Are there any risks associated with MRI and CT?
MRI and CT are both considered extremely safe imaging modalities. MRI uses radio-frequency energy to excite molecules in your pet — similar to that which a radio or TV station emits. No ionizing radiation is used. Low magnetic fields have not been demonstrated to be harmful to animals or people. Caution must be taken in animals or people that have been implanted with pacemakers or metal clips in certain areas. Because pets cannot move during the MRI scan, they must be anesthetized during the procedure. While there are some risks inherent to anesthesia, at UF VMC, anesthesia is supervised by board-certified anesthesiology specialists who carefully assess each patient prior to the procedure. While CT scanning uses ionizing radiation, the dose received by the patient is similar to that of conventional radiographs (X-rays) and less than that for a human receiving a similar procedure. CT should be avoided in breeding animals during the first trimester of pregnancy. Pets are usually anesthe
