Sage Veterinary Imaging Blog
Pet Health & Advanced Veterinary Imaging
FAQ: What information should I share before my pet’s imaging appointment?
Preparing for your pet’s imaging appointment starts with sharing the right details. From medications and allergies to anesthesia history, these simple steps help your care team keep your pet safe and deliver clear, confident answers.
FAQ: Does my pet really need to fast for 12 hours before their exam?
Wondering why your dog or cat can’t eat before their MRI? Fasting keeps them safe under anesthesia and ensures crystal-clear images. Get practical tips to make prep easier and know exactly what to do if breakfast slips by mistake.
FAQ: When will I get my pet’s imaging results?
Fast, clear results help your pet’s care team make the best decisions. Urgent findings are called in right away, and a full written report follows within 24 hours — so your veterinarian has the insight needed to plan treatment and next steps confidently.
FAQ: Why does my pet need a CT scan?
CT scans use rotating X-rays to create 3D images of your pet’s body, revealing bone injuries, tumors, or hidden disease with remarkable clarity. Discover how this advanced imaging tool helps veterinarians diagnose and plan treatment with confidence.
FAQ: How are my pet’s images and results shared with my regular vet?
Seamless communication means better care. Your veterinarian gets detailed imaging results within 24 hours, and specialists can access scans the same day — keeping every doctor informed and your pet’s treatment moving forward without delay.
FAQ: What should I expect when dropping my pet off for imaging?
Imaging drop-off looks different from a traditional vet visit. With check-in, consent forms, and a three-hour window for scans and recovery, the process is designed to keep pets safe, allow medical prioritization, and ensure every patient receives careful attention.
FAQ: How much does an ultrasound for my dog or cat cost?
Ultrasound pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. From diagnostic imaging to biopsies, costs vary based on your pet’s condition and care plan. Find out what influences the price—and how to get a clear, accurate estimate from our veterinary team.
FAQ: Do CT scans hurt my dog or cat?
If your veterinarian recommends a CT scan, you might worry about safety. Here’s what really happens during the procedure, and why it’s been trusted for decades to uncover the causes of pain and disease without putting pets at risk.
FAQ: Why does SVI use drop-off windows instead of exact appointment times?
Imaging appointments run differently than traditional vet visits. By grouping patients into morning and afternoon blocks, the team creates space to manage complex cases, adjust for urgent needs, and deliver safe, well-coordinated care for every pet.
FAQ: Is an ultrasound better than X-rays for my pet?
X-rays and ultrasound aren’t rivals—they’re partners in diagnosis. Discover how vets use X-rays to get the overview and ultrasound to zoom in on the details, giving a clearer, more complete picture of your pet’s health.
FAQ: Can I stay with my pet during their imaging appointment?
Strong magnets and radiation mean pet parents can’t be present during MRI or CT scans. This blog explains why it’s safest for everyone, how the veterinary team carefully monitors your pet, and what the drop-off and pick-up process looks like.
FAQ: Will my pet need lab screenings or cytology exams?
Before your pet’s MRI or CT, your vet may suggest lab screenings or cytology. These quick tests safeguard anesthesia and give valuable diagnostic insights. Learn how they help prevent surprises and support safer, more accurate results for your pet.
FAQ: What can the doctor see during an MRI scan?
MRI offers a detailed look at your pet’s brain, spine, and soft tissues, revealing conditions other scans can miss. Learn how this advanced imaging technology helps veterinarians diagnose complex issues and guide effective treatment plans.
FAQ: What should I do before I arrive for my pet’s exam?
Safe, clear imaging starts with the right prep. From fasting the night before to giving anxiety medication and bringing morning meds, these steps help reduce stress and keep your pet comfortable. Learn the essentials for a smooth exam day.
FAQ: Why can’t you tell me exactly when my pet will be done?
Advanced imaging doesn’t follow a rigid schedule. Shifting patient needs, technical factors, and emergencies mean timing can vary, but the team prioritizes updates, safe recovery, and transparency so you always know your pet is cared for.
FAQ: What does it mean when I have a STAT appointment?
STAT appointments are designed for urgent cases where fast imaging guides critical decisions. These visits move to the top of the schedule, take about 1.5–2 hours, and include tailored instructions and updates so owners know their pet is safe and cared for.
FAQ: What can I expect when I pick up my pet?
Pick-up is designed to be simple and clear. The team welcomes you, reviews your pet’s case, collects payment by card or CareCredit, and provides itemized receipts for insurance claims. Everything is structured to make next steps straightforward and stress-free.
FAQ: What should I do after my pet’s appointment and I bring them home?
Your pet’s imaging visit is only the beginning. What happens after is just as important. From urgent updates to treatment planning, discover how results flow seamlessly back to your veterinarian and set the stage for your pet’s next steps.
FAQ: Will my pet be anxious without me during their scan?
Every pet deserves a stress-free experience. Through gentle anesthesia and constant monitoring, our team keeps your pet calm and safe from start to finish, so you can relax knowing they’re cared for like family.
FAQ: What is a veterinary ultrasound, and why use one?
Ultrasound lets veterinarians see inside your pet’s body without radiation or pain. Learn how this gentle imaging tool uses sound waves to reveal organ health, detect problems early, and provide real-time answers during your pet’s visit.