Spinal & Neurological Conditions in Dogs & Cats
When a pet suddenly loses the ability to walk, develops weakness in their legs, or shows signs of severe pain along their spine, every hour matters. Spinal and neurological conditions can progress rapidly, and an accurate diagnosis is essential for determining whether emergency surgery, medical management, or other treatment is the right path.
At Sage Veterinary Imaging (SVI), our 3-Tesla MRI produces the highest-resolution images of the spinal cord, nerve roots, intervertebral discs, and surrounding soft tissues available in veterinary medicine. MRI is the gold standard for neurological imaging because it reveals the precise location and nature of spinal cord compression, inflammation, or tumor involvement — details that are invisible on X-rays and CT.
SVI offers advanced MRI services at our centers in Round Rock, Texas; Spring, Texas; and Sandy, Utah.
Common Spinal & Neurological Problems We Diagnose
Neurological conditions in dogs and cats are among the most time-sensitive diagnoses in veterinary medicine. The spinal cord cannot be directly examined, making MRI the essential tool for seeing what is happening inside. Below are the conditions our team most frequently diagnoses.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
IVDD is one of the most common causes of sudden paralysis or severe back pain in dogs. When an intervertebral disc herniates, it compresses the spinal cord, causing pain, weakness, or loss of function in the legs. MRI is essential for IVDD because it shows exactly which disc has herniated, the degree of spinal cord compression, whether the cord shows signs of damage (myelomalacia), and whether multiple discs are affected. This information directly determines whether emergency decompressive surgery is needed and guides the surgical approach.
Learn more about IVDD →Spinal Cord Compression & Myelopathy
Compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots can develop gradually from degenerative changes, congenital malformations, or space-occupying lesions. Wobbler syndrome in large-breed dogs causes progressive incoordination from cervical spinal cord compression. Lumbosacral disease compresses the cauda equina nerve roots, causing hindlimb and tail dysfunction. MRI identifies the location, cause, and severity of compression, showing soft-tissue changes that CT and X-rays cannot detect, and helps distinguish surgical from medical candidates.
Learn more about spinal cord compression →Meningitis & Spinal Inflammation
Inflammation of the meninges (the membranes surrounding the spinal cord) causes severe neck pain, fever, and neurological deficits. MRI with contrast enhancement reveals meningeal thickening and enhancement that confirms the diagnosis and shows the distribution and severity of inflammation. This is critical for distinguishing immune-mediated conditions like steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) from infectious causes, as the treatment approaches are fundamentally different. CSF analysis performed alongside MRI provides additional diagnostic confirmation.
Learn more about meningitis →Spinal Tumors & Masses
Tumors affecting the spine can arise from the spinal cord itself (intramedullary), from the surrounding membranes (intradural-extramedullary), or from the vertebrae and surrounding tissues (extradural). MRI is the only modality that reliably distinguishes between these three categories — a distinction that is critical for treatment planning and prognosis. MRI also shows the tumor’s relationship to the spinal cord, degree of compression, and extent of cord edema or damage, all of which guide surgical, radiation, or chemotherapy decisions.
Learn more about spinal tumors →Congenital Spinal Malformations
Some breeds are predisposed to congenital abnormalities of the spine and skull-spine junction. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels frequently develop Chiari-like malformation with secondary syringomyelia (fluid-filled cavities within the spinal cord). Toy breeds like Yorkies and Chihuahuas are prone to atlantoaxial instability. Screw-tailed breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs) commonly have hemivertebrae. MRI reveals the specific malformation, associated spinal cord changes, and helps determine whether surgery or medical management is most appropriate.
Learn more about congenital spinal malformations →Breeds Commonly Affected
Neurological conditions have strong breed predispositions. Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Beagles, and Cocker Spaniels are at highest risk for IVDD. Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, and Mastiffs are predisposed to Wobbler syndrome. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia. German Shepherds are predisposed to degenerative myelopathy and lumbosacral disease. Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Pomeranians face higher risk of atlantoaxial instability. Bulldogs and Pugs commonly develop hemivertebrae-related issues.
How Advanced MRI Helps
MRI is the gold standard for neurological imaging because it provides unmatched visualization of the spinal cord, nerve roots, meninges, and intervertebral discs. Our 3-Tesla MRI system produces significantly more detailed images than standard 1.5T or low-field systems used at many veterinary practices, which can mean the difference between detecting a subtle lesion and missing it entirely.
Each study is reviewed by our board-certified veterinary radiologists, who provide detailed reports and work directly with your veterinarian or neurologist to ensure the findings translate into the best treatment plan for your pet.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Spinal MRI studies typically take 45–75 minutes, depending on the region being evaluated and whether contrast enhancement is needed. Your pet will be placed under general anesthesia to ensure complete stillness for high-quality images. Multiple imaging sequences are performed to characterize different tissue types and identify pathology. For emergency IVDD cases, we prioritize rapid scheduling to minimize the time between onset and diagnosis.
Results are interpreted by a board-certified veterinary radiologist, and your veterinarian typically receives a detailed report the same day. For emergency cases, preliminary findings can often be communicated within hours.
Learn more about veterinary MRI at Sage →
Dr. Jaime Sage, DVM, MS, DACVR
Dr. Jaime Sage is the founder of Sage Veterinary Imaging and a board-certified veterinary radiologist (DACVR) with advanced expertise in diagnostic MRI for companion animals. Dr. Sage personally interprets complex cases and works closely with referring veterinarians to ensure every imaging study delivers clear, actionable diagnostic answers.
Her published research on MRI in veterinary medicine — co-authored with Dr. Patrick Gavin, a pioneer in the field — has contributed to advancing the standard of care for pets requiring advanced diagnostic imaging.
Why Choose Sage Veterinary Imaging
Get Answers for Your Pet
If your pet has sudden paralysis, progressive weakness, severe back or neck pain, or any neurological symptoms that suggest spinal cord involvement, advanced MRI imaging can reveal the cause and guide your veterinarian toward the most effective treatment — often within hours.
Schedule a Diagnostic MRI Study
Visit one of our three locations to learn more and schedule your pet’s neurological imaging study. For emergency IVDD cases, contact us directly for expedited scheduling.
Spinal & Neurological Imaging FAQ
Ready to Get Answers?
Advanced MRI can reveal the cause of your pet’s neurological symptoms and help your veterinarian plan the most effective treatment. Visit one of our locations to get started.