HARLINGEN VETERINARY CLINIC OFFERS
STATE-OF-THE-ART DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES
that help us diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses and other conditions.
The comprehensive wellness exam allows us to view your pet externally, but in many cases, additional testing is needed to get an inside look. Here at Harlingen Veterinary Clinic, we offer several non-invasive pet diagnostic imaging services as well as laboratory testing services in-house. These services typically follow the physical wellness exam, and many can be used in conjunction with each other for a more accurate diagnosis or assessment. They include:
Digital radiology
Ultrasonography
Laboratory testing
Cardiology
Diagnostic Imaging
As the name implies, diagnostic imaging involves using a specific type of technology to examine a pet internally and produce an image of the bones, muscles, heart, etc. These images can typically be produced within a matter of seconds, and thanks to their digital nature, they can also be shared very quickly with other veterinarians or the client.
- Digital Radiology: Digital radiology technology allows us to examine your pet’s musculoskeletal system using radiation to produce images (X-rays). In addition to being able to take X-rays, we can also interpret them. Radiographs are used to detect broken bones, foreign bodies, dental problems, and other conditions.
- Ultrasonography: Ultrasonography technology allows us to examine your pet’s organs and abdominal region using high-frequency sound waves to produce images (ultrasound), which can be viewed in real time. This technology is often used in tandem with radiography to diagnose pregnancy, blockages, tumors, and other conditions.
- Cardiology: Cardiology involves examining a dog’s or cat’s heart and blood vessels, usually starting with a stethoscope during the wellness exam. It can also include an echocardiogram, EKG, X-rays, and blood pressure measurement. Some of the conditions that can be detected with a full cardiology exam are heart disease, congestive heart failure, and cardiomyopathy.
Laboratory Testing
Laboratory testing involves using a microscope to examine a specific specimen from a pet. It allows us to view things the naked eye can’t see. The most common specimens we test include blood, urine, and feces. A blood test is used to detect things like anemia, infection, and allergies while a urinalysis is used to examine a pet’s kidney and bladder health. A fecal exam allows us to test for internal parasites.
The fecal exam is typically recommended for puppies and kittens, but the other tests are routine for pets of all ages. For example, as part of our pre-anesthetic protocols, we perform a blood test on every patient before surgery. For senior pets, we may recommend a senior blood panel and urinalysis to check for certain age-related illnesses. And for any pet showing signs of an unknown sickness, regardless of age, we typically perform blood testing, urine testing, or both, depending on the symptoms.
