Real Cases. Real Collaboration. Real Outcomes.
See how Sage Veterinary Imaging partners with referring veterinarians and specialists to deliver fast, precise diagnostic imaging that changes the course of care.
Featured Cases
Click a case to read the full story
Bentley's Emergency Spinal MRI
French Bulldog · 3 years old
Rapidly progressive neurological decline led to same-day MRI, revealing a cervical disc extrusion. Surgery within 24 hours. Walking again in 14 weeks.
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Ziva's Race Against Paralysis
Dachshund · 3 years old
From mild stair difficulty to acute hind-limb paralysis in three days. Same-day MRI at SVI Sandy pinpointed the disc extrusion, and surgery was completed that same evening.
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When Radiographs Miss the Diagnosis
Chihuahua Mix · 12 years old
12 weeks of failed medications for "arthritis." MRI revealed a nerve sheath tumor with severe spinal cord compression — completely invisible on radiographs.
Read Full CaseMore cases coming soon
Bentley Clark
3-year-old Male Neutered French Bulldog · 14.2 kg
Bentley presented with rapidly progressive neurological decline and loss of the ability to walk. Non-ambulatory with absent conscious proprioception in all limbs, his clinical signs pointed to a serious spinal cord problem — but the exact location was uncertain and time was critical.
From Emergency to Recovery
GP Presentation — Bluebonnet Veterinary Clinic
Bentley presented to Dr. Elizabeth DeFily with neck pain and forelimb lameness. Over the course of the day he rapidly became non-ambulatory with progressing neurological deficits in all four limbs. Dr. DeFily recognized the emergency and arranged same-day MRI at Sage Veterinary Imaging.
Same-Day MRI at Sage Veterinary Imaging
The SVI team rapidly prepared Bentley for anesthesia and performed a comprehensive MRI of the cervical and thoracolumbar spine. The scan revealed a right ventrolateral C3-4 disc extrusion with marked hemorrhage and spinal cord compression. Dr. Sage delivered a verbal preliminary report to the owner and the surgical team immediately upon completion.
Ventral Slot Surgery at VROC
Bentley was transferred directly from SVI to VROC, where Dr. David Allman monitored him overnight and performed ventral slot surgery the following morning. The MRI pinpointed the exact location and confirmed the surgical approach, eliminating any diagnostic doubt.
Recovery & Outcome
Bentley made an excellent recovery. At 14 weeks post-surgery, he was ambulatory and doing remarkably well — a testament to the speed and coordination between his GP, the imaging team, and his surgeon.
What the MRI Revealed
Sagittal T2-weighted image showing disc extrusion and hemorrhage at C3-4 with spinal cord compression
Thoracolumbar localizer confirming no compressive lesion in the T-L spine — the lesion was cervical
Key Findings
Acute, right ventrolateral C3-4 intervertebral disc extrusion with marked hemorrhage, right lateral spinal cord compression, and focal spinal cord contusion. Despite clinical signs suggesting possible thoracolumbar disease, MRI localized the lesion definitively to the cervical spine — a critical distinction that determined the correct surgical approach. Hemi-vertebrae were noted at T3 through T8, consistent with breed conformation. No compressive lesion was found in the thoracolumbar spine.
Three Perspectives, One Team
Sage Imaging is amazing. They were very professional, very empathetic, and very knowledgeable. The radiologist came out and explained to us what was going on. She was so kind, caring, empathetic, and professional. I can't say enough about how she made us feel. We are so grateful for the collaboration between Dr. DeFily, Sage Imaging, and Dr. Allman. If we ever need imaging again, it'll always be done at Sage Imaging.
Watch Kay's full testimonial
The MRI eliminated any doubt as to the exact cause of Bentley's spinal cord injury while informing us that indeed ventral slot surgery was indicated. Dr. Sage was able to send me a short video of herself reading out the MRI live while showing the exact imaging on her computer screen. It was as if I was sitting in the reading room with her looking at the images.
On the partnership: "Here at VROC we have worked with Sage Imaging on more than 10 neurologic MRI imaging cases to date. Each time Sage has worked hard to fit our critical case into their schedule for same-day imaging."
The amazing coordination between Sage Imaging and VROC surgical center allowed for surgery within 24 hours of presentation and facilitated the rapid recovery of the patient. Dr. Sage spoke directly to the surgeon Dr. Allman after the MRI and Bentley was transferred to VROC for monitoring overnight and surgery the next morning.
