What to Send with the Patient
To ensure the smoothest visit and most accurate interpretation, please provide:
Completed referral form (online or faxed)
Relevant radiographs (digital preferred)
Recent bloodwork results (CBC, chemistry)
Cytology / histopathology reports
Current medications list
Surgical history if relevant
Referring veterinarian contact info
Client contact info & preferred callback
Anesthesia note: MRI and most CT studies require general anesthesia. Patients should be fasted 8–12 hours prior to appointment (water is OK). Ultrasound and echocardiography typically require only light sedation or no sedation at all.
Bloodwork requirements: MRI and CT require current bloodwork (within 30 days). If your patient does not have recent labs, we can run bloodwork in-house on the day of the appointment. MRI package pricing includes bloodwork. For CT, in-house bloodwork is an additional charge.
FAQs for Client Discussions
Common questions your clients may have. Use these to help frame the conversation about advanced imaging.
Why does my pet need advanced imaging instead of just X-rays?▸
Radiographs are excellent for evaluating bones and large organ silhouettes, but they cannot visualize soft tissue detail, the spinal cord, brain, joint interiors, or vascular structures. MRI provides unmatched soft tissue contrast for neurological and orthopedic conditions. CT provides detailed cross-sectional anatomy ideal for oncologic staging, nasal disease, and complex fractures. Ultrasound evaluates abdominal organs and fluid in real time. Each modality answers questions that X-rays cannot.
Is anesthesia safe for my pet?▸
Modern veterinary anesthesia is very safe. At SVI, every patient receives a pre-anesthetic physical exam, IV catheter, IV fluid support, and continuous monitoring (ECG, pulse oximetry, capnography, blood pressure, temperature) by a dedicated technician throughout the procedure. Our anesthetic protocols are tailored to each patient's age, breed, and health status. The anesthesia risk for a diagnostic MRI or CT is comparable to a routine dental cleaning.
How long will the appointment take?▸
MRI: Plan for 2–4 hours total (intake, anesthesia, scan, recovery). CT: Typically 1.5–2.5 hours. Ultrasound and echocardiograms: 30–60 minutes with no general anesthesia. All patients are discharged same-day. Drop-off in the morning and pick-up in the afternoon is typical for MRI and CT.
When will my vet get the results?▸
Our board-certified radiologist reads every study on-site. The referring veterinarian receives a direct phone call to discuss findings on the day of the scan, followed by a formal written report within 24 hours. For STAT cases, preliminary results are communicated immediately. Your vet will be the one to discuss the results and next steps with you.
What if the scan shows something that needs surgery?▸
SVI is a diagnostic imaging center — we don't perform surgery. However, our detailed imaging and radiologist report give your veterinarian or surgeon the precise information needed to plan the procedure. If a surgical specialist is needed, our radiologists can recommend colleagues and are always available to consult with the surgical team about the imaging findings.
Do you accept pet insurance?▸
We work with all major pet insurance providers. Payment is collected at the time of service, and we provide a detailed invoice with diagnostic codes that clients can submit to their insurance company for reimbursement. We also accept CareCredit and Cherry financing for clients who prefer a payment plan.
Does my pet need bloodwork before the scan?▸
Yes, for MRI and CT. Current bloodwork (within 30 days) is required before general anesthesia to screen for organ function and anesthetic risk. If your patient has had a recent CBC and chemistry panel, send the results with the referral — we can often use existing labs if they are comprehensive and current, which saves your client the additional cost. If no recent labs are available, we can run bloodwork in-house on the day of the appointment. The MRI Package price includes bloodwork. For CT, in-house bloodwork is an additional charge. Ultrasound and echocardiograms do not require bloodwork.
Can I speak directly with the radiologist about the case?▸
Absolutely — that's a core part of how we operate. Our radiologists are available by phone or text to discuss any case, before or after the scan. You're not calling a support line; you're talking directly to the board-certified radiologist who read the study. Pre-scan consultations are also available at no charge if you want to discuss whether imaging is indicated or which modality is most appropriate.
What's the difference between the MRI base price and the MRI Package?▸
The MRI Package includes pre-anesthetic bloodwork (CBC + full chemistry). If the patient already has qualifying bloodwork on file, the base MRI price applies. Both include anesthesia, the scan, IV fluids, monitoring, and radiologist consultation. We recommend quoting clients the Package price unless they've confirmed recent bloodwork is available.
