Put MRI to work for you in your practice

MRI technology offers you a powerful way to increase your diagnostic capabilities and provide more complete care to your patients. When standard diagnostic methods, such as blood work,ultrasound and x-rays, fail to explain symptoms, an MRI may offer critical information that leads to a definitive diagnosis and help clients make informed decisions regarding the care of their pets.

Companion Imaging puts advanced MRI technology at your disposal and allows you to integrate it into your everyday practice. Previously, ordering an MRI for your patient may have required a referral. This can often drive up the cost of the exam. Companion Imaging allows you to offer a more affordable option to your clients and allows you to work directly with our consulting radiologists.

When you refer patients to a Companion Imaging center, you can…

• Benefit from the diagnostic clarity provided by high-field MRI technology.
• Receive results within 24 hours of the exam (STAT turnaround available).
• Speak directly with one of our board-certified veterinary radiologists about the MRI report.

As a result, you develop a continuous relationship with your client and are able to present a personalized, higher level treatment plan based on the results of the exam.

Advantages of MRI

MRI has several advantages over other imaging modalities. It provides detailed, high-resolution images of a patient’s anatomy, without delivering potentially harmful doses of ionizing radiation. MRI also offers superior images of the brain, spine, musculoskeletal system, and all soft tissue in the body. In fact, many neurological conditions can only be definitively diagnosed with an MRI exam.

This is because an MRI can accurately identify and characterize abnormalities in soft tissue and bone that are not detectable using other imaging modalities, such as ultrasound, X-ray, CT, or myelography.

A study in the American Journal of Veterinary Research found that:

• MRI is the superior imaging modality for the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and all other organ systems.
• MRI has a much lower rate of false-negative results than X-ray, CT, or ultrasound. 
• Ultrasound cannot predict tumor margins and spread as well as MRI and is limited to use in areas not obstructed by bone.

No-cost MRI education

Companion Imaging provides classes on the uses and advantages of MRI to veterinarians in regions surrounding each of our centers. You will learn more about when to refer patients for MRI's and how working with Companion Imaging can add value to your practice. For more information on MRI education, contact your local Companion Imaging center.