diagnostics
Our in-house diagnostics can quickly investigate the scope and source of your pet’s ailment.
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
Digital Radiographs (X-Rays)
Our modern X-ray technology allows us to magnify images and adjust brightness and contrast, so we can assess multiple body parts from a single exposure. We also have a digital unit specifically for dental X-Rays.
X-Rays can reveal bone fractures, tumors, degenerative joint disease, dislocated joints, elbow and hip dysplasia, obstructions in the stomach and intestines, kidney stones, uterine infections, enlarged organs, and sinus disorders. X-Rays are also valuable for assessing the health of your pet’s heart and lungs, which is why we generally require X-Rays prior to giving anesthesia.
We evaluate most X-Rays in-house, but we also partner with Board Certified Radiologists to interpret questionable findings and provide second opinions.
Ultrasounds
Our in-house ultrasound technology can help us immediately identify what’s ailing your pet. Ultrasound technology offers a more detailed view of your pet’s internal organs, ligaments, tendons and eyes. Ultrasounds are generally low-stress for pets—anesthesia is not necessary in most cases, and only minimal restraint is required. If your pet has abnormal lab results or a painful or swollen abdomen, an ultrasound can give us more information. If your pet has just experienced major trauma—such as being hit by a car or attacked by another animal—an ultrasound can help us quickly identify and respond to life-threatening conditions such as internal bleeding and organ damage.
Contrast Studies
We also perform contrast studies, which are special radiographic procedures that allow visualization of hollow body structures such as the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, bladder, kidneys, uterus, and draining tracts caused by penetrating foreign bodies. They utilize a radio-dense liquid that is taken orally, passed through a catheter, or injected into the bloodstream. This allows visualization of the movement, or blockage, of material in the GI tract, assessment of the stomach and intestinal wall, the structure of the kidneys and passage of urine to the bladder, bladder integrity and wall abnormalities, and the location of a retained or migrating foreign body.
Tonometry
Tonometry allows us to measure the fluid pressure in your pet’s eye, useful for diagnosing Uveitis and Glaucoma.
Endoscopy
An endoscope lets us examine the nasal passages, ears, trachea, esophagus, stomach, rectum, and colon. An endoscope also allows us to sample tissues and retrieve foreign bodies such as cheat grass barbs or swallowed toys.
Echocardiogram
We partner with a local animal cardiologist to review echocardiograms and direct advanced cardiac care.
LAB SERVICES
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A CBC measures and categorizes the cellular composition of blood, such as Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells, and Platelets. It subcategorizes each of these, identifies the percent composition they appear in a volume of blood, and reflect many disease processes such as Anemia, Dehydration, Infection, Inflammation, Stress, and Cancer of blood cell origin.
Blood Chemistry
Measures blood levels of chemical substances such as glucose, electrolytes, proteins, metabolic by-products and enzymes that reflect problems with organs such as the liver, kidneys, heart, intestine and bone. It also gives us a measure of blood pH, a critical factor in metabolic function.
Abnormalities in blood chemistry reveal diseases such as Diabetes, Addison’s, Cushing, Liver and Kidney failure, Pancreatitis, and many others.
Urinalysis
An analysis of the cellular and chemical composition of urine to detect various conditions such as Urinary Tract Infection, Renal Insufficiency, Diabetes, Glomerulonephritis, Feline Urinary Syndrome, Bladder Cancer, and others.
Cytology
Cytology is the sampling, staining and microscopic evaluation of skin scrapings, impression smears, fine needle aspirates and other slide-preparations.
Parasite Analysis
We provide in-house and outside lab evaluation of internal and external parasites such as Heartworms.
Fecal Analysis
We use fecal analysis to identify pathogens such as Giardia, Coccidia, Toxin-producing Bacteria, Intestinal Viruses, and other serious conditions affecting the gut.
What if your pet needs care beyond our practice?
If your pet requires major surgery beyond our capabilities, or requires 24-hour monitoring, we can refer you to one of our partnering specialists or round the clock veterinary hospitals.