Authors: Charley Humphreys, BSc (Hons), RVN. Charley qualified as an RVN in 2019 and attained a BSc in veterinary nursing at Nottingham Trent University in 2023. She has worked at Wear Referrals on the neurology team since qualifying and is currently undertaking an advanced veterinary nurse/veterinary technician certificate in anaesthesia.
Heather Imrie, BA, VetMB, PhD, PGCHE, FHEA, MRCVS Heather qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 1989. Having spent some time in mixed practice, she undertook a PhD at the University of Nottingham and worked as a postdoctoral research assistant at the University of Oxford, with an interest in immunology. She joined Nottingham Trent University in 2013, working as a senior lecturer on the veterinary nursing team.
Nathan Price, FdSc, RVN, Dip(AVN), MSc Nathan completed a foundation degree at Nottingham Trent University and an advanced veterinary nursing diploma and master’s degree at Harper Adams University. He worked in various types of practices, including general, hospital and referral, before moving into education. Currently, Nathan works at Nottingham Trent University as a lecturer and course leader for the BSc (Hons) top-up degree, and teaches in the areas of anaesthesia and pharmacology.
ABSTRACT This study investigates the effects of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures on the body temperature of anaesthetised dogs, with attention given to underlying mechanisms and contributing factors. Hypothermia is identified as a key concern, given its detrimental impact on the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and immune systems. The study demonstrates that dogs undergoing MRI typically experience a reduction in body temperature, which is significantly affected by their body condition score (BCS) and the duration of the scan. A higher BCS correlates with a smaller temperature decrease, while longer scan times result in a greater temperature loss. The inability to use active warming devices, due to the MRI scanner’s magnetic field, exacerbates patient heat loss during scans. Limitations of the study include a small, heterogeneous sample, inconsistent documentation of BCS, variability between the brands of thermometer used and the subjective nature of BCS assessment. The results emphasise the importance of vigilant temperature monitoring and management by veterinary nurses, with recommendations made to keep scan times as brief as possible. The study discourages the promotion of above-ideal BCS, owing to the associated health risks. Overall, it advocates for practices that minimise hypothermia and protect the welfare of canine patients during MRI investigations.
Keywords MRI, anaesthesia, risks, body temperature, body condition score, dogs
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56496/GQLU7114
To cite this article: Humphreys, C. Imrie, H. and Price, N. (2025) The effect of magnetic resonance imaging on the body temperature of anaesthetised dogs. VNJ 40(6) pp42-49.
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