Diagnostics

Veterinary Diagnostics at Dallas Highway Animal Hospital 

Dallas Highway Animal Hospital uses veterinary diagnostics as an everyday tool to keep our animals live longer, healthier lives. Not too long ago, the suggestion that x-rays be taken, or blood be sent to the lab could only mean one thing.  A cat or dog had a serious condition or illness. We believe preventative medicine is essential to your pet's wellness. Lab work, digital x-ray, and ultrasound are but a few of the procedures we use to rule out or confirm a suspicion and, in so doing, nip potential problems in the bud.

Since we have a basic laboratory, some basic diagnostic tests are performed here by our Veterinarian in Powder Springs, others by one of our technicians. In still other cases, blood, urine, or tissue samples are taken and set out to a veterinary testing laboratory.

Basic in-House Lab Tests

The following are examples of the testing we carry out every day in our lab.

  • Stool Tests: As part of routine wellness exams, we ask our clients to bring in a stool sample for each of their pets since stool testing is the best way to find out if an animal has parasites. Some parasites such as giardia and cryptosporidium can be detected by the presence of cysts in the stool. If roundworms or hookworms are present, their eggs will be found in the stool sample
  • Urine Tests: Urinalysis can detect various kinds of urinary tract diseases. In some cases, a visual and smell test provides clues. Since healthy urine is clear and yellow with a slight ammonia scent, urine with a dark color or strong ammonia odor cloudy appearance can indicate a bacterial infection and warrant chemical analysis. A heavy presence of red blood cells can mean bleeding is occurring somewhere in the urinary tract. White blood cells indicate an infection.
  • Blood Tests: Using a microscope to look at the cells and structures of the blood is an important part of diagnosing and monitor the disease. A large proportion of red blood cells can indicate dehydration or diarrhea, a low volume, anemia or internal bleeding. The five types of white blood centers will also be counted and their proportions can help our veterinarian Powder Springs either rule out or confirm suspicions of infection, inflammation, or leukemia.

Diagnostic Imaging Tests

Digital X-Ray and Ultrasound are two cutting edge technologies our veterinarian in Powder Springs will use to evaluate injuries or conditions that require more than a physical exam can provide.  Pairing the two will allow us to arrive at accurate diagnoses, earlier disease detection, and a better understanding of your pet’s overall health. In real-time. Both are quick, non-invasive, painless, and require no sedation, except in cases where the cat or dog has trouble settling down.

Digital x-ray technology has allowed our veterinarian in Powder Springs to diagnose bladder problems, bone fractures, soft tissue abnormalities, kidney or bladder stones, as well as to locate objects a mischievous dog may have swallowed. Unlike the x-rays of old, digital X-ray technology requires no messy developing solutions, instead of producing digital radiographs that we store on our computer, so if necessary we can email to radiologists for evaluation, or burn into CDs to be given to clients.

Ultrasound uses ultrasonic sound waves that echo off internal organs, to produce images mapped out in areas of black (fluids) and gray (tissues). Such images can reveal pregnancy and the number of fetuses; ingested objects, enlarged tissues, tumors, and the quality of arterial blood flow. 

Any More Questions for The Animal Hospital?

Now that we've answered the big question is there a veterinarian near me who uses cutting edge diagnostics, we'll gladly answer any others you may have. Call us at (770) 419-8086 to schedule an appointment or consultation at your earliest convenience.