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Same day and planned MRI scanning available
Our MRI suite delivers detailed, high-resolution images of the brain, spinal cord, and soft tissues, giving us the diagnostic clarity needed to guide complex clinical decisions with confidence.
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- Fixed pricing, results within 4 hours*
Award-winning veterinary care you can trust
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays a vital role in veterinary neurology referrals by providing highly detailed, non-invasive insights into the brain and spinal cord. Unlike traditional imaging methods, MRI offers superior soft tissue contrast, allowing veterinarians to accurately diagnose complex neurological conditions such as tumors, inflammation, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), and congenital abnormalities. Early and precise diagnosis through MRI can significantly improve treatment planning and outcomes. For pet owners, this means faster answers, targeted therapies, and a better overall prognosis, making MRI an essential tool in advanced veterinary neurological care.
Is your dog showing these signs?
Because MRI gives us a more detailed view of soft tissue, its gold standard when it comes to diagnosing neurological conditions. If your pet is displaying any of the following symptoms, MRI would be beneficial in finding out the root cause of the problem, so that we can recommend the most beneficial route of treatment for your pet.
Seizures
Seizure symptoms in pets range from subtle twitches or dazed staring (focal seizures) to more severe full-body convulsions (Grand Mal). Your pet may paddle their limbs, become rigid or lose consciousness. Foaming at the mouth and/or a loss of bowel/bladder control is also quite common.
Behavioural Changes
Disorientation, confusion, hyperactivity and aggression are some of the behavioural changes that may need further investigation via MRI. These symptoms can be key indicators that something may be neurologically abnormal.
Ataxia
A loss of coordination resulting in a “drunken” gait, swaying, stumbling or falling. Your pets stance may look wider than usual, they could be dragging their paws or knuckling over. In more severe cases they may be unable to stand.
Pain
Sudden, severe neck or back pain. Limb weakness or paralysis are signs that your pet may have a spinal issue. Dachshunds and French Bulldogs are prone to these types of conditions.
Head Tilt
Your pet may have suddenly developed a head tilt to one side, they may be shaking their head more often than normal or have a head tremour. They may be more prone to ear infections that aren’t getting better when treated medically. Their balance may be off (vestibular disease)
Sudden blindness or visual problems:
Your pet may be bumping into things or showing confusion in places they usually know their way around. They may be displaying rapid, involuntary eye movements (nystagmus)
Sudden lameness
Difficulty rising, holding up their leg or a “wonky” side sitting position are all symptoms of cruciate ligament rupture. Sudden hindlimb lameness, reluctance to put weight on their leg, muscle wastage, swelling and instability are all symptoms that can be investigated via MRI.
Conditions and Procedures
Finding a lump or bump on your pet can be worrying, but early investigation is key to ensuring the best possible outcome. While many lumps may be harmless, others can represent more serious conditions and should always be assessed by a veterinary professional, as appearance alone cannot reliably determine whether a mass is benign or malignant. CT scanning is an extremely valuable tool in oncology, helping us assess the size, location, and extent of masses, as well as determine whether there has been any spread to other areas of the body as part of cancer staging. With detailed imaging, CT allows us to plan the most appropriate treatment for your pet and move forward with confidence in their care.
Common Causes of Lumps and Bumps in Dogs and Cats
Brain tumours and lesions
A brain lesion refers to any area of damaged or abnormal tissue within the brain. A brain tumour is a specific type of lesion (usually referred to as a mass) formed by uncontrolled growth of cells within the brain. MRI can provide insight into exactly what these structural changes are so we can make a plan for treatment going forward.
Stroke
Interrupted blood flow to the brain (ischemic) or a rupture of a blood vessel (haemorrhagic) which results in neurological deficits such as loss of balance, head tilt, circling, abnormal eye movements and limb weakness.
Vestibular Disease
Displays similarly to a stroke, pets often suffer with a head tilt, dizziness and becoming off balance. Nystagmus (involuntary eye movements) is also common. Further investigation may also be needed as conditions such as hypothyroidism can cause these symptoms.
