Understanding what is happening inside your pet’s body is an important part of providing appropriate veterinary care. Diagnostic testing gives veterinarians valuable information that may not be visible during a physical examination alone.
Our veterinary team uses laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging to evaluate symptoms, investigate potential health problems, monitor ongoing conditions, and gather information that can help guide treatment decisions. Depending on your pet’s needs, testing may include bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal testing, digital X-rays, or ultrasound.
The Role of Veterinary Diagnostic Testing
Animals often instinctively hide signs of discomfort or illness, and some medical conditions may cause few noticeable symptoms during their early stages. Diagnostic testing can provide a clearer picture of your pet’s health by allowing veterinarians to evaluate internal organs, blood values, bones, and other body systems.
Your veterinarian may recommend testing during a routine wellness visit, when investigating a specific symptom, before certain procedures, or while monitoring an existing medical condition.
Our Diagnostic Services
We offer a range of laboratory and imaging services designed to help our veterinary team gather important information about your pet’s health.
Bloodwork & Laboratory Testing
Blood tests can reveal important information about how your pet’s body is functioning. Depending on the situation, recommended testing may include:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Blood chemistry panels for organ function and electrolyte levels
Thyroid and hormone testing
Tick-borne disease screening
Feline leukemia and FIV testing
Heartworm testing
Results from these tests can help veterinarians evaluate overall health and investigate possible causes of illness.
Urine & Fecal Testing
Urinalysis and fecal testing may provide additional information about your pet’s health.
Urine testing can help identify concerns such as infections, urinary crystals, or possible changes related to kidney function. Fecal testing may be used to detect internal parasites, including Giardia and other intestinal concerns.
Digital X-Rays
Digital radiography allows our veterinary team to examine your pet’s bones and certain internal structures without surgery.
X-rays may be used when evaluating:
Broken bones and other injuries
Arthritis and joint changes
Swallowed or foreign objects
Certain masses or tumors
Conditions affecting the lungs
Radiographs may also provide useful images of the chest, abdomen, and joints when additional diagnostic information is needed.
Veterinary Ultrasound
Ultrasound creates real-time images of internal organs and soft tissues using sound waves.
This diagnostic tool can help veterinarians examine structures such as the liver, kidneys, bladder, and heart. Ultrasound may be recommended when investigating:
Abnormal fluid accumulation
Masses or tumors
Pregnancy
Changes involving internal organs
Because ultrasound provides a different type of information than an X-ray, your veterinarian may recommend one or both imaging methods depending on your pet’s condition.
In-House Diagnostic Testing
Access to an in-house laboratory allows certain tests to be performed directly at our veterinary hospital.
Faster access to some laboratory results can be particularly valuable when a pet is experiencing an urgent medical concern. Having diagnostic information available sooner can help the veterinary team determine appropriate next steps and discuss treatment options with pet owners.
Signs Your Pet May Need Diagnostic Testing
Veterinary diagnostics may be recommended for many different reasons. Your veterinarian may suggest additional testing if your pet develops symptoms such as:
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Limping, stiffness, or signs of discomfort
Coughing or difficulty breathing
Reduced appetite
Unexplained weight changes
Low energy or unusual behavior
Symptoms associated with an ongoing health condition
Diagnostic testing may also be incorporated into senior wellness evaluations or recommended before certain surgical procedures.
What Happens During Diagnostic Testing?
The type of testing your pet needs will depend on their symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and your veterinarian’s findings.
Before proceeding, our veterinary team can explain the recommended diagnostic test, why it may be useful, and what information it may provide. Many diagnostic procedures are minimally invasive or non-invasive, and your pet’s comfort and safety remain important throughout the process.
Once results are available, your veterinarian can review the findings with you and discuss what they may mean for your pet’s care.
Veterinary Diagnostics to Support Your Pet’s Health
Diagnostic testing helps veterinarians move from observing symptoms to better understanding their possible cause. Whether your pet needs routine laboratory testing, imaging for a new concern, or ongoing health monitoring, our veterinary team is here to help gather the information needed to guide their care.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our veterinary diagnostics and imaging services.