--- title: Finding Answers for Minnie, the Maine Coon Cat description: diagnosing sinus and abnormal drainage issues in cats and dogs through MRI, saving money and getting answers, sick cat, ill cat, strange symptoms, cure image: https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/hubfs/Maine%20coon.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/veterinary-outpatient-mri-blog/finding-answers-for-minnie-the-maine-coon-cat-3#main-content) [![VET MRI LOGO gray-1](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VET%20MRI%20LOGO%20gray-1.png?width=2017&height=1311&name=VET%20MRI%20LOGO%20gray-1.png)Homepage](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/home) - [Home](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/veterinary-mri-phoenix-dog-cat-spine-seizure-scans) - Services - [Seizures](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/seizures-1) - [Spine](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/spine-mri) - [Pricing](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/how-much-does-a-dog-mri-cost) - [About](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/how-it-works) - Referrals - [Pet Owner Referral](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/pet-owner-referral-form) - [Vet Referral](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/vet-referral-form) [Questions? 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Call (602) 825-3445](tel:+16028253445) ![Minnie the Maine Coon Cat](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Maine%20coon.jpg?width=880&height=1100&name=Maine%20coon.jpg) Minnie's Sinus Mystery # Finding Answers for Minnie, the Maine Coon Cat ![Veterinary Outpatient MRI](https://7528315.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528315/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-cms-elevate-theme_hubspot/elevate/images/avatar-placeholder.jpg?width=48&height=48&name=avatar-placeholder.jpg) Veterinary Outpatient MRI July 10, 2025 **Presenting Problem:** Minnie was obtained from a cattery at 4 months old and shortly thereafter developed a draining tract from the frontal sinus. Minnie was repeatedly tested for viral pathogens, had superficial cultures of the draining tract, and skull radiographs. Unfortunately, no definitive answers were found and Minnie continued to suffer severe upper respiratory congestion. After 7 months of frustration Minnie was brought to us for an MRI. **Initial Diagnostics:** - Cultures of draining tract - Multiple viral panels - Skull radiographs - Several antibiotic trials  ***Minnie's owner spent* *thousands of dollars over a 7-month period with NO improvement in patient’s condition*** **Next Step: MRI![Minnie\_Sinus\_MRI](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Minnie_Sinus_MRI.gif?width=343&height=301&name=Minnie_Sinus_MRI.gif)** - MRI of the skull and sinus - Detailed anatomic information - Narrowed differential list based on signal characteristics - Definitive, minimally invasive final diagnostic plan **Outcome:** - Definitive diagnosis achieved in two visits - Definitive therapy for the root cause rather than the symptoms therefore reducing costs - Significant improvement in pet’s quality of life and the owner’s related (and reasonable) anxiety **Key Takeaway:** In 30 minutes, we were able to obtain diagnostic quality images, a probable diagnosis, and a definitive treatment plan. Minnie still has a long recovery ahead of her, but we are moving in the right direction.   ## Share this post [mailto:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vetoutpatientmri.com%2Fveterinary-outpatient-mri-blog%2Ffinding-answers-for-minnie-the-maine-coon-cat-3](mailto:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vetoutpatientmri.com%2Fveterinary-outpatient-mri-blog%2Ffinding-answers-for-minnie-the-maine-coon-cat-3) ## Keep reading ### [![Veterinarian reviewing spinal and neurological MRI scans for a dog being evaluated for advanced veterinary imaging referral.](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/Veterinarian%20Reviewing%20MRI%20Scan%20with%20Calm%20Dog%20in%20Diagnostic%20Center-1.png?width=1024&height=1024&name=Veterinarian%20Reviewing%20MRI%20Scan%20with%20Calm%20Dog%20in%20Diagnostic%20Center-1.png) When Should a Veterinarian Refer a Pet for MRI Imaging?](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/veterinary-outpatient-mri-blog/when-should-a-veterinarian-refer-a-pet-for-mri-imaging) ### [![Dog showing signs of back pain during a veterinary neurological examination while a veterinarian reviews spinal MRI imaging for possible IVDD or spinal cord compression.](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/Concerned%20Dog%20Owner%20Comforting%20Dog%20with%20Spinal%20Discomfort-1.png?width=1024&height=1024&name=Concerned%20Dog%20Owner%20Comforting%20Dog%20with%20Spinal%20Discomfort-1.png) Signs Your Dog’s Back Pain Could Be Something More Serious](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/veterinary-outpatient-mri-blog/signs-your-dogs-back-pain-could-be-something-more-serious) [![Yellow MRI LOG](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/yellow.png?width=300&height=195&name=yellow.png "Yellow MRI LOG")](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/home) - [Home](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/veterinary-mri-phoenix-dog-cat-spine-seizure-scans) - Services - [Pricing](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/how-much-does-a-dog-mri-cost) - [About](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/how-it-works) - Referrals **Contact Us        [Phone: (602) 825-3445](tel:+16028253445)              Email: [admin@vetoutpatientmri.com](mailto:admin@vetoutpatientmri.com)** [Privacy Policy](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/privacy-policy)· Legal · © 2025 Veterinary Outpatient MRI.  All rights reserved.  Veterinary Facility License NO. 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