How Much Does a Dog MRI Cost?
Key takeaways:
MRI scans for dogs usually cost $2,000 to $5,000. Your dog’s condition and the veterinarian you choose can affect your cost.
Factors such as your dog’s size, MRI machine quality, and location can also affect your dog MRI cost.
To save money on your dog’s MRI, compare prices of several veterinarians. Veterinary schools also offer discounted services.
Table of contents
Your dog may face neurological issues, such as vestibular disease or hearing loss. Unlike X-rays and CT scans, MRI scans can spot these types of problems more effectively. But MRIs for dogs aren’t usually the first choice. They come with some risks, such as the need for anesthesia, which may concern many dog owners.
The cost of an MRI for dogs can vary based on several factors. Ask your vet about potential fees to compare prices. Knowing what to expect can help you avoid surprises and unnecessary costs.
How much is an MRI scan for a dog?
The cost of an MRI scan for dogs typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. The final price depends on factors such as the complexity of your dog’s condition and the type of facility you choose. Specialty clinics often charge on the higher end of the spectrum. Other costs that might not be included in the base price of the MRI include:
Hospital stay
IV fluids
Catheter
Staff monitoring
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Before scheduling an MRI, ask your vet for a detailed estimate of the total cost.
Factors that influence MRI costs
Several factors can affect the cost of an MRI scan for your dog. Here’s what to consider:
Location: Where you live will affect the price you pay for an MRI. Areas with a higher cost of living often have higher prices for veterinary care, including MRIs.
Size and breed: Larger dogs usually need more anesthesia during an MRI. This increases the cost.
Prescan examinations: Before an MRI, your veterinarian may perform blood tests or X-rays to ensure your dog is healthy enough for anesthesia. These tests cost $100 to $200 on average.
Number of MRIs: If your dog needs multiple scans to identify the problem, the cost will increase. A complex issue may require additional imaging. Your dog may also need more scans depending on the area being examined.
Specialist fees: MRI scans are often performed by specialists. Fees for MRI operators and MRI interpreters may increase the cost, but they may also provide higher-quality service.
Equipment quality: Advanced MRI machines may speed up the scan process and reduce the time your dog spends under anesthesia. But better equipment often comes with a higher price tag.
Anesthesia: All dogs need to be under anesthesia for an MRI scan. The type and amount of anesthesia required can add to the cost.
Insurance coverage: Check your pet insurance policy to see if it includes MRIs. Some plans offer coverage for this procedure. Even with insurance, you may still be responsible for out-of-pocket costs, such as a deductible or coinsurance.
Does pet insurance cover dog MRIs?
Yes, pet insurance typically covers diagnostic testing and procedures, including MRI scans. A wellness add-on plan is usually not needed. But coverage depends on your plan, so check the details.
Some pet insurance companies, such as ASPCA and Pets Best, offer stand-alone accident-only plans. These cover MRIs for accidents. Accident-only plans cost less than full-coverage plans. They don’t cover illnesses, routine checkups, or preventive care. But they do cover accidents, like swallowing a toy or eating chocolate.
Several factors can affect your dog MRI coverage, including:
Preexisting conditions: Most policies won’t cover MRIs for preexisting issues. If your dog had symptoms before your plan started, an MRI may not be covered.
Waiting periods: Some plans have a waiting period. For example, accident coverage might start 2 weeks after your policy begins. The cost of an MRI for an accident that occurred during or before the waiting period may not be covered.
Coverage limits: Some policies have limits on annual or lifetime payouts. If your dog’s MRI costs exceed this limit, you’ll need to pay the difference out of pocket. For example, Fetch’s pet insurance offers one full-coverage plan with a $5,000 annual limit. If your dog MRI bill is over $5,000, you will pay out of pocket for any cost over that amount.
Deductibles and coinsurance: You may need to pay a deductible and a percentage of the MRI cost (coinsurance).
Looking for ways to save on pet prescriptions? Pet medications can be expensive, but GoodRx coupons can help you save at the pharmacy.
Pet insurance coverage: Pet insurance is usually either comprehensive or accident only. You may choose one over the other, depending on your pet’s needs. Learn about how much pet insurance can cost you.
Not sure if pet insurance is worth it? Read about why a pet owner chose to not purchase pet insurance.
Understanding the details from each pet insurance provider can help you make an informed choice. Compare different plans to find the best fit for your needs.
Ways to save on a dog MRI
MRI scans are a valuable diagnostic tool, but they can be costly. Here are some tips to save on the cost of MRI scans for your dog.
Compare costs: Veterinarian clinics may charge different rates for MRIs. Compare prices to find the best deal for your needs.
Visit a veterinary school: Some veterinary school clinics offer MRIs at reduced rates. In this setting, students perform procedures under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges can help you find these programs.
Ask about payment plans: If you can’t afford the full cost of your dog’s MRI up front, ask about payment plan options. Your vet may be able to spread the payments over several months.
Apply for grants from nonprofits: Certain nonprofits, such as the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation, offer grants to assist with costly medical treatments. If your dog’s condition meets their criteria, you could receive up to $2,500 toward necessary medical care.
Use crowdfunding platforms: Online fundraising platforms, such as Waggle and GoFundMe, can help you raise money for your dog’s MRI. You can set up a fundraiser and ask family and friends to make donations.
Pet care expenses are not eligible for payment with a health savings account or a flexible spending account since they are not considered medical expenses for you or your family. But you could create a sinking fund or a savings account for your pet’s health costs. Setting aside money regularly for pet expenses can help you pay for unexpected vet bills.
What to expect during an MRI
The MRI process for dogs is similar to the one for humans. But dogs will receive general anesthesia to stay completely still during the process. Before the MRI, your vet will likely take blood tests and X-rays. These will ensure that general anesthesia is safe for your dog.
An MRI scan could take 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the area of the body being examined. After the scan, your vet will usually monitor your dog’s recovery. They may recommend an overnight stay if additional care or observation is needed.
How to prepare your dog for an MRI
Before your dog can receive an MRI, there are a few steps to take in preparation:
Diet and fasting: Your dog must not eat for 12 hours before the MRI. Your dog can drink water for up to a designated time only. If your dog does eat, they will have more risk of complications under anesthesia, like regurgitation.
Exercise and rest: Reducing physical activity can help minimize risks of complications with anesthesia.
Medication management: Consult with your vet if your dog takes any other medication. Your vet will determine which medications are safe to take before the MRI.
Other precautions: Remove collars and identification tags. These might interfere with the MRI machine. Your vet may give you more instructions depending on your dog’s condition and needs.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, dogs must be under anesthesia during an MRI. During an MRI scan, a dog must remain perfectly still for an extended period. General anesthesia is the only way to ensure your dog doesn’t move.
An MRI for a dog will take 45 minutes to 2 hours. This will depend on your dog’s condition, the number of scans taken, and the region of the body being scanned. After the scan is completed, your dog may need 4 to 8 hours to recover.
Some alternatives to MRI scans for dogs are ultrasound and CT scans. Ultrasound scans cost $300 to $600, and CT scans can cost $1,500 to $3,500. These alternatives are less expensive, but MRIs provide a clearer diagnostic result.
The bottom line
Neurological disabilities can affect your dog’s quality of life. MRI scans help diagnose your dog’s neurological problems that other imaging technologies cannot. All dogs taking an MRI must be under anesthesia for complete and clear images.
The cost of an MRI for dogs can range from $2,000 to $5,000. But this is often covered by pet insurance. Many factors can affect the price, so ask your vet for an estimate. If you need more financial help, try a veterinary school or apply for grants from nonprofits.
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References
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