Diagnostic Services
Radiology and Ultrasound
Radiographs (X-rays) are extremely helpful for diagnosing medical and surgical problems. If your veterinarian feels a lump or growth in your pet's abdomen, an X-ray can determine where the mass is located. If your pet is experiencing a medical problem, an X-ray can often pinpoint the organ where the problem is occurring. Tumors and foreign bodies (lodged in the stomach or the intestine) can be seen in an X-ray. Heart and lung disease, gastrointestinal problems and bladder stones can often be seen in X-rays.
Our modern X-ray equipment provides excellent diagnostic quality radiographs. In addition, we perform many advanced procedures, including gastrointestinal series and urinary bladder contrast studies. These special procedures are necessary for identifying difficult or chronic problems.
Ultrasound is another important, non-invasive diagnostic device. Used primarily for abdominal and cardiac problems, our hospital is equipped with the latest ultrasound technology to help diagnose disease and other health problems quickly and efficiently.
Ultrasound is a non-invasive, modern technique that provides our veterinary staff with a real time "movie" of what is happening inside your pet's body. Ultrasound produces a visual map of the interior of the body, and is often crucial to the comprehensive diagnosis of diseases of the heart, liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen and other internal organs.
Top
Endoscopy
Endoscopy is an extremely useful procedure which aids in the diagnosis and treatment of problems occurring in the upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) tracts. With an endoscope, we can perform a more complete examination of the GI tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and some areas of the intestine.
With the use of an endoscope, the veterinarian can visualize areas that would normally not be accessible without invasive surgery. The scope is equipped with a lighted camera and pictures are transferred to a monitor. Using the scope, the veterinarian can diagnose gastrointestinal disorders, cancerous growths, polyps and much more.
The endoscope is also useful in obtaining biopsy samples. When performing a biopsy under such conditions, the endoscope serves as the "eye" of the veterinarian. This procedure is extremely helpful in obtaining superficial biopsies of the stomach, proximal small intestine and colon and looking for cancer of the esophagus or stomach.
Another function of the endoscope is to aid the veterinarian in the removal of foreign objects. A foreign object is anything that does not belong in the animal's GI tract. Often, animals swallow things that they should not, including toys, buttons, and even sewing needles. Using the endoscope as a guide, the veterinarian may be able to remove such objects, rather than resorting to major surgery.
Even though anesthesia is required to keep your pet still during the endoscopic procedure, the amount of anesthesia and recovery time is much less, if compared to a surgical procedure. Endoscopy is often indicated when routine blood and urine tests, radiographs and ultrasound do not give the complete diagnostic picture.
Top
Diagnostic Laboratory Testing
Our extensive laboratory provides fast and accurate information that is critical to the sick or injured pet. With our modern, in-house laboratory diagnostic equipment, animals receive appropriate treatment immediately after arriving at the hospital.
We are equipped to perform complete blood counts, chemistry profiles, urinalysis and parasitology screening on site. We also perform pre-anesthetic blood testing. This important procedure can greatly reduce the risks associated with anesthesia and surgery. We use a well know professional laboratory to perform additional testing when needed.