When your pet isn’t feeling well, they can’t tell us what’s wrong, so getting answers quickly is everything. Diagnostics are the tools we use to look beneath the surface and uncover the cause of your pet’s symptoms. With a combination of in-house testing and advanced imaging, we provide pet diagnostics in Kearney, MO that get you clear answers and your pet the right treatment, sooner.
Advanced Pet Diagnostics for Dogs and Cats in Kearney, MO
Just like your own doctor, when your pet has a health concern we begin with a sick pet exam and then recommend testing to identify the cause and severity of their symptoms. Many tests are run right here in our clinic for fast results, while more specialized diagnostics are handled by our trusted outside laboratory, where samples collected at our office are sent out for a quick turnaround. Diagnostics aren’t only for sick days, either: running baseline bloodwork during a routine wellness exam helps us spot subtle changes early, long before symptoms appear.
Laboratory Testing
Bloodwork is one of our most valuable diagnostic tools. A complete blood count (CBC) evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help detect and monitor infection and disease, while a chemistry panel checks organ function, blood sugar, and electrolytes. More advanced panels can assess thyroid and pancreas health, heartworm and tick-borne disease, and certain feline viruses. We also perform fecal testing to check for intestinal parasites and harmful bacteria, and urinalysis to detect infections and diseases of the urinary tract. Routine tests are completed in-house, and specialized panels like cytology, histopathology, PCR, and cultures are processed by our outside lab.
Digital Imaging
When we need to see what’s happening inside your pet, diagnostic imaging gives us a clear, non-invasive look. We use two main types of imaging, and together they help us evaluate everything from bones to soft-tissue organs.
Radiography (X-Rays)
Radiography is the most common imaging tool we use. X-rays create detailed pictures of your pet’s bones, organs, and body cavities, making them invaluable for detecting fractures, tumors, swallowed objects, bladder stones, and changes in the size or shape of the heart and other organs. The procedure is quick and completely painless, though some pets are given light sedation to help them stay relaxed and perfectly still while we position them for the clearest possible image. In many cases, x-rays also help us decide whether additional testing is needed to reach a definitive diagnosis.
Ultrasound
When we need a closer look at soft tissues and internal organs, we turn to ultrasound. This imaging uses harmless sound waves to create real-time images based on the echoes reflected from your pet’s tissues, giving us far more detail than x-rays can for structures like the liver, kidneys, and bladder. Ultrasound is completely non-invasive and painless, with no radiation involved. Because detailed ultrasound calls for specialized expertise, this procedure is performed at our clinic by internal medicine specialist Dr. Peace, who joins our team whenever more in-depth imaging is needed.
If your pet needs answers, we’re here to help. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our diagnostic services, call us today at (816) 476-4760.