One of the newest diagnostic procedures for dog arthritis is the use of MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This procedure is not really new for human patients but it is quite the first time that its use is being extended to man's best friends.



Dog arthritis is a very common concern. Almost all dogs suffer from this the moment they reach their senior years. But even so, this condition can also be prevented with right intervention.

MRI is a welcome addition to the diagnostic tools that vets use to detect and cure arthritis in dogs. With the use of this high-tech medical scanner, veterinarians don't have to perform surgery on your pets just to know which joints sustain the problem. What's more, the use of this equipment allows vets to diagnose other diseases in your pet as well.

Dogs aged two years old can use the MRI scanner. Right now, vets would require dog owners to take their dog for an MRI scan several times within six months to monitor their disease. This way, the vet can easily see the improvement or the worsening of the condition. As such, they can adjust the pet's medication accordingly. MRI has been a great help not only for your dog but for you and its vet as well.

The MRI scanner uses a large cylinder running through a magnet. The scanner uses radio waves that are sent through the body, which in turn, would produce the image of the dog's joints, or any other part of its body for that matter. The image produced is either a two dimensional or a three dimensional reproduction of the muscles and joints.

However, only selected hospitals are offering this service right now. Most veterinarians are not yet equipped with this device, as it is quite a little too expensive for small clinics. Also, only a few hospitals allow pets and other small animals to be placed inside the MRI scanner. Hospitals currently allow only human patients for their equipment, although much of it is due to the fact that they don't have the necessary restraints and devices fit for animals.

The cost of MRI scanning for animals is not much different from human subjects. For people who have limited budget on their pets, it could be quite a big decision whether or not they should put their pet through the scan. However, this still proves to be one of the most efficient ways to provide your pet with the treatment it needs so that it can live life comfortably despite its condition.

If you want to know more about MRI or if you want to subject your pet for one, talk to your vet today. Your vet would know if the diagnostic procedure is necessary for your pet or if the old way of treating arthritis is sufficient. It also pays to know which hospital is offering the service to pets so that you'll know where to take your dog for one should it require the test in the future.