Diagnostic Services
At Charleville Vet Surgery we have your pet covered for most diagnostic services. For advanced modalities such as CT and MRI we are able to organize a referral to a specialist center.
Charleville Vet Surgery is equipped with high-quality radiograph (X-ray) & ultrasound equipment. We also have onsite Lasercyte and Catalyst blood machines to run onsite blood analysis tests. For more intricate testing we have an association with an external veterinary laboratory for the analysis of our blood and tissue samples. Most blood results are returned within 48 - 72 hours while the pathology results make take up to 3-4 days.
Radiography can provide a great way to look at what is happening inside your pet. These images can then be manipulated and shared with ease allowing an easier and swifter diagnosis. X-rays are used to study not only the boney structures but also soft tissues organs and regions such as the heart, chest and abdomen.
Ultrasound is used predominantly to study the abdomen and the heart in small animal veterinary medicine. Ultrasound provides a very detailed image of the internal organs, which in the hands of an experienced veterinarian can provide a wealth of
diagnostic information that can be combined with other tests and clinical signs to arrive at a diagnosis. We perform ultrasounds in house, but can also engage the services of specialized veterinary ultrasonographers who visit the clinic to perform these scans.
Conditions affecting the bones that may be diagnosed using X-rays include:
-
fractures
-
osteoarthritis
-
spinal problems
-
dislocations
-
bone cancer
They can also be used to monitor healing fractures, to ensure orthopaedic surgeries have been successful, or to monitor bone growth in young animals.
Conditions affecting soft tissue structures that can be monitored using X-rays include:
-
heart enlargement
-
chest or lung conditions such as pneumonia or asthma
-
cancer
-
stomach or intestinal foreign bodies
-
kidney disease
-
bladder stones
-
constipation
X-rays are also used in dentistry to assess what is happening to the roots of teeth underneath the gum line. This helps us to better diagnose dental issues in your pet that would likely be causing them pain or discomfort.
X-rays are safe for your pet and are normally conducted while they are under a light sedative to calm their nerves. Some X-rays require animals to lay in uncomfortable positions, like hip X-rays or after a fracture. For these, a general anaesthetic might be used.
What happens to my pet when they get diagnostic testing?
Most patients will require hospital admission to have radiographs & diagnostic testing taken. In the case of an emergency, radiographs will be conducted immediately. Simply bring your pet to their booked appointment, and if sedation is required, we will administer this first. Your vet will discuss diagnosis and treatment with you once the testing is complete.
Speak with your local Charlevill Vet Surgery team if you have any concerns about your pet’s health or wellbeing.