Pet Diagnostics

Imaging

Digital Radiology
Digital radiology is an advanced diagnostic imaging tool used to examine your pet’s organs as well as the cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and urinary systems. This is a non-invasive procedure that allows our veterinarians to get an in-depth look at the conditions affecting your pet. Our state-of-the-art digital radiology suite enables us to locate foreign objects, diagnose fractures and joint abnormalities, and screen for abnormalities in the internal organs (such as cancer). We also have a second, smaller digital radiography machine dedicated to dental radiographs only.

There are a number of benefits with digital radiology compared to traditional film radiology. Digital x-rays produce a much higher image quality compared to a film x-ray, and the digital technology gives us nearly instant access to your pet’s results. This enables us to diagnose and treat your pet faster, so your pet can return home as quickly as possible. Radiation exposure to your pet is minimized as digital radiology requires far less radiation compared to film x-rays. Digital radiology is also friendly for the environment because there are no chemicals to contaminate water systems.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound is a painless, non-invasive, and safe diagnostic tool that allows our veterinarians to visualize the internal organs of your pet. Ultrasound gives our veterinarians a better view of your dog or cat’s liver, spleen, kidneys, lymph nodes, and other internal organs. At Foothills Veterinary Hospital, our skilled veterinarians can use ultrasound to diagnose a number of conditions and illnesses quickly so that the appropriate care or treatment can be initiated right away.

With the help of ultrasound, our doctors can quickly locate tumors, cysts, stones, inflammation and enlarged organs within your pet’s abdomen. Ultrasound can also be used to confirm pregnancy by allowing visualization of the heartbeats of puppies and kittens in utero.

Other In-House Tests

We analyze non-blood samples in our clinic as well. We can obtain samples from your pet, often by impression smear or by performing a quick needle aspirate. These samples are then stained in our in-house laboratory and reviewed microscopically by our veterinarians. These tests help us diagnose skin problems, urine abnormalities, ear infections and evaluate lumps for signs of cancer.

• Complete Urinalysis
• Ear Cytology
• Skin Cytology
• Fine Needle Aspirate and Cytology

Reference Laboratory Tests

We work closely with a reference lab (IDEXX) to perform more advanced testing, often getting results within just a few business days. A reference laboratory has veterinary specialists on staff to review testing, help consult on cases and give us the most accurate information possible about your pet’s laboratory samples.