When our pets aren’t feeling well, they can’t just tell us what’s wrong. That’s why it’s so important to have quick, efficient access to pet diagnostics. As a full-service veterinary clinic in the heart of Damascus, Oregon, we’re proud to offer a comprehensive suite of pet diagnostics. Using lab panels, x-rays, and in-house ultrasound, we can diagnose and address many common pet health concerns.
Benefits of Advanced Veterinary Diagnostics
Early disease detection
Early disease detection can mean better treatment outcomes and slower progression of chronic conditions. Routine diagnostic testing, such as annual heartworm checks and complete blood chemistry profiles, can help us diagnose and monitor emerging health concerns.
Effective treatment plans
Many pet illnesses or conditions have similar symptoms. For example, a dog’s vomiting may be due to a GI obstruction, pancreatitis, or a bacterial infection. Pet diagnostics help us look beyond the symptom (vomiting) and get to the root cause. With more information, we can develop better, more effective treatment plans.
Tracking disease progression
Some diseases, like inflammatory bowel disease or osteoarthritis, are chronic and progressive. Your veterinarian may recommend regular diagnostic imaging or lab work to monitor the disease progression and make sure the treatment plan is still effective.
Pet Diagnostics at Pine Point Animal Hospital
Laboratory Services
Veterinary lab services run the gamut from heartworm and intestinal parasite testing to complete blood panels and urinalysis. Specific tests may be recommended based on your pet’s species, breed, age, and previous health history. While lab work can’t tell us everything, it can provide important information about your pet’s organ health, electrolyte balance, endocrine health, blood sugar levels, and more.
Radiology (X-rays)
X-rays are one of the oldest and most common pet diagnostics. They’re used to diagnose a variety of conditions, including pneumonia, heart failure, and fractures. X-rays are most useful for viewing solid structures in the body (like bone) or areas of the body with contrasting tissue densities (like the chest or abdomen). Today’s digital x-ray machines produce images that can be quickly enhanced, manipulated, or forwarded to specialists for interpretation. That means we can have answers and well-informed treatment plans quicker than ever!
Veterinary Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time pictures or videos of soft tissues inside your pet’s body. It can help veterinarians diagnose certain diseases, check for GI obstructions, and evaluate the health and function of different internal organs. Dr. Kara LaRue has an extensive background in ultrasound. She’s able to perform comprehensive ultrasounds right here in clinic. The ultrasound machine also acts as our “eyes” for other procedures, like cystocentesis (retrieving urine from the bladder) and fine needle aspirates.
Electrocardiography (ECG)
We use electrocardiography, or ECG, to assess the heart. It provides important information about your pet’s heart rate, heart rhythm, and how well your pet’s heart is conducting electricity. Your veterinarian may recommend an ECG if your pet shows symptoms consistent with heart disease, like irregular pulses or a heart murmur. We also use ECG to monitor your pet’s heart rate during anesthetic procedures.
Biopsies & Cytology
Cytology and biopsy give your veterinarian more information about cells in your pet’s body. These veterinary diagnostics are often used to determine whether growths and tumors are cancerous or to test abnormal fluid accumulation in the body. Accurate diagnoses from biopsies and cytology guide our veterinary team in providing the best care for your pet.
Trust Pine Point for Quick, Effective Veterinary Diagnostics
At Pine Point Animal Hospital, we know how important it is to have access to accurate and timely pet diagnostics. We’re proud to elevate the standard of care by offering our clients advanced in-house diagnostics. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our testing and diagnostics services!