Diagnostic Services
When your pet is ill, additional tests may be required to determine the cause of illness. With our state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory, digital x-ray technology, and ultrasound technology, we can perform an array of diagnostic tests that provide us with the information we need to fully diagnose your pet and begin therapy as quickly as possible.
I love Confederate Woods Veterinary Hospital and the doctors! The best veterinary practice we've ever worked with. They're great!
Client TestimonialAt Confederate Woods Veterinary Hospital, we use digital x-ray technology to help diagnose health problems inside your pet’s body. Digital x-ray technology (radiography) enables us to have instant images of your pet, and these images can easily be enhanced and magnified to show fine detail. We also have the ability to send your pet’s images instantaneously via email to a specialist if needed. As an added benefit to your pet, digital x-rays emit less radiation, so your pet’s exposure to x-rays is reduced while the quality of the image is enhanced. Digital x-ray is also eco-friendly, eliminating the need for film and developing.
What conditions require my pet to have an x-ray?
Our doctors will determine the need for additional diagnostic information at the time of your pet’s physical exam. Often x-rays are recommended if your pet has:
- Sudden joint pain, swelling, or lameness
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Coughing, excessive panting, changes in their breathing, or difficulty breathing
- Increased urination, inappropriate urination, or problems urinating
- Weight loss
The X-ray images of your pet’s vital organs provide the data necessary to diagnose your pet’s illness. The detail provided in X-rays is often essential for the diagnosis of heart and lungs disease, gastrointestinal disease, urinary tract disease, and cancer. Our digital technology and ability to consult with board-certified radiologists allow us to diagnose your pet’s illness with greater efficiency.
Ultrasound allows our doctors to “see” inside your pet. Because ultrasound uses sound waves to make an image, we can visualize your pet’s organs, such as their kidneys or liver, with this totally non-invasive imaging study that does not require anesthesia.
What conditions require my pet to have an ultrasound?
Our doctors utilize ultrasound primarily to diagnose causes of disease related to your pet’s liver, urinary tract, spleen, reproductive system, and gastrointestinal system. Ultrasound is often a recommended test to differentiate and diagnose:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Bladder or urinary tract disease
- Stomach and intestinal disease
- Prostate disease
- Adrenal disorders
- Reproductive disease
Tests we perform
The tests we perform in our in-house lab are used to assist in a diagnosis and treatment when your pet is sick, and also to determine if your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia. These tests analyze how well your pet’s internal organs are functioning and allow for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for your pet.
With our state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, we can perform the following tests in our laboratory:
- Fecal analysis
- Complete Urinalysis
- Blood glucose
- PCV/TS
- Complete white blood cell count
- Platelet count
- Full Blood Chemistry Profile
- Electrolyte Profile
- Blood parasite tests (Heartworm, Lyme, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis)
- Feline viral testing (Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
- Canine and Feline Pancreatic Lipase levels
- Ear cytology
- Skin cytology
- Skin scrape
- FNA (fine needle aspirate) Cytology
In addition to our in-house laboratory, we have a partnership with Antech Diagnostic Laboratory that enables us to perform additional specialized tests to assist with a diagnosis or monitor your pet’s long-term medical therapy