pet and want it to have a long and happy life with as little discomfort as possible, you shouldn’t give up until you’ve investigated every possibility.
What is the typical MRI wait time for your dog?
The amount of time your dog spends at the veterinarian for their MRI will change based on their specific requirements.
It can take anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours to finish an MRI scan, depending on the area that needs to be imaged, the number of pictures that need to be taken, and the individual who is performing the scan.
One example of this would be the time it takes for the anesthetic to take effect, as well as the time it takes for any meds to work
In most cases, your dog will be kept in the clinic for half of the day or the entire day, and you will receive the results along with a complete treatment protocol when your dog is discharged.
This might vary substantially depending on the amount of therapy that your dog requires; in rare cases, canines can be seen and treated in less than half an hour.
Conclusion
Even though the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in veterinary medicine is still relatively new, it has already been shown to be a beneficial tool in diagnosing and treating various illnesses affecting dogs.
Usually, the price of an MRI for your dog might be anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000, but it depends upon many other factors such as vet reputation, vet location, dog size, dog age, and type of dog MRI scan.
