MRI Scan Cost in the UK – What to Expect

By the Pawlee Team

Average cost

£1800–£2500

Typical range

£1500–£3000

Species

Dog & Cat

How much does mri scan cost?

MRI Scan typically costs £1800–£2500 in the UK, though prices can range from £1500 to £3000 depending on your location, the practice, and your pet's individual circumstances.

Costs are UK averages based on publicly available data. Actual prices vary by practice, location, and animal size.

What affects the price?

Factor	Impact on cost	Example
Body area scanned	Scanning multiple regions or adding contrast dye increases the cost	A single brain scan (£1,500–£2,000) vs brain and spine with contrast (£2,500–£3,000)
Referral centre	MRI is only available at specialist or referral hospitals, and prices vary between centres	£1,500–£2,200 at a regional referral centre vs £2,000–£3,000 in London
Pet size	Larger animals require more anaesthesia and longer scan times	A cat or small dog (£1,500–£2,000) vs a large breed dog (£2,200–£3,000)
Additional procedures	If a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap or biopsy is performed at the same time, costs increase	MRI alone (£2,000) vs MRI plus CSF analysis (£2,500–£3,000)

What's included in the price?

Pre-anaesthetic blood tests and health check
General anaesthesia and full monitoring
MRI scan of the specified region
Interpretation by a veterinary specialist (often a neurologist or radiologist)
Written report with images
Post-anaesthetic recovery and monitoring

What to expect

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create highly detailed images of your pet's brain, spinal cord, joints, and soft tissues. Unlike X-rays, MRI produces cross-sectional images that can reveal conditions invisible on standard imaging. Because your pet must remain completely still inside the scanner, a general anaesthetic is always required.

When is it needed? Your vet or specialist may recommend an MRI if your pet is showing neurological signs such as seizures, head tilting, wobbliness, or sudden paralysis. MRI is also used to investigate spinal disc disease, brain tumours, inner ear problems, and complex joint injuries that cannot be fully assessed with X-rays or ultrasound.

Recovery time: Your pet will need a few hours to recover from the general anaesthetic. Most pets go home the same day or the following morning. The MRI itself causes no pain or side effects. Results are usually discussed within a few days once the specialist has reviewed all the images.

Breeds commonly needing this treatment

Dachshund French Bulldog Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Pug German Shepherd

Related conditions

Ivdd Dogs Mast Cell Tumours Dogs Lymphoma Dogs

Frequently asked questions

Why does my pet need a general anaesthetic for an MRI?

MRI scans take 30–60 minutes, during which your pet must lie completely motionless inside a noisy, enclosed scanner. Even the slightest movement blurs the images and makes them unreadable. General anaesthesia is the only reliable way to ensure your pet stays perfectly still and stress-free throughout.

Is an MRI scan safe for pets?

Yes. MRI uses magnets and radio waves rather than radiation, so the scan itself is very safe. The main risk comes from the general anaesthetic, which is carefully managed with pre-anaesthetic checks, modern drugs, and continuous monitoring. Serious anaesthetic complications are rare.

Why is a veterinary MRI so expensive?

MRI machines cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to purchase and maintain. The procedure also requires a general anaesthetic, specialist interpretation, and dedicated nursing staff. Despite the cost, MRI often provides a definitive diagnosis that avoids the need for more invasive exploratory surgery.

Does pet insurance cover MRI scans?

Most lifetime and annual pet insurance policies cover MRI when it is medically necessary. However, accident-only or basic policies may not. The cost can easily exceed common per-condition limits, so check your policy's maximum benefit. Some insurers require pre-authorisation before the scan.