On staying in the loop: "As the referring veterinarian, they kept me in the loop with updates."
Walking Again at 14 Weeks
From emergency presentation to surgery in under 24 hours. This is what happens when the GP, the imaging team, and the surgeon work as one coordinated unit.
Same-Day Imaging
Critical case fit into the schedule the same day it was referred
Live Video Read
Surgeon received a live video walkthrough of the MRI findings
GP Kept in the Loop
Referring vet received updates throughout the entire process
Ready to Refer a Case?
Our team is here to help — from scheduling to results, we make it easy.
Ziva Davies
3-year-old Female Spayed Dachshund · 8.3 kg
Ziva first presented with mild signs — reduced activity and difficulty with stairs. Within three days, she rapidly declined to acute hind-limb paralysis with absent conscious proprioception. Deep pain was still present, but the window for a good surgical outcome was closing fast.
Three Days from Stairs to Surgery
Initial Presentation — VCA Cottonwood Animal Hospital
Ziva presented to Dr. Jeff Porter with reduced activity and difficulty on stairs. Neurologic exam was normal. CBC, chemistry, urinalysis, and bladder ultrasound were all unremarkable. Spinal radiographs showed a narrowed L1-2 disc space and L7-S1 mineralization. She was started on carprofen and monitored.
Rapid Decline
Two days later, Ziva's owner reported left hind limb weakness. By the next morning she was completely paralyzed in both hind limbs with flaccid paralysis and absent conscious proprioception. Deep pain was still present. Dr. Porter immediately contacted Sage Veterinary Imaging.
Same-Day MRI at Sage Veterinary Imaging — Sandy, UT
Ziva was immediately received at SVI for MRI. The scan revealed a severe T12-13 disc extrusion with marked spinal cord compression — notably at a different level than the radiographic findings had suggested. Dr. Jaime Sage provided rapid interpretation and the report was signed by 5:54 PM that same day.
Emergency Surgery at VCA Cottonwood
Upon recovery from anesthesia at SVI, Ziva was transferred back to VCA Cottonwood where Dr. Robert Bagley performed emergency decompressive surgery that same evening. The entire journey from paralysis to surgery took less than a day.
Successful Recovery
Ziva recovered well from surgery. Her owner, Eileen Davies, had experienced a similar emergency with another dog years earlier that wasn't handled promptly — which made the speed and coordination of Ziva's care all the more meaningful.
What the MRI Revealed
T2-weighted sagittal image showing severe T12-13 disc extrusion with spinal cord compression and dorsal displacement
Key Findings
Severe, acute, ventral/right ventral extrusion of the T12-13 intervertebral disc with extruded disc content and hemorrhage extending over the body of T12, causing marked secondary spinal cord compression with left dorsal displacement. Notably, the initial radiographs had pointed to L1-2 and L7-S1 — the MRI identified the true culprit at T12-13, a critical distinction that changed the surgical plan entirely.
Three Perspectives, One Team
The outstanding service from Sage Veterinary Imaging was invaluable in the prompt diagnosis and subsequent successful treatment for Ziva. The accuracy of the diagnosis was imperative. The rapid diagnosis reduced the pain and suffering for Ziva as well as the concern and anxiety for her owner.
On collaboration: "Communication was efficient and prompt. Diagnosis was accurate. The support received from Sage throughout this case was excellent."
My little dachshund is doing wonderfully well, thanks to quick imaging from Sage, and especially to the skill of Dr. Bagley and his willingness to come back in to work at night to do the surgery.
Everything was done in an extremely timely manner and with great care at all three facilities. We were able to get Ziva in for an MRI within 24 hours of her presentation. Sage was extremely professional as well as compassionate to Ziva's owner in caring for Ziva and expediting the MRI.
On the video reads: "I love the brief synopsis videos that Jaime sends regarding the cases that I send to Sage. They are extremely helpful and can also be used when owners want to learn more and see exactly what is going on with their patient."
From Paralysis to Surgery in One Day
When radiographs pointed one direction and clinical signs pointed another, MRI found the real answer — and the whole team moved fast enough to give Ziva her best chance.
MRI Changed the Plan
Radiographs suggested L1-2; MRI found the true lesion at T12-13
Same-Day Turnaround
MRI and surgery completed on the same day Ziva was referred
Compassionate Care
Professional and compassionate support for an anxious owner who'd been through this before
Ready to Refer a Case?
