In-House Diagnostics
When a pet is sick or injured, determining the cause isn’t always easy. Our veterinarians must rely on their knowledge, experience, and skills, as well as diagnostic equipment, to detect where the source of the problem lies and determine how severe it is. While many veterinarians in Charlotte depend on outside labs or refer their patients to specialists for testing, Hickory Grove Animal Hospital has state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to perform in-house diagnostics for cats and dogs in Charlotte, NC.
Digital X-ray
Radiography has been used in veterinary medicine for many years, and today’s digital pet X-ray equipment is more powerful than ever. It can be used to view structures within an animal’s body and is a valuable diagnostic tool that we use daily. We provide this diagnostic exclusively to our current patients.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound technology is used when we need to view soft tissues. It can be used to detect a wide range of problems - from reproductive issues to cancer - and is often used to help veterinarians see how many kittens or puppies are growing inside the uterus. Our ultrasound imaging is only available to current patients.
In-House Laboratory
We use our in-house laboratory to conduct pet blood tests to check organ function, electrolyte status, and hormone levels. It is also used for urinalysis to diagnose infections in the urinary system, disorders of the kidneys, and metabolic problems, such as diabetes. Fecal testing to detect parasites can also be performed using our in-house laboratory.
There are numerous benefits to having an in-house laboratory to perform pet diagnostics. First and foremost, it allows our veterinarians to obtain results quickly, often within minutes, which is crucial in emergency situations or when a rapid diagnosis is needed to begin treatment. This immediate access to lab results can significantly improve the outcome for pets with severe or life-threatening conditions. Additionally, having an in-house lab means we can closely monitor our patients’ health on an ongoing basis, making it easier to detect early warning signs of potential issues. This proactive approach enables us to tailor treatments and preventive care to each pet’s specific needs.
Pet Diagnostics FAQs
Because we perform tests in-house, results are typically available within minutes to a few hours, depending on the specific test. If we need to send samples to a reference lab for specialized testing, there will be a longer wait, but we will contact you with the results.
In-House Diagnostics for Pets in Charlotte, NC
If your pet needs diagnostic testing, we can help. By providing in-house diagnostics for dogs and cats in Charlotte, NC, we are able to diagnose and begin treatment for a wide range of issues with speed, accuracy, and efficiency. We also use our state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to monitor our patients’ ongoing health and detect early warning signs of potential problems. To find out more or schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
Experienced Veterinarian in Charlotte
Hickory Grove Animal Hospital performs in-house diagnostics for dogs and cats in Charlotte, NC and the surrounding areas, including Matthews, Mint Hill, Plaza Midwood, NoDa, Harrisburg, and the University area.
