MRIs for Dogs: Why a Dog Would Need One and Dog MRI Cost

Published Jan. 6, 2025
A dog MRI is performed by a vet tech.

Zinkevych/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

If your dog has recently been diagnosed with a non-healing soft tissue injury, neurological disease, or cancer, you might find yourself asking why they were referred for a dog MRI.

Chances are good that other testing options have already been performed, and the MRI is needed to find a diagnosis so the best course of treatment can be prescribed.

Key Takeaways

  • MRI, which stands for magnetic resonance imaging, allows vets to take detailed images of a pup's internal body organs.
  • Dog MRIs require anesthesia.
  • The cost of a dog MRI varies but it typically ranges from $2,300 to $5,000 or more.

What Is an MRI for Dogs?

While an MRI in dogs can be costly, this technology is the most advanced diagnostic tool available and is considered the gold standard for diagnosing soft tissue and nervous system ailments.

MRI, which stands for magnetic resonance imaging, has transformed the spectrum of care for veterinary professionals and their patients over the past several decades. Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, MRIs are now more common and more available to the public.

MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves to create high-resolution detailed images of internal body organs.

The dog is placed on a table surrounded by the magnet, and signals are produced that are then converted into images. Since the dog must remain motionless throughout the procedure, dog MRIs require anesthesia.

Any dog may need an MRI during their lifetime. No specific breed or age group is at increased risk of needing one.

Why Would a Dog Need an MRI?

An MRI is often recommended when traditional testing and imaging techniques (e.g., X-rays and ultrasound) are inconclusive.

A dog MRI can reveal underlying soft tissue damage that is not visible on an X-ray. For example, a limping dog who is not improving with crate rest and medication may have a ligament injury that requires an MRI for diagnosis. 

For certain conditions, such as those involving the joints, brain, and spinal cord, MRI may be the first diagnostic tool recommended because of its specificity for soft tissue structures.

MRIs are useful for detecting spinal cord and brain diseases such as disc herniations, stenosis (narrowing of the vertebral canal), tumors, and inflammation.

They can also detect prior strokes, joint instability, trauma or tearing of ligaments and tendons, and tumors outside the spinal cord or brain—including their size and invasiveness (i.e., extent of damage to nearby structures/organs).

Benefits of MRIs for Dogs

Dog MRIs have a significant advantage over other imaging diagnostics because they allow a deeper look into the body and can pinpoint changes as small as a few millimeters in size.

This technology is the most advanced diagnostic tool available and is considered the gold standard for diagnosing soft tissue and nervous system ailments.

It’s the best option for soft tissues, such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, the brain, and spinal cord. It can detect strokes and provides a detailed evaluation of tumors, which is useful for cancer staging and planning for surgical removal.

MRI is painless, and since the dog is anesthetized throughout the procedure, they won’t experience discomfort. 

Additionally, MRI doesn’t use radiation and doesn’t require contrast or dyes, which carry risks of infection and potentially harmful side effects.

Risks of MRIs for Dogs

MRIs are generally safe and don’t carry inherent risks.

However, risks are possible since pets must be anesthetized to prevent movement and improve image quality and interpretation. The process also requires more time than other tests.

Dogs may have to be anesthetized for 45 minutes or longer, depending on the location or body system being evaluated.

Dogs who have a medical history or disease that prevents them from being anesthetized are not candidates for MRI. Your veterinarian will consider your dog’s medical history, discuss the potential risks, and determine the best anesthetic plan for your dog’s needs.

MRIs are less beneficial when evaluating fractures and certain types of traumas. Additionally, if your dog has a pacemaker or metal implants, they won’t be able to have an MRI. This is because the powerful magnets in the MRI can affect the pacemaker's settings, cause injuries to the patient, and can affect image quality.

Dog MRI Cost

The cost of a dog MRI varies but it typically ranges from $2,300 to $5,000 or more.

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Dog MRIs are the most expensive diagnostic imaging test. Many factors contribute to the cost, such as:

  • The need for anesthesia

  • Anesthetic monitoring

  • Pre-operative blood work

  • Specialized housing of the machine due to its magnets

  • Expensive operation

  • Maintenance costs

  • Specialists capable of interpreting the images

The MRI machine itself is also extremely expensive.

Pet insurance may offset some or all the costs unless specifically stated in a plan’s terms and conditions, or if the condition in question is considered pre-existing. Be sure to review your policy.

Preparation for MRIs for Dogs

There’s not much required to prepare your dog for an MRI.

If an oral sedative like trazodone or gabapentin is prescribed, follow your veterinarian’s recommendations on when and how to give your pup the medication.

In addition, you will probably be asked not to feed your dog the evening before the procedure. 

Your dog will have their blood drawn to look for any potential complications or risk factors that should be addressed before the MRI, and an IV catheter will be used.

The veterinarian will perform a physical exam, review all test results, and then give a sedative to begin the anesthesia process.

An endotracheal tube will be put in place so that your dog’s breathing can be monitored and assisted, and then they will be taken to the MRI unit and positioned for the test.

A diagram of an endotracheal tube for dogs.


Since anesthesia is required, your dog will be kept at the hospital for several hours and will probably be a little groggy for the rest of the day—staying home with them is recommended.

Alternatives to MRIs for Dogs

If your veterinarian recommends an MRI, it’s likely for a good reason and is necessary for your dog’s proper diagnosis and treatment.

Other imaging modalities, such as X-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or surgical or endoscopic evaluation of certain body systems, may be used if an MRI is not an option.

MRIs for Dogs FAQs

Is it worth getting an MRI for my dog?

If your veterinarian has recommended that your dog receive an MRI, it's because the information gained from the procedure is important to provide the best treatment for your dog.

Given the cost and need for anesthesia, the decision should not be made lightly; however, MRI is non-invasive, painless, and the most advanced diagnostic tool.

How much does a dog MRI cost?

Dog MRI costs on average from $2,300 to $5,000. Although it is a costly diagnostic test, it also provides the most detailed information.

Check with your veterinarian about payment plans or CareCredit, and if your pet is insured, check your policy to see if the procedure is covered.

Do dogs have to be anesthetized for an MRI?

Yes. Dogs undergoing an MRI must be anesthetized.

Anesthesia is required because the image quality and interpretation can be affected by motion and because the procedure can last 45 minutes or longer.


Michael Kearley, DVM

WRITTEN BY

Michael Kearley, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Michael Kearley graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. He graduated with a certificate in...


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