Diagnostic Care

In-House Laboratory

It's important that our clients and patients receive lab results as soon as possible. That is why at Family Pet Clinic, our medical team uses our in-house laboratory to provide quick turnaround times. This is particularly useful in cases of injury or illness, as well as making wellness visits, routine fecal exams, and blood work all the more convenient.

Our medical team recommends your pet have bloodwork done at least once per year. This, in addition to the physical exam and fecal exam, gives us a clear insight into the overall health condition of your pet. Bloodwork reveals blood chemistry levels and organ function, which can help us properly assess disorders that may occur during your pet's lifetime. 

Below are some of the diagnostic tests performed with our in-house laboratory:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) is the most common diagnostic test we run in our facility. The CBC gives us great insight into your pet’s health status by measuring the number of red blood cells and white blood cells from a blood sample. These results help us identify conditions such as leukemia, anemia, inflation, and other infections and diseases.
• Blood Chemistry Panel is used as a baseline assessment of health and measures organ health and functionality. This test is particularly useful when monitoring treatment and recovery.
• Urinalysis helps in the detection of liver disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and urinary tract infections.
• Thyroid tests assess the output of hormones to determine if they are over- or under-producing the proper amounts necessary for basic bodily functions such as metabolism and energy. As pets age, this test becomes increasingly important.
• Electrolytes Testing helps us monitor dehydration levels and overall pet health condition.
• Fecal Exams test for the presence of intestinal parasites, as well as other issues, such as pancreatic disorders, disease, and internal bleeding.
• Skin scrapings test for the presence of fungi on your pet’s skin and help to diagnose dermatological issues and allergies.

Digital Radiography

Digital radiography, better known as an x-ray, uses advanced medical technology to produce high-resolution images of body organs and bones. The images provide us with insight with the size, shape, and position of these internal systems. From these images, we can determine if bodily systems are in good condition and if not, it allows us to prescribe more effective treatments. 

Reviewing the size and shape of organs can reveal health concerns, such as tumors and intestinal blockages, as well as identify ailments like bladder stones, arthritis, and spinal cord diseases. 

The digital radiography process is completely painless, safe and non-invasive. A very low dose of radiation is omitted, which makes it safe for all pets. Also, the process does not take long and can be recommended and completed the same day. 

Allergy & Dermatology Testing

Dermatitis is a medical term that means any condition affecting the skin. Dermatological issues and allergies can cause irritation, pain and mental distress. Pets may acquire dermatitis for a number of reasons, including hormonal problems, allergies, autoimmune disorders, diseases, cancers, and tumors. 

Our medical team is trained to properly assess the root causes of dermatological issues and recommend proper treatment so your pet can get back to feeling comfort and relief. 

Symptoms of a dermatological condition:

• Flaky or red skin
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Excessive licking or biting of the skin
• Excessive itching
• Excessive shedding
• Hair loss
• Lumps or bumps on the skin
• Watery or irritated eyes
• Behavioral changes resulting from distress/irritation

Common allergens:

• grasses and flowers
• pollen
• certain grains
• perfumes
• household cleaners

If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your pet, please do not hesitate to contact us or schedule an appointment. 

Diagnosis

Diagnosing the problem is the first step to solving it. Oftentimes, a simple visual examination is enough to make a diagnosis. 

If our medical team thinks further examination is warranted, we will recommend diagnostic tests such as blood samples, allergy testing, and skin scrapings. Our on-site diagnostic laboratory helps us speed up this process and get results faster.

Treatment

Based on the overall assessment by our medical team, we will discuss with you proper treatment options. Such options include creams, injections, medications and avoidance of the allergen.