MRI Brain

The patient should be positioned in ventral recumbency with the head encased within an effective coil (often head or cardiac types). Studies should extend from the most cranial limit of the orbits/eyes to the level of the 2nd or 3rd cervical vertebra. Slice thicknesses of 3-5 mm should be used; dependent on how many sequences you have time to perform. The following sequences in each respective plane should be performed:

  • Axial/Transverse Plane. T1-weighted, T2-weighted, FLAIR, T1-weighted with contrast.
  • Sagittal Plane. T1-weighted, T2-weighted, T1-weighted with contrast.
  • Coronal/Dorsoventral Plane. T2-weighted, T1-weighted with contrast (T1-weighted pre-contrast also if time allows).

 

MRI Spine

The patient should be positioned in dorsal recumbency, and the coil within the table will likely be used. Study should extend through necessary vertebral regions based on pain and/or neurolocalization. More specifically for the hindlimbs, if UMN signs are present extend from the 8th or 9th thoracic vertebra through the sacrum, and if LMN signs are present, from the 12th or 13th thoracic vertebra through sacrum. Slice thicknesses of 2-4 mm should be used; dependent on how many sequences you have time to perform. The following sequences within each respective plane should be performed:

  • Axial/Transverse Plane. T1-weighted, T2-weighted (T1-weighted with contrast if indicated).
  • Sagittal Plane. T1-weighted, T2-weighted, STIR (T1-weighted with contrast if indicated).
  • Coronal/Dorsoventral Plane. T2-weighted (T1-weighted pre and post- contrast administration if indicated).

 

MRI Stifle/Joint Imaging

The patient should be placed in lateral recumbency, with the affected limb up, with the stifle placed in neutral to moderate extension. Study should at least extend from distal femoral diaphysis to the proximal tibial diaphysis, distal to the tibial crest. A wrist coil is preferable, however if the joint/region to be imaged is too large, then cardiac or other similar coils may be used. Slice thicknesses of 2-3 mm should be used; dependent on how much time you have to complete the study. The following sequences within each respective plane should be performed:

  • Axial/Transverse Plane. Proton Density (PD)-weighted (+/- fat sat).
  • Sagittal Plane. PD-weighted (+/- fat sat), T1-weighted, T2-weighted (+/- fat sat).
  • Coronal/Dorsoventral Plane. PD-weighted (+/- fat sat), T2-weighted (+/- fat sat).