DIAGNOSTICS

Comprehensive Diagnostic Services

Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Our clinic offers a wide range of advanced diagnostic tools, including in-house laboratory testing and imaging technology, to assess and monitor your pet’s health.

 

In-House Laboratory Testing

Our in-house laboratory enables rapid and precise diagnostics, allowing us to quickly identify and address health concerns. We also collaborate with trusted reference laboratories for specialized testing when needed.

 

Bloodwork (CBC & Chemistry Panels)

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures red and white blood cells and platelets, providing insights into immune health, oxygen transport, and clotting ability. It aids in diagnosing infections, anemia, and inflammatory conditions and helps determine surgical suitability.

• Blood Chemistry Panel: Assesses organ function and detects metabolic disorders by measuring glucose, proteins, electrolytes, cholesterol, endocrine levels, and digestive enzymes. Annual screenings help track changes over time, allowing for early intervention.

• Thyroid Function Testing: Detects hyperthyroidism in cats and hypothyroidism in dogs, essential for monitoring treatment effectiveness.

• Serum Bile Acid Test: Evaluates liver function, aiding in disease diagnosis and treatment response monitoring.

• Cortisol Testing (ACTH Stimulation & Low-Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test): Helps diagnose and monitor Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) and Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism) by assessing adrenal gland function.

 

Urinalysis & Fecal Testing

• Urinalysis: Detects kidney and bladder diseases, diabetes, infections, and hydration levels.

• Urine Cultures: Identify urinary tract infections and guide appropriate antibiotic therapy.

• Fecal Testing: Screens for parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms, which can affect both pets and humans. Annual testing is recommended for parasite prevention.

 

Cytology & Biopsy

• Cytology: Examines cells from skin lesions, ear infections, abnormal tissues, and bodily fluids to determine causes of infections, inflammation, or tumors.

• Biopsy: Provides a definitive diagnosis for lumps, masses, and tissue abnormalities when cytology results are inconclusive.

 

Antibody & Antigen Testing

• Heartworm & Tick-Borne Disease Testing: Detects heartworm disease and infections such as Lyme disease.

• Feline Leukemia (FeLV) & Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Testing: Screens for these viral infections in cats.

 

Advanced Imaging Technology

Our imaging services provide a non-invasive way to evaluate internal structures and diagnose a wide range of conditions.

• Digital X-rays (Radiographs): Produces high-quality images of bones, joints, and internal organs to diagnose fractures, arthritis, tumors, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal obstructions.

• Ultrasound: A non-invasive tool for evaluating heart function, abdominal organs, pregnancies, and fluid accumulations.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Assesses heart function, detecting arrhythmias and other cardiac abnormalities.

 

Specialized Diagnostics & Monitoring

• Blood Pressure Monitoring: Essential for diagnosing hypertension related to kidney disease, heart disease, or endocrine disorders.

• Eye Tonometry: Measures intraocular pressure to diagnose conditions like glaucoma and uveitis.

 

Why Choose Our Diagnostic Services?

✔ State-of-the-art equipment for fast, accurate results.
✔ Experienced veterinary team trained in advanced diagnostic techniques.
✔ Early disease detection through routine screenings and preventative care.
✔ Comprehensive assessments leading to personalized treatment plans.

 

By utilizing our full range of diagnostic services, we can detect health concerns early and provide effective, targeted treatments to keep your pet healthy for years to come.

​

Advanced Endoscopy

Southwick now offers in-house endoscopy with state-of-the-art new equipment — allowing us to see inside your pet's body, take biopsies, and even retrieve swallowed objects without invasive surgery.

• GI Endoscopy – Examination of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines to diagnose chronic vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and suspected masses — with biopsy samples collected during the same procedure.

• Foreign Body Retrieval – Many swallowed objects can be removed endoscopically, sparing your pet open abdominal surgery and days of recovery.

• Rhinoscopy – Evaluation of nasal passages and airways for chronic sneezing, discharge, or breathing issues — a natural complement to our BOAS airway expertise.

• Video Otoscopy – Deep ear canal exams for chronic ear infections.

• Cystoscopy – Bladder and urinary tract evaluation.

Endoscopy is minimally invasive, performed under anesthesia with full monitoring, and most pets go home the same day.