What is happening with your pet’s health below the surface? Whether they are perfectly healthy or need treatment for an illness or infection, a physical exam is often just the first step in making a complete assessment. At Wimberley Veterinary Clinic, we use various veterinary diagnostic tools to perform thorough health checks and make the most accurate diagnoses possible for our patients. Our animal hospital is equipped with cat and dog X-ray and ultrasound machines for detailed imaging (we also have portable versions for equines), along with laboratory analyzers for evaluating various fluid samples. We also partner with external laboratories for comprehensive patient testing.
If your pet or large animal needs a checkup or is due for routine testing, contact us today at (512) 847-5630 or request an appointment online.
Why Do We Recommend Routine Lab Tests for Your Pet?
Lab testing gives us insights into your pet’s condition that are not often possible with just a physical exam and visual check. It also helps us verify when a pet that looks healthy is, in fact, healthy. Many dogs and cats (but especially cats) have a talent for hiding their pain or illness. Performing lab tests can give us important information about your pet, and in turn give you peace of mind about the state of their health.
The goal of lab work is to evaluate your pet’s blood cells, organ function, electrolytes, and more, and screen for underlying disease so we can see what’s going on under the surface.
Tests we typically recommend include:
- CBC (complete blood count)
- Blood chemistry
- Heartworm testing
- Tick-borne disease testing (including Lyme)
- Fecal testing
- Urinalysis
When Should Your Pet Have X-Rays?
Cat and dog X-rays (or radiographs) can be essential to finding and diagnosing (or monitoring) underlying conditions in pets. We use digital radiography equipment that creates high-contrast, detailed images of the body, particularly the heart, lungs, and musculoskeletal system. Any issues associated with these areas of the body may require us to obtain X-ray images of your pet. Possible broken bones or joint conditions, tumors, foreign objects, and respiratory issues may all warrant X-rays.
Our X-ray procedures are completely non-invasive and pain-free, and the technology we use ensures that your pet is exposed to minimal radiation.
What is Ultrasound Used For?
Ultrasound is ideal for viewing soft tissue organs and blood vessels. This non-invasive and painless imaging procedure can help our team locate or monitor various conditions, including pregnancies, abdominal organ diseases, heart problems, tumors, and cysts.