Is there anyone out there who knows if MRI scan can be performed on a dog with a stainless steel plate in its leg? if so who has and how did it go? not up on my 'metals' and the web is  a bit confusing.

MRIs can't be done where metal is involved as the machine is a large magnet.

My Dobe has got a metal plate in his leg from where he had a TPLO done and a couple of years later he had an MRI scan of his spine (2 slipped discs). I never even considered that there might be an issue and as far as I'm aware there wasn't. I will have to have a Google now!

I found this info. About humans obv. but I think the same probably applies to dogs.

"Some metal implants typically do not cause problems. Most orthopedic and dental implants are not magnetic. These include hip and knee replacements; plates, screws, and rods used to treat fractures; and cavity fillings. All of these metal implants can distort the MRI image if near the part of the body being scanned, but they will usually not cause problems."

MRIs can't be done where metal is involved as the machine is a large magnet.

I realised that MRI stands for Magnetic resourse imaging. but some 'metals' are ok. platinum is ok, just was not sure about the stainless steel. thanks for all your replies.

I work with an mri scanner every other week. Implants are safe when scanning as long as they have been in place for a certain amount of time (depends on surgery site e.g.fractue repair). The scanning company or vet should be able to advise you on this. Usually implants need to have been in place for 8-12 weeks.  The main problem with surgical implants is that they can cause a star bust image which can obscure the area of interest.    I have been involved in scanning several animals with implants. 

Something to have in mind is that most animals have microchips which contain metal (granted a small amount)

Thanks for that Wobbleibob.

I did wonder re the implants as well.

My girl had plates in for cruciate injury about 5 years ago. I am hopping that when we visit hopital tomorrow they will opt for MRI as oposed to  to Mylograph.