Diagnostics
Before veterinarians can safely and successfully treat sick or injured pets, they have to understand what’s causing the illness or fully understand the extent of the pet’s injury. Diagnostic testing is usually necessary for reaching a definitive diagnosis and providing effective treatment to a sick or injured pet.
Veterinary Diagnostic Services Available in White Haven
With a combination of in-house diagnostics and traveling diagnostic veterinary specialists, White Haven Veterinary Hospital is fully equipped to provide patients with thorough and accurate diagnoses.
Complete Diagnostic Imaging
Diagnostic imaging uses special equipment to produce images of a pet’s internal structures. These images allow our veterinarians to detect abnormalities or signs of injuries or illness that might not be visible to the naked eye.
White Haven Veterinary Hospital has a state-of-the-art digital x-ray machine on-site and available to us at all times. Digital x-ray machines not only produce clearer images than traditional x-ray machines, but they also do so in a fraction of the exposure time, making them much safer for all pets. We use x-rays to take pictures of your pet’s internal structures. X-rays can be used to diagnose a variety of medical conditions, such as bladder stones, enlarged organs or foreign objects in the intestines.
Additionally, we’re partnered with a veterinary diagnostic imaging specialist, who affords us access to an ultrasound (sonography) machine and echocardiography. Like moving x-rays, ultrasounds and echocardiograms allow us to view internal organs and other structures in real-time. With an echocardiogram, we can watch your pet’s heart as it beats to evaluate the circulatory system. With a sonogram, we get a glimpse into the organs to look for areas of inflammation, masses/nodules, fluid buildup, or foreign material.
In-House Laboratory
In addition to our diagnostic imaging capabilities, we also have an in-house laboratory that allows us to run complete blood panels and other chemistry labs on-site. As a result, we can get your pet’s test results back quickly for a swift diagnosis and prompt treatment
When Does a Pet Require Diagnostic Tests?
Pets require diagnostic testing at different times. We might recommend running diagnostic tests when your pet shows signs or symptoms of illness, is living with a chronic disease, or when a pet is injured.
Sometimes, pets that seem perfectly healthy require diagnostic testing. Routine health screening is often recommended for pets who might be at risk of developing chronic diseases such as older pets or who have genetic predispositions to certain diseases. With routine health screenings, we can often detect the earliest signs of an illness and begin treatments before a pet begins experiencing any discomfort, pain, or other unpleasant symptoms. Early treatment of disease is usually more successful and less costly.
Learn More About Veterinary Diagnostics or Ask About Your Pet's Results
If you would like to learn about the diagnostic services available at White Haven Veterinary Hospital or if you have a question concerning your pet’s recent test results or diagnosis, we welcome you to contact us today. Our veterinarians will be happy to discuss any diagnostic tests or results with you and to answer your questions as needed.
