Diagnostic Care

Digital X-Ray

Digital x-ray science, or digital radiology, allows our team of trained veterinary professionals to make informed diagnostic decisions based on images of the musculoskeletal system.

The images are obtained through the process of projecting x-ray waves onto the pet, and then using special technology to process the "bounce-back" of the waves. This "bounce-back" gives us valuable information about the distribution of surfaces in the body, including the skeletal and muscular systems.

Digital radiology can help to diagnose many conditions, including congenital heart disease, pulmonary disease, pericardial disease, foreign bodies, and fractures, to name a few.

At Stevenson Village Veterinary Hospital, we are able to care for pets using the most advanced digital radiological technology. Several benefits of digital radiology include:

• The ability to easily send information to specialists electronically
• Faster acquisition of images (which expose your pet to less radiation and decrease the amount of time they have to sit still)
• Greater precision of detail on the images
• Easy electronic storage of images for future reference

Ultrasound

Ultrasounds are a form of radiology that use sound waves to create real-time video images of internal bodily structures. This is the same technology that has been used for several decades to generate sonograms of human pregnancy. In veterinary science, it has revolutionized veterinarians ability to safely and accurately diagnose a wide range of conditions.

Ultrasounds allow veterinarians to view fluid-filled structures, soft tissues, and heart and lung abnormalities. In fact, ultrasounds are one of the only tools veterinarians have available to visualize the functions of the heart and lungs for diagnosis.

Ultrasounds are non-invasive, painless, and do not require sedation. The only physical change which may have to be performed on the pet prior to their ultrasound may be a quick shave of the fur in the area the doctor must access with the ultrasound tool. Then, the doctor will apply a cooling gel to the area and use the ultrasound machine to project an image onto a screen within the exam room.

As with x-rays, if the pet’s case is particularly complex, we may electronically send the images to a specialist, or have one present in the room during the examination.

In-House Laboratory

The in-house diagnostic laboratory at Stevenson Village Veterinary Hospital is equipped to provide timely and accurate results, sometimes even within minutes for specific tests.

The ability to provide our own laboratory services for clients helps to speed the diagnostic process; therefore, allowing your pet to receive treatment faster.

Several of the most common tests which we provide to our clients include:

• Complete blood count: a blood test that measures the levels of different blood cells (such as red blood cells or white blood cells) present in a sample. This can diagnose health concerns such as anemia, blood clotting, inflammation, and infection.
• Electrolytes testing: measures the levels of different electrolytes (vital minerals) in the body such as sodium, calcium, and magnesium. This can help us to monitor bone metabolism and general body health, as well as concerns such as dehydration.
• Thyroid tests: measure the health of the thyroid gland, which significantly impacts metabolic function, and diagnoses thyroid disorders.
• Blood chemistry panel: a series of tests used in tandem to study a certain organ of the body such as the pancreas, liver, or kidneys.
• Urinalysis tests :a urine sample to discover information about overall health. It can diagnose ailments of the kidneys such as diabetes. This test is highly recommended for senior cats.

Laboratory testing is imperative for the diagnosis of certain conditions, and helps our clinical team to monitor changing health trends in our patients. Although a veterinarian can uncover many potential issues from a physical examination, a laboratory test is often required for conclusive results.

Allergy & Dermatology Testing

Allergies and dermatological conditions can cause great discomfort and irritability in affected pets. Dermatology conditions include any problem that is affecting the skin, ears, fur, or nails. The clinical team at Stevenson Village Veterinary Hospital can help to address these unpleasant conditions by diagnosing the root cause of the discomfort, and formulating an individualized treatment plan to provide relief to your best friend.

Diagnosis is the first step towards recovery, and can be accomplished through a combination of physical examination, laboratory testing, biopsies, skin scrapings, and allergy testing. Before diving into the diagnostic testing process, our veterinary team will attentively listen to your concerns and descriptions of the issue. You know your pet best, and because allergies and dermatitis can be chronic and involve long-term treatment, it is important to have a comfortable and communicative relationship with your veterinarian.

After a conclusive diagnosis has been found, the treatment process will commence. Treatment can take many forms, including creams, oral medications, behavioral or care based changes, and more.

Allergies are one of the most common dermatological conditions that pets face. Just like humans, pets can be allergic to almost anything, from cleaning products to grasses or weeds, or even certain foods. If we decide that allergies are the likely culprit of the symptoms, we will advise allergy testing to conclusively determine the allergen in question. Treatment of allergies can include injections, oral medication, topical creams, or simple avoidance of the allergen if possible.