Otitis Media
Pets with chronic or recurrent otitis externa which lasts 6 months or longer may also have hidden otitis media. This usually presents as a head tilt, head shaking, or facial paralysis as well as loss of balance or impaired hearing.
IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease)
Common in chondrodystrophic dogs such as French bulldogs and Dachshunds (a genetic trait causing short limbs and a long back.) This is a painful condition that can cause severe back/neck pain, limb weakness, unsteadiness and paralysis. When diagnosed, patients often need decompressive surgery to remove herniated disc material.
FCE (fibrocartilaginous embolism)
Often referred to as a “spinal stroke” where cartilage from a disc blocks blood flow to the spinal cord. Symptoms for this condition are similar to IVDD so MRI is needed to differentiate between the two as treatment is different and often involves strict rest, medication and rehabilitation.
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
MRI aids in detecting partial tears, degeneration and complete rupture. Thickening of the ligament can be seen on MRI as well as increased joint fluid which is a sign of chronic disease. Whilst arthroscopy is the gold standard for visualising the joint, MRI is non-invasive and aids in surgical planning.
Meet Our Referral Team
Meet our highly trained, multidisciplinary referral team, who work together to provide expert care across imaging and surgery. Our clinicians have access to a wide network of specialists in diagnostic imaging, orthopaedics, neurosurgery, and soft tissue surgery, ensuring your pet benefits from advanced expertise at every stage of their care.
They are supported by a dedicated team of 12 qualified veterinary nurses and 6 experienced support staff, all working closely to deliver safe, compassionate, and seamless care. We are also supported by our animal ambulance driver, helping to safely transport patients when needed.
Together, our team is committed to providing the highest standard of veterinary care with kindness, skill, and attention to every patient.
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Our facility
Although we have a state-of-the-art award winning hospital and highly trained staff we can offer our services at much lower costs to our competitors. We are also transparent and fixed price so there are no surprises.
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Transparent pricing. No surprises.
The prices below reflect the full cost of advanced-level diagnostics and treatment at our Wigan facility. Prices are shown all-inclusive of everything so what you see is what you get. No surprises. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
CT Scan
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1-2 Regions
£1,195
Includes sedation or GA, contrast, and report from European Diplomat in Diagnostic Imaging
3-4 Regions
£1,500
Includes sedation or GA, contrast, and report from European Diplomat in Diagnostic Imaging
Full body
£2,000
Includes sedation or GA, contrast, and report from European Diplomat in Diagnostic Imaging
Imaging
Hemilaminectomy (IVDD) (T1-S1)
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This includes all consumables, catheterisation, general anaesthetic, hospitalisation for one night (further days are charged at £250/night).
Plus, a post operative CT scan
£3,995
Neurology
Cruciate Ligament (TPLO)
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This includes pre-operative x-rays, all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
Bilateral TPLO
£4,800
£2,500
Orthopaedics
Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) Unilateral
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night. If bilateral it is an extra £800.
£2,000
Soft Tissue
Rhinoplasty & Soft Palate Resection (BOAS)
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
With CT Scan
£3,000
£1,995
Soft Tissue
VBO
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£1,995
Soft Tissue
Complete Perineal Hernia Surgery
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,000
Soft Tissue
Cystotomy
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£1,295
Soft Tissue
Foreign Body (Gastric)
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£1,800
Soft Tissue
Foreign Body (Endoscopic Removal)
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£1,000
Soft Tissue
Anal Saculectomy
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,500
Soft Tissue
Caudectomy
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,000
Soft Tissue
Cherry Eye
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£1,800
Soft Tissue
Enterotomy
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,000
Soft Tissue
Enterectomy
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£3,000
Soft Tissue
Gastropexy
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,500
Soft Tissue
Laryngeal Tie Back
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,500
Soft Tissue
Laparascopic Biopsy
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£800
Soft Tissue
Laparascopic Spay
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£500
Soft Tissue
Salivary Mucocele
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,500
Soft Tissue
Splenectomy
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,000
Soft Tissue
MRI Scan
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1 Region
£1,495
Includes sedation or GA, contrast, and report from European Diplomat in Diagnostic Imaging
Multiple Regions
£1,895
For both brain or spine, this includes general anaesthetic.
