Accurately diagnosing a sick pet, or discovering a developing problem in an otherwise healthy animal, is essential to applying prompt, effective treatment. All Creatures Veterinary Hospital of Brooklyn provides patients with the latest in advanced diagnostic technology, meeting the highest standard of care in veterinary medicine.
Digital X-rays
Veterinary medicine uses digital X-rays to produce clear images of bones, joints, organs, and dental structures with minimal exposure to radiation. Digital imaging offers a very detailed still image, visible on a computer screen and convenient for Internet sharing with specialists.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging is considered a necessity in modern veterinary medicine, for observing internal organs, the function of the heart, and blood flow, and to guide us during procedures such as biopsies or fluid drainage. Gentle and painless, ultrasound is advantageous when examining sick, injured or frightened animals.
This technology produces a “live” or “real-time” view of the internal organs on a computer screen, convenient for sharing with specialists. Ultrasound imaging allows us to view various angles, and even create snapshots of a specific view. Producing no radiation, ultrasound is preferred for pregnant patients as it is harmless to the mother and fetus. In contrast to X-rays, ultrasound allows us to see within soft tissue organs and to view structures smaller than X-ray can detect.
Dennis J. Slade, DVM, performs ultrasound at our practice once weekly at our hospital. Dr. Slade is a Senior Veterinarian Specialist in Internal Medicine at Animal Medical Center and conducted research studies on infection in dogs.
Cardiology Diagnostics
Along with lab testing and ultrasound, electrocardiography is an essential diagnostic tool for measuring the function of the heart. An electrocardiogram detects and records the electrical activity of the heart. It can detect and locate heart problems, measure heart rate, and identify steady or irregular rhythms.
Dennis Trafny, DVM, is an American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) diplomate and board certified animal cardiology specialist. Dr. Trafny performs echocardiograms at our practice once weekly."
Diagnostic Laboratory
A fully equipped modern laboratory is a must for any animal hospital. We may run a variety of diagnostic tests during the life of your pet, to diagnose a sick pet or discover any developing health problems.
At the initial wellness visit, we may run laboratory tests to establish a baseline value for our patient and address initial health concerns. If that patient becomes ill, we can compare new lab work with that baseline to determine the level of illness, identify a developing disease, or monitor the progress of a disease. Prior to surgery, we also perform tests to identify any risk to a patient during anesthesia.
LABORATORY TESTS FOR YOUR DOG OR CAT MAY INCLUDE:
CBC (complete blood count)
The Complete Blood Count, or CBC, is a diagnostic tool that veterinarians use that allows them to see your dog's or cat’s hydration status. It also helps them detect whether your pet may have any infections. This simple test can reveal abnormalities in the blood and can also determine the cause of an infection. A complete blood count test may be administered for a dog who has been vomiting, has diarrhea, or coughing often as it would show if there are internal bleeding problems that can be life-threatening.
Chemistry panel
A chemistry panel is a blood test for pets that is ordered to detect conditions such as diseases involving their liver, kidney, pancreas, or electrolyte levels. A chemistry panel for your dog or cat can measure different substances in the blood, which can give valuable insights into your organ health.
Urinalysis
Urinalysis tests are an important tool in diagnosing kidney diseases and assessing the health of your pet. A urinalysis can be used to help diagnose kidney disease and assess the severity of a patient's condition. A urinalysis test is used to measure the amount of protein, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, blood, pH, and specific gravity in a urine sample. A urinalysis test can assess for kidney disease in your dog or cat and is important for baseline tests before administering heart medications.
Fecal exams
A fecal exam is a good way to check for signs of parasites in your dog or cat, which can be deadly to them. When pets are kept in the same house as people, it is important to periodically check their feces for parasites. Parasites can be deadly to pets and checking their poop is a good way to find out if they have them before it becomes too late. Fecal exams are often a routine test that vets recommend for your dog or cat.
For complex or unusual testing, we send to our outside lab IDEXX Reference Laboratories for prompt, accurate results.
Contact ACVHB today. We offer veterinarians skilled and experienced in the use of modern diagnostic technology.