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Is Your Dog Limping or Dragging Its Leg?

An MRI of the spine can identify the cause.

When your dog develops weakness, unexplained lameness, back pain, or trouble walking, an MRI can help your veterinarian see what standard imaging may miss. .

Single Area Spine MRI - $2,495
Phoenix Landscape with Leash

Signs Your Dog May Need An MRI of the Spine

If limping, weakness, or back pain is not improving, advanced imaging can help your veterinarian move from uncertainty to a treatment plan. The symptoms below often justify a closer look at the spine.

  • Dragging a front or back paw
  • Hind-leg weakness
  • Difficulty standing or walking
  • Sudden loss of coordination
  • Persistent or unexplained lameness
  • Neck or back pain
  • Reluctance to jump or use stairs
  • Symptoms that are not improving with treatment
an mri tech looking at the image of an MRI of a dogs spine on the computer

What MRI Can Reveal

MRI gives your veterinarian a detailed view of the spine, discs, spinal cord, and surrounding soft tissues. That makes it useful when X-rays do not explain why your dog is painful, weak, or unsteady.

MRI and Dog on Trail

What Your MRI Includes

  • High-field 1.5 Tesla MRI

  • Veterinary anesthesia and monitoring

  • Advanced MRI sequences based on the case

  • Interpretation by a veterinary radiologist

  • Written report for your veterinarian within 48 hours

  • Tele-consult with the Medical Director explaining findings and offering a surgical pathway if required.

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Frequently asked questions

Why Does VOMRI Cost Less?

Veterinary MRI is often performed inside a large specialty hospital with substantial overhead.  VOMRI uses a focused, outpatient model to concentrate specifically on MRI.  This lowers our costs and we pass that saving along to owners.

Does Lower Pricing Mean Lower Quality?

No.  Our magnet is a hospital-grade, high-field 1.5T 16x GE Excite used in most human hospitals.  Our scans are interpreted by board-certified veterinary radiologists and available within 48hrs.  And our medical staff is composed of experienced veterinary doctors and techs, ensuring your pet remains safe and cared for throughout the process.

How Far Out Are You Scheduling And How Long Does It Take?

We scan primarily on Sundays.  We try to accommodate our owners with same week scheduling.  You can expect to drop off your pet in the morning around 10am and pick up by early afternoon. 

Does my vet need to refer my dog?
No. If your dog is showing weakness, back or neck pain, dragging paws, loss of coordination, or limping that is not improving, we offer a comprehensive neurological exam to help determine if the spine, discs, nerves, or spinal cord may be involved. You can click here for this option.
What If My Pet Requires Surgery After the MRI?

See our Surgical Options Page. If the MRI identifies a condition that may require surgery, our Medical Director, Dr. Mark Soderstrom, can review the case and discuss available options with you and your veterinarian. Dr. Soderstrom performs neurological, spinal, orthopedic, oncologic and soft-tissue surgery through Soderstrom Veterinary Surgery. You may also have the MRI study and report transferred to any surgeon you choose. 

Will My Neurologist Accept Your MRI?

Yes.  We regularly forward our scans and reports to larger neurology groups to use in surgical and nonsurgical treatment. 

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Our Contact Information

We are located in the Biltmore area of Phoenix off the 51 and Glendale Ave exit.

Address:  3137 E Lincoln Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone:  602 825 3445
 
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