In-Clinic Diagnostics
Our in-clinic lab allows us to gather crucial information on your pet on the same day of your visit. The following in-clinic diagnostic tests can be run:
Blood Pressure
Certain diseases will require more regular monitoring of your animals blood pressure. For many dogs and cats this will be done by applying a cuff around one of the legs but don’t be alarmed if you find your cat more patient with the cuff around its tail.
Chemistry Profiles
Within thirty minutes of obtaining a blood sample we can assess thyroid, liver and kidney function as well as test for disease processes such as diabetes, protein losing disorders and electrolyte imbalances.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This test allows us to quickly analyze red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in less than two minutes. We can determine if your pet is suffering from systemic infections, anemia or potentially critical bleeding disorders.
Cytology
Microscopic evaluation of ear swabs can help us diagnose ear infections and cytological evaluation of lumps and rashes can help us determine if further diagnostics will be necessary.
Digital Radiography (x-rays)
We are equipped with state-of-the-art digital radiology machines to be able to quickly assess your pet’s dental, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, reproductive, urinary and skeletal health. Digital radiography allows us to expose your pet to less radiation and obtain a much higher quality of image that if necessary can be uploaded and transferred to board certified radiologists for further analysis.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
We are able to obtain in-depth information about your animals cardiovascular health by analyzing the heart’s electrical activity.
Fecal Flotation
Most internal parasites will shed microscopic eggs that will go unnoticed at the park or in your backyard. Performing regular fecal examinations under the microscope can help keep your pet and family safe.
Insect Transmitted Diseases
This blood test detects Heartworm, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme Disease and others. Although these diseases are not typical to the region.
Parvovirus Tests
This is a deadly virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract. Although this is part of our core vaccines, certain dogs will find themselves more susceptible to this deadly virus. Dogs that aren’t current on their vaccines and puppies that haven’t completed the initial series of core vaccines are more at risk and can find themselves critically ill.
Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging is fear-free medicine – because it is as easy as snapping a picture. Scared or excited, painful or shy – every pet can benefit. By mapping out the slightest of temperature differences in a beautiful colour-coded picture, a thermal image provides a road map for our veterinarians, identifying areas to investigate and helping to localize disease often before its full onset. By utilizing thermal images, our doctors can gather more accurate clues to diagnose, treat and monitor patients proactively. Often pets are so stoic it can be challenging to pinpoint pain; other times, they are so nervous even the slightest touch can cause them to overreact. Thermal imaging allows us to have a non-biased view of the pet’s physiological status.
Urine Testing
A quick in-clinic urinalysis can show many potential problems such as bladder stones, infection, diabetes and kidney disease.