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Veterinary MRI · On-site · Dogs, cats & exotics

Pet MRI in KL — we can see what X-rays can’t

Gasing Veterinary Hospital runs one of the very few dedicated veterinary MRI scanners in Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley — an on-site Esaote Vet-MR Grande built specifically for animals. MRI is the gold standard for brains, spinal cords, slipped discs and soft-tissue disease — the conditions X-rays and ultrasound simply cannot show. And because the scanner sits in the same building as our operating theatres and ICU, a scan can become treatment the same day, without your pet leaving the hospital. Call 03-7782 3553 to ask whether MRI is the right next step, or to refer a patient.

Our MRI, in the flesh

This is our actual scanner — a dedicated veterinary MRI, on-site, running most days. Very few hospitals in the country have one, which is why other clinics send their most difficult cases to us. It works alongside our on-site CT, digital X-ray, ultrasound and endoscopy, so a pet gets scanned, diagnosed and treated all under one roof.

Esaote Vet-MR Grande veterinary MRI scanner at Gasing Veterinary Hospital
the Esaote Vet-MR Grande — our actual machine, not a stock photo.

Built for animals, not borrowed from a human hospital

See the paw print? This scanner is purpose-built for pets. That matters: the coils, positioning and workflow are designed around animal patients rather than adapted from a human machine, so we get the images we need with less fuss for your pet.

Paw-print branded Vet-MR Grande control console at Gasing Veterinary Hospital
yes, that’s a paw print — it’s made for pets.

When your pet might need an MRI

If your vet has mentioned any of these, MRI is often the test that gives a real answer rather than a guess:

  • Seizures or epilepsy — to look for a cause in the brain
  • Sudden weakness, wobbliness or paralysis — often a spinal problem
  • A suspected slipped disc (IVDD), especially in dachshunds and similar breeds
  • Unexplained, ongoing pain — particularly neck or back pain
  • Strange neurological signs — head tilt, circling, behaviour change
  • A soft-tissue mass that needs mapping before surgery

What actually happens on the day

MRI needs your pet to stay completely still, so it is done under sedation or a light general anaesthetic. We assess fitness first, monitor closely throughout, and your pet recovers with our nursing team. Most of the time your pet is home the same day — or, if the scan finds something we can treat, we can often go straight to it.

The patient table of the veterinary MRI scanner at Gasing Veterinary Hospital
the bed your pet lies on — they sleep right through it.

We read the scans here — same day

The images are read in-house by our clinicians, not posted off and waited on for a week. That means a diagnosis fast, and a plan while it still makes a difference. Referring vets get a full report back.

A real MRI study displayed on the reading workstation at Gasing Veterinary Hospital
a real study on our workstation — spine and skull.

Referrals from other clinics — welcome

Many of our MRI patients arrive through their regular vet, and we like it that way. We scan, report back, and your pet goes home to the vet who knows them — or stays with us if advanced treatment is needed. Veterinarians: call 03-7782 3553 to book an MRI slot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my dog or cat need to be sedated for an MRI?

Yes. An MRI requires the patient to stay perfectly still, so it is done under sedation or a light general anaesthetic. We assess your pet’s fitness beforehand and monitor them closely throughout — it is a routine part of the scan.

How long does a pet MRI take?

The scan itself typically takes around 30–60 minutes depending on the area being imaged, plus time for anaesthetic and recovery. We will give you a realistic timeline on the day.

How much does a pet MRI cost in KL?

It depends on the region scanned and the anaesthetic involved, so we always give you an upfront estimate before going ahead — no surprises. Call 03-7782 3553 and we can talk through your pet’s case.

What conditions is MRI best for?

MRI is the gold standard for the brain, spinal cord, intervertebral discs and soft tissue — so it is especially useful for seizures, paralysis, slipped discs, chronic pain and unexplained neurological signs. For bone and lung detail, CT is often the better tool, and we have that on-site too.

Can my regular vet refer my pet for an MRI?

Absolutely. We take referrals from clinics across the Klang Valley — we scan, send a full report back, and your pet returns to your own vet for ongoing care unless advanced treatment is needed here. Vets can call 03-7782 3553.

Need to speak to a vet?

We’re open 24 hours, 7 days a week — for emergencies, advice, or to book a visit.