Services

Pet MRI scans

South London’s only veterinary-grade MRI scanner

Two medical professionals in scrubs reviewing brain MRI scans on a computer monitor in a hospital imaging room.

Six medical professionals standing and smiling in front of an Esaote MRI machine in a clinical setting.

Advanced diagnostics, with confidence and accuracy

When your pet is unwell and the cause isn’t clear, access to advanced imaging such as MRI can be essential. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) offers a non-invasive, highly detailed view of soft tissues, joints, and the nervous system - helping our vets diagnose complex conditions with confidence and accuracy.
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Advanced Vetcare London is South London’s only veterinary practice offering on-site pet MRI scanning facilities, allowing for faster diagnosis and streamlined treatment pathways designed to integrate seamlessly with each patient's ongoing care.

Advanced diagnostics, with confidence and accuracy

What is an MRI for pets?

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is an advanced imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce high-resolution, 3D images of the body. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, MRI is particularly useful for examining soft tissues, such as the brain, spinal cord, nerves, joints, and internal organs.

Our veterinary MRI service allows us to visualise areas of concern with exceptional clarity - leading to faster, more accurate diagnoses and improved treatment outcomes.

What can an MRI be used for?

An MRI for pets can help investigate a wide range of conditions, including:

Seizures or unexplained neurological symptoms
Spinal pain, weakness or paralysis
Suspected brain or spinal cord tumours
Lameness that doesn’t show on X-rays
Ear disease affecting the inner ear or nerves
Evaluation of complex or chronic pain

Modern Esaote Magnifico Vet MRI scanner in a clean medical room.

What happens during your pet's MRI scan?

Full health check

Your pet will be admitted to our clinic and undergo a full health check prior to the scan.

Anaesthetic

To ensure stillness during imaging a short general anaesthetic is usually required allowing us to produce the clearest and most accurate results.

The MRI scan

Once anaesthetised, your pet will be positioned safely within the MRI scanner and monitored continuously by a dedicated anaesthesia nurse.

Recovery & discharge

Following the scan, your pet will recover in a calm, temperature-controlled recovery suite with our nursing team by their side until they are fully awake and comfortable.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an MRI take, and when will I get the results?

Most MRI scans take between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on the area being examined. In many cases, our specialist team can review the images and discuss the findings with you on the same day, ensuring rapid diagnosis and treatment planning.

Is MRI safe for pets?

MRI does not use radiation, making it a very safe imaging method. Because pets must remain completely still, the scan is performed under a light general anaesthetic. Throughout the procedure, your pet is continuously monitored by our clinical team to ensure maximum safety and comfort.

Why would my pet need an MRI scan?

MRI is one of the most advanced imaging tools available and is especially useful for diagnosing neurological conditions, spinal issues, musculoskeletal injuries, and certain internal abnormalities. It provides highly detailed images that help our specialists identify problems that can’t be seen on X-rays or ultrasound.