Diagnostic and radiology

Why does my pet need diagnostic tests?

Routine tests help us keep an eye on your pet’s health and catch small problems before they turn into big ones. We recommend yearly screenings during wellness visits, and diagnostic tests also guide us in finding the right treatment when your pet isn’t feeling their best.

My pet seems perfectly fine. Do they still need tests?

Yes! Even healthy pets need routine tests like bloodwork, fecal exams, and screening for heartworm and tick-borne diseases once a year. These simple tests help us spot hidden problems early and make sure your pet stays happy and healthy all year long.

What diagnostic options do you have?

We offer a full range of routine and advanced diagnostic tests to help keep your pet healthy. These tools allow us to detect potential issues early and provide accurate treatment when your pet isn’t feeling their best. Our diagnostic services include bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal testing, parasite screening, cytology, x-rays, and ultrasound imaging.

Bloodwork

Blood tests help us assess your pet’s overall health. A complete blood count (CBC) measures red and white blood cells and platelets to detect infections, anemia, or immune responses. A blood chemistry panel evaluates organ function and identifies imbalances in enzymes, electrolytes, and hormones. Bloodwork is also essential before any procedure requiring anesthesia.

Fecal Testing

Fecal exams check for internal parasites such as worms or giardia. Even if your pet isn’t showing symptoms, detecting and treating parasites early protects their long-term health and prevents transmission to other pets or family members.

Urinalysis

Urine testing helps us diagnose conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney or bladder disease, and diabetes.

Tick-Borne and Heartworm Testing

We recommend yearly testing for tick-borne illnesses and heartworm, along with monthly preventatives. These conditions can be serious and often don’t show symptoms for months, so early testing is key.

Cytology

Cytology is the microscopic examination of cells. It helps us identify ear or skin infections and can also detect cancerous cells through fine-needle aspiration or biopsy when needed.

X-Rays

X-rays provide a detailed look inside your pet’s body using a safe, low dose of radiation. They’re useful for examining bones, lungs, and internal organs. Depending on your pet’s comfort and the area being imaged, mild sedation or anesthesia may occasionally be required.

Ultrasounds

Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce real-time pictures of your pet’s internal organs. It’s completely safe, does not use radiation, and usually doesn’t require anesthesia. To get the clearest image, a small area of fur may be shaved.

Is anesthesia required for testing?

Most pets don’t need anesthesia for x-rays. If your pet feels nervous or wiggly, we might give a gentle sedative or calming medication to help them relax and stay comfortable.

Are the tests different for dogs and cats?

Mostly, no! Dogs and cats share many of the same tests, but a few are designed to look for conditions that are unique to each species.

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