Veterinary diagnostic care encompasses a range of services, including X-rays, ultrasound, and in-house laboratory testing. These services are essential for identifying and diagnosing a variety of health issues in pets.
X-rays, also known as radiographs, use low levels of radiation to produce images of your pet's bones and internal organs. X-rays are non-invasive and can be performed quickly, making them a valuable tool in diagnosing your pet's health issues.
How Are X-Rays Performed?
The process of performing a X-ray is similar to that of a human X-ray. Here is what you can expect during the procedure:
Preparation
Before the X-ray, we will ask you to remove any collars, tags, or other metal objects from your pet. These can interfere with the X-ray images and may need to be removed or repositioned during the procedure.
If your pet is anxious or uncooperative, we may recommend sedation to keep them still during the X-ray.
Positioning
Your pet will be positioned on a table or platform for the X-ray. Depending on the area being imaged, your pet may need to be placed in different positions, such as lying on their side or standing up. Your veterinarian or a veterinary technician will assist in positioning your pet to ensure the best possible images are captured.
Taking the X-ray
Once your pet is in position, the X-ray machine will be positioned over the area being imaged. We will then activate the machine, which will emit a small amount of radiation to capture the images. The process is quick and usually only takes a few seconds.
What Can X-Rays Diagnose?
X-rays can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions, including:
X-rays can also be used to monitor the progression of certain conditions, such as arthritis.
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of your pet's internal organs and soft tissues. This non-invasive procedure can provide more detailed images than X-rays, making it useful for detecting issues such as bladder stones, tumors, and heart conditions. Ultrasounds are also safe for pregnant pets, making them a valuable tool for monitoring the health of both the mother and her unborn offspring.
Preparing for the Procedure
Before the ultrasound can be performed, your pet may need to be prepared for the procedure. This may include fasting for a certain amount of time, depending on the area being examined. For example, if the ultrasound is being performed on the abdomen, your pet may need to fast for 12 hours prior to the procedure. This is to ensure that there is no food in the stomach that could interfere with the images.
The Procedure
During the procedure, your pet will be placed on a table or held by a technician. The area being examined will be shaved and a gel will be applied to the skin. This gel helps the sound waves travel more easily and produce clearer images. We will then use a handheld device called a transducer to emit sound waves into the body. These sound waves bounce off of the internal structures and are picked up by the transducer, which then creates an image on a screen.
In-house laboratory testing allows for quick and accurate results for a variety of diagnostic tests. This means that your pet can receive a diagnosis and begin treatment sooner, leading to better outcomes.
Parasite testing is the process of examining a pet's feces or blood for the presence of parasites. This is typically done during a routine wellness exam or if your pet is showing symptoms of a parasitic infection. The most common parasites found in pets include roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and heartworms. These parasites can cause a range of health issues, from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions.
Why is Parasite Testing Important?
Parasite testing is crucial for maintaining your pet's wellness. Many parasites can go undetected for long periods, causing damage to your pet's health without any visible symptoms. By regularly testing for parasites, you can catch any infections early on and prevent them from causing serious harm to your pet.
Additionally, some parasites can be transmitted to humans, making it essential to keep your pet free of parasites for the safety of your family. Parasite testing can also help identify any potential health issues that may be caused by parasites, such as anemia or malnutrition.
Heartworm testing is a simple blood test that checks for the presence of heartworms in your pet. Heartworms are parasitic worms that can live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of infected animals. They are transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause serious health issues for your pet if left untreated.
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that can affect both dogs and cats. It is much easier and less expensive to prevent heartworm disease than to treat it, making heartworm testing an essential part of your pet’s wellness routine.
Early detection through heartworm testing allows for prompt treatment, which can prevent further complications and potentially save your pet’s life. Additionally, many heartworm preventatives also protect against other parasites, making regular testing and prevention crucial for your pet’s overall health.
Heartworm testing is a simple and quick process that can be done at our office. The test involves taking a small blood sample from your pet and testing it for the presence of heartworms.
Two common viruses that can impact cats are FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) and FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus). These viruses can have serious consequences for your cat’s health, so it’s important to be aware of them and get your cat tested if necessary.
Early detection of FIV and FeLV can lead to early treatment, which can improve your cat’s quality of life and potentially extend their lifespan. If your cat is diagnosed with either virus, your vet can provide treatment options and recommendations for managing their symptoms.
FIV and FeLV testing is typically done through a blood test and can be done in our hospital. We will take a small sample of blood from your cat. Unless we send the test to an outside lab, we can also run the test in-house and have results in about ten minutes.
It’s recommended that all cats be tested for FIV and FeLV at least once in their lifetime. This is especially important for outdoor cats or cats that have been in contact with other cats. If your cat is showing symptoms of FIV or FeLV, it’s important to get them tested as soon as possible.
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