Veterinary MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Manor Vets were one of the first UK veterinary practices to provide MRI scanning for pets. We have been scanning since 2004 and have very good levels of experience in this specialised from of medical imaging.
The scanner enables us to look at structures within the body in detail by the use of a very powerful electromagnet and radio waves. It has the advantage of being extremely safe and giving very detailed pictures, particularly of the spine, brain, and head. The scanner has already helped us to diagnose many painful spinal disorders which have subsequently been treated successfully.
The scanner plugs into specialist equipment installed at our Cradley surgery. MRI has many advantages over x-rays and ultrasound including the incredible detail it provides. Scans can be taken in extraordinarily fine slices through the body building up amazing definition, allowing us to make diagnosis in even the most subtle problems like a collapsing disc in the spine or a torn ligament in the knee.
The more powerful the scanner the better the detail, at one and a half Tesla, this scanner has plenty of punch!
The magnet is shielded which means its forces do not apply outside of the trailer. It is so strong that any metal objects near by will fly at high speed towards the coil. It can be quite dangerous if you bring metal near to it. No scissors allowed! Of course it is completely harmless to the dog.
It requires 415 volts and a 100 amp supply (for those not technical, that’s a lot of power!) The scanner costs about £1m and is brand new. A scan takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and about 150-200 images are produced per animal.
We accept scan requests from other veterinary practices. Click here to fill out our online MRI request form.
