Advanced Veterinary Diagnostics

Conditions We Diagnose with Advanced Imaging

When your pet is facing a health challenge, getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward the best possible outcome. At Sage Veterinary Imaging, we use hospital-grade MRI, CT, ultrasound, and digital cytology to help veterinarians identify conditions that standard exams and X-rays can't fully reveal.

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Diagnostic Modalities
3T
Human-Grade MRI
128-Slice
CT Scanner
2-Hour
Cytology Results
Board-Certified
Radiologist Reads

Many serious conditions in dogs and cats — from spinal disc disease and brain tumors to nasal infections and abdominal masses — require advanced imaging to accurately diagnose. Our board-certified veterinary radiologists interpret every study, providing your veterinarian with the detailed diagnostic information they need to plan the most effective treatment.

With MRI, CT, ultrasound, and in-house digital cytology, Sage Veterinary Imaging offers a complete diagnostic pathway — from initial sample analysis to advanced cross-sectional imaging — all under one roof. We serve pets and veterinarians from our imaging centers in Round Rock, Texas (Austin area), Spring, Texas (Houston area), and Sandy, Utah (Salt Lake City area).

Not Sure Which Imaging Study Your Pet Needs?

Our team works directly with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate imaging study for your pet's condition. Schedule at any of our three locations.

Round Rock
Austin, Texas Area
Spring
Houston, Texas Area
Sandy
Salt Lake City, Utah Area

Conditions Diagnosed with Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images of internal organs and structures with no radiation exposure. It is particularly valuable for evaluating abdominal organs, the urinary tract, cardiac structures, and for guiding minimally invasive tissue sampling. In some cases, ultrasound provides diagnostic detail that CT cannot — for example, ultrasound is often superior for detecting intestinal obstructions and evaluating organ texture in real time.

Conditions Diagnosed with Digital Cytology

Digital cytology puts diagnostic answers in your veterinarian's hands faster than ever. Using fine needle aspirates (FNA) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) taps, our team obtains cell samples that are digitized and analyzed by board-certified pathologists — with results often available within 2 hours. Cytology frequently serves as the critical first step in a diagnostic workup, helping determine whether further imaging with MRI, CT, or ultrasound is needed to pinpoint a diagnosis and plan treatment.

How Diagnostic Imaging Works

From referral to results, our streamlined process is designed to get your pet answers quickly while keeping your primary veterinarian at the center of care.

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Veterinary Referral

Your veterinarian refers your pet for advanced imaging or cytology based on their clinical findings and suspected diagnosis.

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Diagnostic Study

Our team performs the appropriate study — MRI, CT, ultrasound, or cytology — using state-of-the-art equipment at one of our three locations.

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Expert Interpretation

A board-certified veterinary radiologist or pathologist interprets your pet's results and prepares a detailed diagnostic report.

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Results & Next Steps

Results are shared with your veterinarian — often the same day or within 2 hours for cytology — so they can plan the best treatment path.

Why Veterinarians Trust Sage

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3T MRI Technology

The same hospital-grade MRI used in leading human medical centers, producing significantly more detailed images than standard veterinary MRI systems.

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Board-Certified Specialists

Every imaging study is interpreted by a board-certified veterinary radiologist, and every cytology sample by a board-certified pathologist.

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2-Hour Digital Cytology

In-house digital cytology delivers biopsy results within 2 hours — helping your veterinarian make treatment decisions the same day, not days later.

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~20% Lower Cost

Our outpatient imaging model means approximately 20% lower cost compared to other advanced imaging providers in the region.

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Collaborative Care

We work directly with your veterinarian, providing clear reports and consultation so they can make the best treatment decisions for your pet.

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3 Convenient Locations

Imaging centers in Round Rock TX, Spring TX, and Sandy UT, serving pets across Texas and Utah.

Common Questions About Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

MRI is the most sensitive imaging modality for evaluating the brain, spinal cord, joints, and soft tissues. It is commonly used to diagnose intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), brain tumors, spinal cord compression, meningitis, syringomyelia, Chiari malformation, cruciate ligament injuries, muscle and tendon tears, and soft tissue masses. MRI is considered the gold standard for neurological, musculoskeletal, and oncologic evaluation in veterinary medicine.
CT is typically the preferred modality for evaluating bone, the nasal passages, the chest, and for cancer staging. It excels at detecting fractures, bone tumors, nasal tumors and infections, lung nodules, and mediastinal masses. CT scans are also faster than MRI, which can be advantageous for patients who need minimal anesthesia time. In some cases, both CT and MRI may be recommended to provide a complete diagnostic picture.
Digital cytology involves collecting cell samples — typically through fine needle aspirates (FNA) or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) taps — and digitizing them for rapid analysis by a board-certified pathologist. Unlike traditional cytology that requires sending samples to an outside lab and waiting days for results, our in-house digital system delivers biopsy diagnoses within approximately 2 hours. This speed is critical for treatment planning and often determines whether further imaging with MRI, CT, or ultrasound is needed to pinpoint the diagnosis.
Most MRI and CT studies require sedation or general anesthesia to ensure your pet remains completely still during the scan. This is essential for producing high-quality diagnostic images. Ultrasound studies can often be performed with light sedation or sometimes no sedation at all, depending on the patient. Fine needle aspirates for cytology typically require only light sedation. Our veterinary team monitors your pet closely throughout any sedation procedure to ensure their safety and comfort.
Yes. Sage Veterinary Imaging operates under a collaborative referral model. Your primary veterinarian refers your pet for the appropriate imaging study or cytology based on their clinical evaluation. This ensures the study is targeted to your pet's specific condition, and that results integrate seamlessly into your pet's ongoing care. We communicate directly with your vet throughout the process so they can plan the best treatment approach.
Turnaround depends on the modality. Digital cytology results are typically available within 2 hours. Most MRI, CT, and ultrasound studies are interpreted the same day, with detailed reports sent to your referring veterinarian. For urgent cases, preliminary findings can often be communicated even sooner. Our goal is to get your veterinarian the diagnostic answers they need as quickly as possible.

Ready to Get Answers for Your Pet?

If your veterinarian has recommended advanced imaging or diagnostic cytology, our board-certified specialists are here to help provide a clear diagnosis. Schedule at any of our three locations.

Round Rock
Austin, Texas Area
Spring
Houston, Texas Area
Sandy
Salt Lake City, Utah Area