Veterinary Diagnostics
Unfortunately, our pets can’t tell us when they feel sick or experiencing pain, nor can they describe their symptoms to the veterinarian. In fact, most pets instinctively do their best to mask pain and other signs of illness. As a result, you might not notice anything amiss until your pet’s experiencing considerable discomfort.
When a patient comes to Animal Wellness Center with signs of illness or injury, our veterinarian will provide treatment to stabilize the pet, if necessary. Then we must first determine an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause before providing treatment. To do this, we use an in-house laboratory, fully equipped to provide quick results that facilitate a fast diagnosis and immediate treatment.
In-House Diagnostics at Animal Wellness Center
- Blood-Work - Full blood panels help diagnose disease and monitor your pet's organ function. A blood panel is usually required during a sick pet appointment, but also sometimes included in regular wellness screenings as an effective way to monitor your pet's ongoing health. Blood panels can reveal a variety of conditions and information including, diabetes, kidney function, and liver function.
- X-Ray - X-Rays (radiography) use small amounts of radiation to take images of your pet's internal structures. Veterinarians use x-rays to evaluate musculoskeletal problems, dental conditions, tumors, and to locate the position of any ingested foreign objects.
- Ultrasound - Ultrasound (sonography) uses sound waves to create a moving image of your pet's internal organs and structures. Ultrasound can diagnose issues that x-rays diagnose, but also allow veterinarians to view your pet's circulatory system and organs functioning in real-time.
- EKG - Electrocardiography records the electrical impulses of a pet's heart, revealing cardiac conditions like arrhythmia and heart disease.
- Urinalysis and Stool Sample Tests - These tests check the function of your pet's kidneys, in addition to testing for the presence of intestinal parasites.
Pre-Surgical Screening
We use pre-anesthetic bloodwork to screen every pet for signs of potential complications prior to any surgical procedure. This ensures pets are healthy enough to undergo anesthesia and recover safely from surgery.
Wellness Care with Diagnostics
Sometimes, we recommend diagnostic testing when pets display no symptoms. These routine health tests help us monitor a pet’s condition, looking for changes or signs of developing disease, especially as he or she ages. Diagnosing age-related and chronic health conditions at an early stage, before they progress far enough to cause painful symptoms, allows us to treat the disease early and sometimes stop the problem from worsening.
Comprehensive, Effective Treatment with Veterinary Diagnostics
If you notice any signs of illness, injury, or changes in your pet’s behavior, we recommend scheduling a pet wellness check at Animal Wellness Center. Our veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination of your pet and, if necessary, order the appropriate diagnostic tests. With in-house testing, your pet will receive a quick diagnosis, and we can begin treatment right away.
For more information about in-house diagnostic tests or to schedule an appointment for your pet, contact one of our five convenient locations today.
