Pet Diagnostics Tools
The availability of high resolution imaging is essential to the diagnosis of multiple medical problems. Doc·Side Veterinary Medical Center has a state-of-the-art imaging center which allows our veterinarians to examine your pet using digital x-ray, ultrasound, or various forms of endoscopy. These non-invasive imaging techniques, combined with our modern laboratory facilities, allow Doc·Side Veterinary Medical Center to quickly and painlessly diagnose the full spectrum of your pet's conditions.
DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY
Digital radiographs (x-rays) provide for fast analysis of your pet's problem. Your pet’s digital radiographs are available for viewing immediately on-screen without the processing time of traditional film x-rays. This helps our veterinarians get to work devising a strategy for treatment immediately.
Common reasons for dogs and cats to have radiographs are:
- Fractures
- Heart disease
- Intestinal foreign objects
- Respiratory problems
- Cancer
ULTRASOUND
Ultrasound imaging, referred to as ultrasonography, allows us to get an inside view of soft tissues and body cavities, without using invasive techniques. Doc·Side is equipped with the most modern ultrasound equipment in the industry, which uses sound waves to visualize organs in the chest and abdomen. This is extremely useful in diagnosing pregnancy and evaluating the heart, liver, kidneys, bladder, intestines, adrenal glands and pancreas. Biopsies may be performed using ultrasound, avoiding traditional surgery and anesthesia.
Endoscopy
Through the use of specialized fiber optic cameras, endoscopy allows direct visualization of an animals various body cavities. This is especially useful in diagnosing many gastrointestinal problems. Endoscopy permits biopsy or removal of suspected tumors or ingested foreign bodies, often times avoiding more painful and costly open surgery.
In-House Laboratory
Laboratory testing provides us with important information that we can utilize to help keep your pet a healthy member of the family. Routine disease screening, such as for intestinal parasites, heartworm or feline leukemia, is an integral part of our wellness care recommendations. Testing is always recommended before anesthesia and surgery because it can help to identify organ dysfunction, infection, or disease that could make anesthesia more dangerous or complicated for your pet.
When your pet is not feeling well, laboratory testing can help us to make an accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations. We pride ourselves on using the most up-to-date testing methods, whether in our in-hospital laboratory or through the services of an outside reference lab. Our hospital has the capability to perform in-house tests such as those for heartworm disease, lyme disease, feline leukemia virus, and feline aids virus.
Our technicians are certified in the performance of urinalysis, cytology, and blood film evaluation. We can have lab results for your pet available in minutes as compared hours. Rapid results allow us to more quickly diagnose and start treatment for a sick pet and perform pre-anesthetic blood testing.
WE USE MANY ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS FOR YOUR PET
In-House Pharmacy
Getting your pets’ medications can be as simple as clicking a button! Doc·Side provides both an in-house and on-line pharmacy for our clients. We carry an extensive inventory of veterinary pharmaceutical items, supplies, food and medication and you can even have your prescription delivered right to your door.
TONOMETRY
When your pet's eyes are not looking well during an exam, we offer tonometry as part of our complete medical services. Using an instrument called a tonopen, our doctors are able to calculate and measure the pressure of the fluid of the eye. This is important for pets with suspected diseases of the eye.
Bring your pet to us for additional eye screening if you notice red, irritated eyes, if your pet has suffered head/eye trauma, or if your pet is being monitored for glaucoma/cataracts.
