ABSTRACT
Quick and complete evaluation of animals that are critically ill is mandatory. Radiographs and ultrasound are the current mainstays of emergency imaging; however, advanced imaging studies such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are being used with increasing frequency. MRI technology provides for exceptional imaging of anatomic detail, especially of soft tissues throughout the body. This chapter focuses on the use of MRI in emergency situations. For animals, the most experience with MRI has been gained in imaging the central nervous system (CNS). Emergency MRI for non-CNS disease is generally related to acute hemorrhagic disorders. Such hemorrhagic studies above the diaphragm of an emergency nature are generally of the nasal cavity. Emergency MRI studies below the diaphragm generally involve acute abdominal fluid accumulation. Portosystemic shunts and the associated hepatic encephalopathy may be seen on an emergency basis and the shunts can be diagnosed via MRI angiography.
