Pet Diagnostic Tools in Old Chatham, NY

Whether it’s the result of a fall or the possibility of pregnancy, there are many instances in which diagnostic imaging is required in veterinary medicine. Our pet diagnostic services include in-house lab testing, radiography (X-rays) and ultrasound, all of which allow for a painless, non-invasive internal examination of pets. In many cases, these services are used together to obtain the most accurate diagnosis. Because these services are available in-house, we can obtain diagnoses faster, which means your pet can receive treatment faster.

In-House Laboratory Testing at Wood Hill Veterinary Clinc

Our animal hospital possesses state-of-the-art diagnostic testing capabilities that allow us to assess blood cell count, liver and kidney function, electrolyte levels and more. Tests we can perform in-house include CBC (complete blood count), blood chemistry panel, blood glucose, urinalysis (helps us check for urinary tract infections and other issues) and 4DX, which helps us check for heartworm, Lyme disease, ehrlichia and anaplasmosis. We can also perform the T4 to identify thyroid problems. In certain cases, we may need to perform more than one test on a pet to make the best diagnosis for their condition.

Dog and Cat X-Rays in Old Chatham, NY

Dog and Cat X-rays

Just as with human X-rays, pet X-rays allow for an internal examination of the bones and almost any organ in the body, including the heart, lungs, and abdominal organs. They can also be used to evaluate the size, position, and shape of certain organs, which is beneficial in the diagnosis of liver, kidney, and heart disease. We use state-of-the-art, digital X-ray equipment to produce clearer images using a very small amount of radiation, making it safe even for pregnant pets. These images can then be reviewed and interpreted by a board-certified radiologist by request. An X-ray can reveal a variety of conditions in a pet, including:

  • Fractures/broken bones
  • Foreign bodies
  • Intestinal blockage
  • Bladder stones
  • Chronic arthritis
  • Certain tumors

We also offer OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) X-rays to evaluate hip conformation and detect early signs of hip dysplasia.

Two veterinarians looking at the computer screen while going over pet x-ray pictures

Dog and Cat Ultrasound

Ultrasound is another powerful pet diagnostic imaging tool that’s used to evaluate the abdominal organs (liver, kidneys, gallbladder, etc.). Ultrasonography uses ultrasound waves to produce a 2-dimensional image of a certain area of the body in real time. We work with a board-certified internal medicine specialist, Dr. Elizabeth Shaker DVM, DACVIM to provide this service, along with endoscopy. Unlike radiography, ultrasonography does not use radiation to produce an image. Instead, it uses high-frequency sound waves and “echoes”. Ultrasonography can be used to diagnose and evaluate many common diseases and medical conditions, such as:

  • Enlarged abdominal organs
  • Tumors
  • Abnormal lymph nodes
  • Pregnancy
  • Abdominal masses
  • Abdominal fluid

Just as with any other advanced diagnostic service in human and veterinary medicine, many diagnoses begin with a physical wellness exam. If your pet has been exhibiting any abnormal physical or behavioral changes, or if you’d like to learn more about our pet diagnostic services, give us a call to schedule an appointment. We’ll let you know what, if any, type of diagnostic test is necessary, depending on our findings.