In-House Diagnostics

Diagnosing Illnesses with Compassion and Precision

When your pet is unwell or injured, they can’t tell us what’s wrong. A thorough physical exam and your observations at home are the first key steps in diagnosing their condition.

If the diagnosis isn’t clear right away, your veterinarian may recommend further diagnostic tests, including:

• Laboratory Testing: Blood and urine samples may be collected for tests that check organ function, blood counts, or signs of infection. Some tests can be done on-site at our hospital for quick results, while others may need to be sent to specialized laboratories for analysis.
• Imaging (X-rays/Ultrasound): These tests help diagnose conditions affecting the heart, lungs, digestive system, reproductive organs, bones, and joints. While most pets can undergo these procedures with gentle restraint, sedation may be needed for certain cases.
• Microscopy: This is used to examine samples like ear swabs, skin impressions, and biopsies, helping diagnose skin and ear conditions or tumors.
• Ocular Testing: If your pet has eye issues, tests like the Schirmer Tear Test, fluorescein stain for corneal injuries, or tonometry to measure intraocular pressure may be recommended.

Diagnostic testing is essential for developing an accurate treatment plan, enabling your veterinarian to effectively target the underlying problem and determine the best approach for your pet’s recovery.

Your vet will guide you through the purpose of each test and prioritize which ones are most beneficial for your pet’s diagnosis.

Baseline Tests

When your pet suddenly falls ill or experiences an emergency, fast diagnostic results are crucial for determining the best treatment. Our state-of-the-art in-hospital laboratory provides quick test results, often in just minutes, to help your veterinarian create the most effective care plan.

Baseline tests for your sick pet may include:

• Blood Cell Counts: Monitoring changes in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets can indicate conditions like anemia, dehydration, infections, autoimmune diseases, or certain cancers.
• Blood Chemistry Tests: These tests assess liver and kidney function, blood sugar levels, blood proteins, calcium and phosphorus levels, and pancreatic health.
• Electrolyte Tests: Abnormal sodium, potassium, and chloride levels can signal dehydration or fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea. Corrective treatment may include IV fluids or supplementation.
• SNAP Tests: Point-of-care tests for infectious diseases such as Feline Leukemia, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, Canine Parvovirus, Giardia, and Leptospirosis.
• Coagulation Tests: These detect clotting deficiencies often seen in rodenticide poisoning or severe liver disease.
• Microscopy: Our in-house microscopic evaluation of blood, urine, skin, ear secretions, and tumor biopsies helps diagnose systemic diseases, urinary issues, and differentiates between benign and cancerous tumors.

Our veterinary team will discuss which tests are essential for your pet’s condition and ensure you’re fully informed throughout the process. Feel free to ask questions anytime—we’re here to guide you in making the best decisions for your pet’s health.