Advanced Medical Diagnostics – Dogs & Cats
There are times when a routine physical exam isn’t enough to evaluate your pet and determine why your pet isn’t feeling well. At Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, advanced diagnostics are available to you and your pet on a daily basis, right here in the Hereford Zone. We believe that having a wide array of tools at our disposal better enables us to diagnose and treat your pet quickly and accurately. We have cutting-edge equipment and knowledgeable staff who stay current on new technology through training and continuing education.
Laboratory testing is a valuable diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine, just as it is in human medicine.
We offer a variety of laboratory services through IDEXX Laboratories. We are equipped with on-site laboratory equipment which enables us to get rapid results on certain diagnostic testing by running tests in house. We also utilize a variety of outside reference laboratories for more comprehensive diagnostics tests and screenings. Some of the tests we perform:
- Blood testing
- Urinalysis
- Fecal screenings
- Biopsies
A radiograph (or x-ray) is another invaluable tool in veterinary medicine. It enables us to look inside the body and evaluate internal organs and bones. It is painless, non-invasive, and safe, using only a very low dose of radiation. Digital radiography enables our medical team to view results immediately, which translates to less time on the X-ray table for your pet. Additionally, images are clearer than film images and can be enhanced. We can also email them in seconds to a specialist or emergency care facility if needed.
Digital Radiography may be used to diagnose a pet’s condition in association with any of the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Coughing
- Limping
- Lethargy
- Difficult urination
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Masses
Digital dental radiography enables us to evaluate the health of teeth below the gum line, where most dental disease occurs. Early detection to problems enables us to be proactive with treatment and minimize negative health consequences.
Advances in human medicine have led to advances in veterinary medicine, and ultrasonography is another example. It is a completely non-invasive, painless way to diagnose and evaluate many common diseases. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound (ultrasound) waves to create a picture of what is inside your pet’s body. It can generate excellent images of internal organs including the liver, spleen, gallbladder, and kidneys. It is also useful for assessing fetal health and monitoring pregnancy in breeding animals. Ultrasound may also be used for diagnosing and assessing some cancers. Our team is skilled in using ultrasound in ultrasound guided biopsies and cystocentesis.
Echocardiograms offer a non-invasive examination of the heart that provides a visualization of the heart and its adjacent structures. It assists us in diagnosing heart conditions and planning treatment.
An electrocardiogram is a simple, painless test that records the heart’s electrical activity. With each heartbeat, electrical signals are sent through the heart, causing the heart to contract and pump blood. The electrical signals set the rhythm of the heartbeat. The ECG test detects abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias) which can cause weakness, fainting, or lethargy.
Endoscopy is a minimally-invasive procedure that aids in the diagnosis and management of some diseases. It allows us to view inside your pet’s body and visualize the internal organs without performing invasive surgery. Endoscopy involves the use of small cameras which can be guided throughout the body.
