How much does a cat MRI cost?
How much does a cat MRI cost?
$1,500 – $6,000 average cat MRI cost
Average cat MRI cost
A cat MRI costs $1,500 to $3,000 at a vet's office or $3,000 to $6,000 at a specialty veterinary hospital. The cost of MRI for cats includes anesthesia during the scan, post-procedure care, and at some facilities, radiologist interpretation. Pre-procedure bloodwork and chest X-rays to assess health for anesthesia are charged separately.
| Facility type | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian's office / clinic | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Specialty veterinary hospital | $3,000 – $6,000 |
A veterinarian's office uses standard equipment and may outsource image interpretation, contributing to lower costs.
Specialty hospitals often have advanced imaging technology and on-site board-certified radiologists, ensuring more accurate and comprehensive diagnoses.
What is an MRI for cats?
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) for cats is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of a cat's internal anatomy. This advanced imaging procedure captures high-resolution images of soft tissues, including the brain, spinal cord, ligaments, tendons, and abdominal organs.
The MRI process for cats typically involves the following steps:
Pre-procedure: Your cat undergoes preliminary bloodwork and a chest X-ray to ensure they can safely receive anesthesia.
IV catheter placement: An intravenous catheter is inserted into the cat's front leg for administering medications and fluids.
Pre-medication: The cat is given a combination of sedatives and analgesics to reduce stress and provide pain relief.
Induction: An induction agent is administered to initiate anesthesia. The cat is kept under anesthesia throughout the MRI procedure.
Positioning: The anesthetized cat is placed on a padded table that slides into the MRI machine.
Scanning: The MRI scan takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours depending on the area being examined. If necessary, a contrast agent may be administered intravenously to enhance image quality and highlight specific areas of interest.
Recovery: After the scan, your cat is moved to a recovery area for monitoring and remains on IV fluids while the anesthesia wears off.
Discharge: When your cat is alert, you'll receive instructions on post-procedure care for your cat at home.
Follow-up: A follow-up appointment is scheduled to review the MRI results and discuss next steps for your cat's care.
Why would my cat need an MRI?
MRIs are particularly useful for soft tissue imaging, providing detailed, high-resolution images that can help veterinarians diagnose conditions that other imaging methods might miss. Your vet may recommend a cat MRI to help diagnose:
Brain tumors, abscesses, or inflammation
Spinal disc problems, such as herniated discs or tumors
Musculoskeletal injuries and diseases
Abdominal conditions affecting organs
Strokes
Beyond diagnosis, MRI scans also play a crucial role in guiding treatment. The detailed images help veterinarians precisely target tumors for surgery or radiation therapy, manage spinal issues with greater accuracy, and monitor the effectiveness of treatments over time.
What factors affect the cost of MRI for cats?
Several factors influence the cost of a cat MRI:
Location: Prices vary based on geographical area and local competition among providers.
Facility type: Specialized veterinary hospitals typically charge more than general clinics due to advanced equipment and expertise.
Pre-procedure tests: Bloodwork and chest X-rays cost extra to ensure the cat is healthy enough for anesthesia:
A complete CBC panel blood test for a cat costs $50 to $150.
A cat chest X-ray costs $150 to $250.
Anesthesia: General anesthesia is required for the procedure, adding to the overall cost.
Body area scanned: The size and complexity of the area being imaged influence the price.
Contrast agent: The use of a contrast agent to enhance image clarity will increase the cost.
Specialized imaging sequences: Certain conditions may require advanced or specialized MRI sequences, affecting the final price.
Interpretation: Radiologist fees for image analysis and reporting are often included at specialty hospitals but may be charged separately at a general vet's office.
Follow-up consultation: Discussing the MRI results and treatment options with the veterinarian may incur an additional charge.
Feline MRI cost vs. other imaging procedures
When standard diagnostic imaging techniques like X-rays or ultrasounds don't provide enough information, veterinarians may rely on more advanced options, such as feline CT scans or MRIs. The following table compares the costs and purposes of various diagnostic imaging techniques for cats:
| Diagnostic imaging | Average cost* | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cat X-ray cost | $100 – $250 | Traditional film-based or digital imaging to capture images of internal structures, such as bones, lungs, heart, and abdominal organs to detect fractures, foreign objects, or organ abnormalities |
| Contrast radiography | $200 – $500 | Involves using a contrast agent to enhance visibility of specific areas, highlighting organs or structures for better diagnosis |
| Cat ultrasound cost | $200 – $600 | Uses sound waves to create images of internal structures, examining soft tissues, assessing pregnancy, or guiding biopsies |
| Fluoroscopy | $300 – $800 | Provides real-time moving images using X-rays to examine swallowing, heart function, or other dynamic processes |
| Cat CT scan | $500 – $1,500 | Creates detailed cross-sectional images using X-rays and computer technology to assess bones, organs, and soft tissues for injuries or diseases |
| Cat MRI cost | $1,500 – $6,000 | Uses magnetic field and radio waves to capture high-resolution images of soft tissues (e.g., brain, spinal cord, ligaments, tendons, and abdominal organs) |
*Per image or procedure
FAQs about feline MRI
Does pet insurance cover an MRI for a cat?
Most comprehensive pet insurance plans include coverage for diagnostic tests like MRIs when recommended by a veterinarian to diagnose a new injury or illness, but do not cover pre-existing conditions. Pet insurance costs and coverage vary by plan and provider.
How long does a cat MRI take?
A cat MRI scan takes 45 minutes to 2 hours for the scanning. However, the entire appointment including preparation, anesthesia, and recovery can take 3 to 6 hours or more.
Can you take a cat MRI without sedation?
Cats cannot undergo an MRI without sedation or anesthesia. MRIs require the cat to remain completely still for an extended period, which necessitates anesthesia to ensure immobility, reduce stress, and maintain safety during the procedure.
Is an MRI safe for my cat?
Yes, an MRI is generally considered safe for cats. MRI scans do not use ionizing radiation, unlike X-rays or CT scans, making them a safer option for diagnostic imaging. However, while MRIs themselves are safe, the use of anesthesia carries some inherent risks, which your veterinarian will discuss with you.
How long does it take to get cat MRI results?
Initial MRI images are typically available for veterinary review within 24 hours, especially in emergencies. The comprehensive report, including radiologist interpretation, usually takes longer. Expect a written report in 1 to 2 business days for non-emergencies but allow up to 1 to 2 weeks for less urgent scans or specialist consultations.
Questions to ask your veterinarian about cat MRI
Ask your veterinarian the following questions to better understand the MRI process and make informed decisions about your cat's healthcare:
Is an MRI necessary, or can other diagnostic methods provide sufficient information?
What specific condition are we looking to diagnose or rule out with the MRI?
How long will the MRI procedure take, including preparation and recovery time?
What are the risks associated with anesthesia for my cat?
Are there any pre-MRI tests or preparations required, such as blood work or fasting?
How soon after the MRI will we receive the results?
What is the estimated cost of the MRI procedure, including anesthesia and any additional tests?
Will my cat need any special care or monitoring after the MRI?
Are there any alternatives to MRI that we should consider?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.