Imaging Referrals
Our advanced imaging options help primary care veterinarians provide the best care for pets and peace of mind for their owners.
Our Imaging Process
Advanced imaging appointments typically follow a referral process from your referring veterinarian to a specialty hospital with the necessary equipment and specialists. The process involves referral, the imaging procedure itself (such as CT or MRI), and the interpretation of results to inform a diagnosis and treatment plan.
1. Referral Process
The process begins when your referring veterinarian suspects a medical condition that requires detailed advanced imaging to aid in diagnosis. After examination of your pet, the referring veterinarian will submit a request for an advanced imaging appointment. Your veterinarian will provide the following information to the imaging facility:
- A completed imaging request form specifying the procedure needed (e.g., MRI or CT).
- Your pet’s most recent medical records.
- Recent blood work results (CBC/chemistry).
2. Scheduling and Imaging Procedure Preparation
Scheduling: Once your pet’s referral has been received, you will be contacted by a member of the imaging service to schedule your pet’s imaging appointment. At the time of scheduling, you will be provided with specific instructions for your pet’s appointment.
Preparation: For procedures like CT scans and MRIs, your pet must be completely still. To facilitate the imaging process, general anesthesia is often required. Instructions for withholding food and water from your pet before the appointment, will be given to you at this time.
3. The Day of the Appointment
At the time of your appointment, your pet will be checked in and an examination along with brief consultation will take place. The team will perform an assessment to ensure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia and to undergo the imaging procedure.
The Procedure:
For MRI, your pet will be placed under general anesthesia, positioned inside the scanner, and closely monitored by the imaging team during the entire process.
For CT, your pet will be placed under general anesthesia or sedated (depending on area being scanned), positioned inside the scanner, and closely monitored by the imaging team during the entire process.
Recovery: After the imaging is complete, your pet will be taken to a recovery area, where they are monitored as they wake up from anesthesia.
4. Interpretation and Results
Interpretation: The acquired images are not interpreted by the imaging service clinician. Instead, the images are reviewed and interpreted by a board-certified veterinary radiologist, a specialist with advanced training in this area.
Communication With Your Veterinarian: A full report detailing the imaging results is sent back to your referring veterinarian.
Next Steps: You and your referring veterinarian will then work together to create a treatment plan based on the results.
Reach Out
Please reach out if you want to learn more about Scissortail Veterinary Specialists.