Feline and Canine Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Service
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are highly accurate, painless, and non-invasive examinations of soft tissue. Examples of soft tissue are the brain, spinal cord, connective/nerve tissue, joints, ligaments, and other organs. Data received from a MRI provides high resolution images showing contrast between different types of tissue. VREC is one of the few facilities in the Northeast who provides patients an on-site MRI suite. Our staff is able to utilize this advanced technology 24/7/365.
MRIs manipulate the angular momentum of the nuclei in the body, which rotate on their own respective axis. In conjunction with high-frequency radio pulses, placing a strong magnetic field near the body rearranges nuclei to all align in the same direction. At a very basic level, a MRI makes the atomic nuclei produce specific emissions during alignment, which are measured and processed to create the images to evaluate. Unlike radiographs, MRI scans rely on the rotation of nuclei in the body, making the scan harmless.
To achieve the best scan and obtain the most accurate images possible, patients must remain perfectly still. In order to achieve stillness, anesthesia is required for patients undergoing MRI scans. During anesthesia our staff employs special equipment to ensure patients are safe throughout the procedure. This includes heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation.