How Much Does a Dog MRI Cost?

When you adopt a dog, there are often surprise costs related to your pet’s health. One of those expenses might be having to get your dog an MRI. Here, we’ll review dog MRI costs, discuss why your dog might need an MRI, and explain how pet insurance might help defray the expense of one.

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What Is a Dog MRI?

MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a non-invasive test that uses magnetic fields to create images of people's bodies. A dog MRI is the same thing, only for pups.

Specifically, an MRI can detect things like:

An MRI can visualize areas like:

A vet might recommend a dog MRI if your pet is suffering from unexplained pain, weakness, seizures, problems walking, or balance issues.

An MRI differs from other diagnostic tests in terms of technique. An X-ray, for example, uses a small dose of electromagnetic radiation to create images. A CT scan takes X-rays from different angles and uses computer technology to combine them. An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to take pictures.

Of all of these tests, MRIs are typically the most expensive… and the safest.

Dog MRI Cost Breakdown

The average Dog MRI cost without insurance is $1,958, per CareCredit, but prices can range from $1,532 to $3,840. Consumer Affairs puts the average dog MRI cost at $2,500 to $6,000.

There are different factors that can affect the cost of a dog MRI. These include:

Keep in mind that dogs typically need to undergo anesthesia to do an MRI, and the reason is that they won’t sit still enough on their own for the exam to be effective. The amount of anesthesia needed depends on your dog’s size and weight, which is why that’s a factor in the overall cost.

Dog MRI Cost with Insurance

In many cases, a pet insurance policy may help pay for an MRI. Consumer Affairs says that pet insurance policies will usually cover 70% to 90% of the cost of a dog MRI, but the amount your insurer will pay will depend on your specific policy.

That said, your pet insurance may not cover an MRI for these reasons:

Is an MRI Worth It? Pros, Cons, and Alternatives

Because veterinarians understand dog health better than you, it's generally a good idea to trust their recommendations. So, if your vet suggests an MRI to diagnose a problem with your dog, it's best to try to follow their advice.

While there are alternatives to a dog MRI, they have their limitations:

MRIs can often diagnose issues that these other tests can't. An MRI may also be needed to confirm a diagnosis made by one of these other tests, or to try to come up with a diagnosis if these other tests don't provide a conclusive answer.

While the benefit of getting an MRI is that it may offer a more comprehensive diagnosis than other tests, the cost is the major downside. Plus, you may not love the idea of having to put your dog under anesthesia. While it's common for dogs to need anesthesia for a CT scan, they typically do not need it for a regular X-ray or even an ultrasound. So, that’s something to consider.

If your vet has recommended that your dog undergo an MRI, you may find yourself asking, “Is a dog MRI worth it?” Have your vet explain the benefits of an MRI so you can make an informed decision.

Another thing you’ll want to ask is whether a dog MRI would actually change your approach to treatment. If you have a 14-year-old dog with health issues and your vet suspects cancer, they may not recommend treatment or surgery due to your dog’s older age and already fragile state. If the results of an MRI won’t alter the outcome, it may not be worth the cost, especially if you don’t have pet insurance.

What to Expect During a Dog MRI Procedure

Because every pet and facility is different, your vet, or the center where you're getting your dog MRI, should provide clear details of what to expect. Your dog will likely need to undergo anesthesia for an MRI, so there may be a period when you're asked to withhold food and water. Your dog may also need to get certain lab work done ahead of their MRI.

The amount of time it takes to complete an MRI depends on what it's needed for, but you can typically expect it to take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.

After the test, you'll be told to give your dog small amounts of food and water once they're awake. You'll also need to monitor them for unusual side effects, like prolonged drowsiness or lethargy. Your dog may seem out of it in the hours following their MRI, and your vet should let you know what's normal and what's not.

The amount of time it takes to get MRI results depends on where you have your test done and how busy the center is. Often, results are made available in a day or two, but it could take longer.

Pet MRI Near Me: Finding a Facility You Can Trust

The idea of having your dog get an MRI can be daunting, so it’s important to find the right facility. Your vet is usually your best starting point in that regard. However, if cost is an issue, you should feel free to call around to different centers and compare prices. Make sure that no matter which facility you land on, it has board-certified veterinary neurologists or radiologists on staff and positive reviews.

Advocating for Your Dog and Your Budget

If your dog ends up needing an MRI and you don’t have pet insurance, or your policy won’t cover it, be sure to discuss payment plan information with your vet. You may be able to finance an MRI affordably and pay it off over time, so it doesn’t wreak havoc on your budget.

It’s also a good idea to maintain a pet emergency fund for situations like this. Even if your pet insurance policy covers your dog’s MRI, you may have to pay a portion of the bill. Having money on hand could make a situation less stressful.