Our team is here to help — from scheduling to results, we make it easy.
Ginger Waters
12-year-old Female Spayed Chihuahua Mix
Ginger had been limping for 12 weeks. Radiographs said "arthritis." Four medications failed. MRI told a completely different story — a nerve sheath tumor with severe spinal cord compression that was invisible on every radiograph.
12 Weeks of Wrong Answers
Onset of Lameness
Ginger developed non-weight-bearing left forelimb lameness along with a slowly enlarging chest mass and random twitching episodes about once per day.
Radiographs — Millcreek Animal Hospital
Radiographs of the left carpus, elbow, and shoulder were interpreted as showing arthritic changes in the shoulder with decreased joint space. No fractures, no obvious masses, no bone lysis. Clinical interpretation: osteoarthritis.
Medications tried over 12 weeks — all without improvement:
Specialist Evaluation — Mountain West Veterinary Specialists
A specialist exam revealed lower cervical pain on palpation and left forelimb proprioceptive deficits — neurological signs that radiographs could never have detected. MRI was recommended. The nearest specialty hospital (MedVet) couldn't get Ginger in until June.
Same-Day MRI at Sage Veterinary Imaging — Sandy, UT
The owner found Sage on Google. Sage got Ginger in the same day. A comprehensive 3T MRI of the cervical spine and axilla revealed what 12 weeks of radiographs and medications could not: a nerve sheath tumor with severe spinal cord compression.
Two Modalities, Two Different Stories
Dorsal view: Contrast-enhancing mass at C7–T1 nerve roots (red arrow)
Sagittal view: Tumor extending through foramen into left axilla and brachial plexus
Transverse: Severe left lateral spinal cord compression with right displacement
| Radiographs | MRI | |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnosis | “Arthritis” | Nerve sheath tumor |
| Nerve Roots | Not visible | Enlarged, contrast-enhancing |
| Spinal Cord | Not visible | Severe compression identified |
| Muscle Atrophy | Not assessed | Neurogenic atrophy confirmed |
| Brachial Plexus | Not visible | Tumor extension mapped |
| Soft Tissue | Minimal detail | Full characterization |
| Actionable? | 12 weeks of failed meds | Definitive diagnosis, day one |
Red Flags That Pointed Beyond “Arthritis”
Signs that should prompt earlier advanced imaging referral:
Severity Mismatch
Non-weight-bearing lameness that doesn't match mild radiographic findings. If rads show mild arthritic changes but the patient is NWB, the mismatch should trigger further workup.
Failed Medical Management (>4–6 Weeks)
If appropriate analgesia isn't producing improvement, reconsider the diagnosis — not just the drug choice. Four medications over 12 weeks with no response is a strong signal.
Neurological Signs Alongside Lameness
Twitching episodes, proprioceptive deficits, cervical pain, or muscle atrophy point to a neurological origin that radiographs cannot evaluate.
Suspect Nerve Root or Brachial Plexus Pathology
Nerve sheath tumors, disc herniations compressing nerve roots, and brachial plexus lesions are invisible on radiographs. MRI is the gold standard.
Earlier Referral = Better Outcomes
In Ginger's case, 12 weeks of delay could have been avoided with earlier advanced imaging, giving the owner a faster path to informed decision-making.
Cameron's Google Review
Google Review — Cameron Waters
Our sweet little dog Ginger started limping on her left leg a couple of months ago. After 12 weeks of trying different medications, our primary veterinarian recommended us for imaging. Our veterinarian originally suggested we go to MedVet in Salt Lake City. They could not get us in until June. Knowing the pain our dog was in, that was unacceptable. We found Sage on Google and they had us in within the day. We were finally able to get our dog an MRI and diagnosed. Though the diagnosis was not a happy one, we now know what to do and what action to take after months of trying to figure this out. Thank you so much to Sage and their caring and informative staff. I highly recommend.
One MRI. One Day. The Real Diagnosis.
Radiographs are excellent for bone. But when lameness involves nerve roots, spinal cord, or soft tissue masses — MRI is the only modality that provides a diagnosis.
Rads Missed It
Nerve sheath tumor completely invisible on all radiographic views
MRI Found It
Definitive diagnosis on day one with full tumor mapping
Same-Day Access
When MedVet said June, Sage had Ginger in the same day
Ready to Refer a Case?
Our team is here to help — from scheduling to results, we make it easy.