Diagnostic Testing

Radiographs

The ability to take radiographs ("x-rays") is essential to everyday practice as veterinarians. Many surgical and medical conditions can be more accurately diagnosed with the aid of these pictures. The radiographs show pictures of internal structures including organs, bones, and muscles. With a state of the art digital radiograph unit, pictures of your pet can be taken and viewed extremely quickly.  If necessary, we also have the ability to send all of our radiographs to a board certified veterinary radiologist for a second opinion.

Ultrasound and Echocardiography

Ultrasonography is an important diagnostic tool that is used to look at the insides of organs in the body. While radiographs can tell you about the shape of the organ, ultrasound provides information about the tissue architecture. Also, with ultrasound guidance, biopsies of organs can be obtained for analysis.  We are fortunate to have individuals on staff who have been trained to perform both heart ultrasounds (echocardiograms) as well as abdominal ultrasounds. 

Blood Chemistry Analyzer

Blood chemistries give us information about conditions such as the liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and hormonal problems that we cannot determine with a complete physical examination. With an on-site chemistry analyzer, we are able to give you an analysis of your pet within approximately 20 minutes. This is very beneficial for prompt treatment and answers for your pet's medical conditions. We also have the ability to run an in-house thyroid test if your pet is suspect of having this type of metabolic disease. 

Complete Blood Count Analyzer

A complete Blood count looks at the different types of cells that are in your pet's blood stream. This type of analysis can tell us if your pet is anemic, has an infection, or even has bone marrow problem. The test is usually completed in only a few minutes and allows us to give your pet almost immediate treatment upon entering our hospital. 

Blood Gas Analyzer (I-STAT)

The newest machine in our clinic gives us a wealth of information about the metabolic status of your pet. Previously only available at larger referral centers, the I-STAT machine provides valuable information for even the most critical of patients. 

Microscopy

Our veterinarians work closely with world renowned cytologists in order to provide the most accurate diagnosis of different ailments. 

Electrocardiograms (EKG or ECG)

This test determines how the electrical system in the heart is working. It is also used to help determine the underlying cause of a heart murmur. By placing the ECG leads on your pet, we can record the different electrical activity of your pet's heart and potentially diagnose a wide range of heart related conditions. There is even the capability of sending that same information over the phone lines (much in the same manner as a fax machine) to board certified cardiologists who can analyze the information, diagnose a condition, and recommend treatment or a further diagnostic workup. ECG Analysis is also used on all patients who undergo anesthesia to monitor both the rate and activity of the heart. 

Blood Pressure Monitoring

Blood pressure measurements are routinely recorded to ensure that your pet is healthy. Whether it is an emergency condition or a routine geriatric workup, this reading can provide a wealth of information about your pets well being. Possible complications of hypertension can include blindness, and the presence of elevated pressures can indicate other underlying disease conditions. 

Tonometry

Much like you or I, our pets can have pressure changes in their eyes as they age. Our ability to measure the intraorbital pressure (within the eye) allows almost immediate diagnosis and treatment of potentially painful conditions that can rob your pet of its sight.