Imaging
Ventral Slot (IVDD) (C1-C7)
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This includes all consumables, catheterisation, general anaesthetic, hospitalisation for one night (further days are charged at £250/night).
Plus, a post operative CT scan
£3,995
Neurology
Spinal Fracture
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This includes all consumables, catheterisation, general anaesthetic, hospitalisation for one night (further days are charged at £250/night).
Plus, a post operative CT scan
£4,500
Neurology
AA Subluxation
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This includes all consumables, catheterisation, general anaesthetic, hospitalisation for one night (further days are charged at £250/night).
Plus, a post operative CT scan
£4,500
Neurology
Pedicel Screw Stabalisation
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This includes all consumables, catheterisation, general anaesthetic, hospitalisation for one night (further days are charged at £250/night).
Plus, a post operative CT scan
£4,500
Neurology
Fracture Repair (Major)
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(Double plate, Y fracture and angular limb deformity) This includes pre-operative x-rays, all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£3,000
Orthopaedics
Patella Luxation
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This includes pre-operative x-rays, all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
With a CT Scan
£3,000
£2,000
Orthopaedics
Total hip replacement
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This includes pre-operative x-rays, all consumables, all implants, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£5,800
Orthopaedics
Fracture Repair (Minor)
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(Pin, Wire, Plate and single plate) This includes pre-operative x-rays, all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,500
Orthopaedics
Angular Limb (including CT Scan)
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Cost
£4,000
Orthopaedics
Arthrodesis (ALL)
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Cost
£3,800
Orthopaedics
Amputation
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Cost
£2,000
Orthopaedics
Arthroscopy
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night. If Bilateral it is an extra £800.
£1,200
Orthopaedics
Ultrasound
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Abdominal
£500
This includes sedation if needed and interpretation from a RCVS practitioner or a RCVS advanced practitioner in Cardiology
Echocardiograph
£500
This includes sedation if needed and interpretation from a RCVS practitioner or a RCVS advanced practitioner in Cardiology
Full cardio work-up
£1,000
Full cardio work-up including x-rays, echocardiogram and consultation
Add-on CT Scan: £1,000
Imaging
X-Rays
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This includes all sedation (or general anaesthetic), as many views as needed.Including an interpretation from one of our 4 RCVS advanced practitioners
£595
Imaging
3D Guides
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Cost
Case dependent
Neurology
Your questions, answered
Quick answers for vets and pet owners about referrals, services, and what to expect.
Yes. Most of our procedures are covered by pet insurance policies. We provide a detailed, itemised invoice for every case, which makes the claims process straightforward. We can also assist with pre-authorisation requests. Please bring your insurance details to your appointment, or contact us in advance if you need guidance.
We provide a full, itemised written estimate before any procedure begins. The price in that estimate is the price you pay, it doesn’t change once approved. We’re one of the only referral centres in the UK to operate this way, and we’ve done so since 2008. No hidden fees, no end-of-treatment surprises.
No. While the majority of our cases come via veterinary referral, we welcome self-referring pet owners directly. You can book a consultation through our website. If you’re self-referring, it’s helpful to bring any recent vet notes or clinical history with you.
Complete our online referral form which takes under 5 minutes. You can also refer via our dedicated WhatsApp service by scanning the QR code on our contact page. Our team will review your submission and confirm the appointment, typically within a few hours. For urgent cases, call us directly on 01942 242001.
Still have questions?
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Here to help, however you arrived
Whether you're a veterinary professional seeking specialist support or a pet owner looking for expert care, we have a clear pathway for you.
I’m a referring vet
Fast online referral, 24-hour response, detailed reports, and a dedicated WhatsApp line for case queries. Your client is in specialist hands from day one.
Submit a referral →
I’m a pet owner
You can come directly to us, no GP-style referral required. Get a fixed-price consultation with a named advanced practitioner, with full support throughout your pet’s care.
Book a consultation →
Get in touch
You can send WhatsApps directly to our team with questions for cases, referrals, pricing inquiries or even checking in on your inpatients!
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Northwest Referrals, 19 Caroline, Wigan, WN3 4EL
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