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Routine Dog Diagnostics for Ongoing Health
Diagnostic care plays a crucial role in maintaining your dog's overall health. Regular visits and health checks help us identify potential health concerns early, before they become serious issues. At Riverbend Veterinary PetCare Hospital, we focus on diagnostic care for dogs to detect illnesses early and address them promptly, preventing complications.
We offer a wide range of diagnostic services, including cytology, blood work, urine analysis, x-rays, ultrasound and more. Our diagnostic care for dogs helps us monitor their health and catch any developing conditions, ultimately protecting their long-term well-being and preventing unnecessary suffering.
In-House Laboratory Services for Fast Results
Our in-house laboratory features advanced medical technology that enables us to diagnose your dog’s health concerns quickly. We can perform routine blood work and fecal testing during wellness exams. Providing quick results allows us to track your dog’s baseline health and detect any abnormalities as they emerge.
Here are some examples of in-house laboratory tests we perform:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures the levels of red and white blood cells in your dog’s blood, providing essential insights into overall health. It helps detect conditions such as anemia, infections, and inflammation.
- Blood Chemistry Panel: A combination of various tests designed to assess the functions of vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and pancreas, providing early warning signs for diseases like diabetes and liver dysfunction.
- Electrolyte Panel: Measures key electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and chloride, helping us identify chemical imbalances that may indicate dehydration, kidney disease, or metabolic disorders.
- Urinalysis: Assessing kidney function and identifying conditions such as urinary tract infections, crystals in the urine, or diabetes.
- Fecal Test: Detecting intestinal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, and Giardia, which are common in dogs. Bring a fresh stool sample to every wellness visit to ensure your dog is free from harmful parasites.
Clear Digital X-Rays for Better Diagnosis
Digital X-ray technology is a key part of our diagnostic tools at Riverbend Veterinary PetCare Hospital. It helps us look inside your dog’s body to find issues with their lungs, heart, abdominal organs, or bones. Using the latest digital imaging tools, we can capture more transparent, faster images than traditional film. X-rays allow us to diagnose problems more accurately and quickly, helping your dog receive the care they need without delay.
One advantage of digital X-rays is that images can be instantly sent to a veterinary radiologist with specialized training, helping to ensure the most accurate diagnosis for your dog. Using minimal radiation and a safe, non-invasive test, we can identify issues such as broken bones, growths, abnormal structures, or foreign objects in your dog's body.
Early Detection With Ultrasound for Your Dog’s Wellness
We also perform non-invasive ultrasound scans of the abdomen. These scans give a clear view of your dog’s internal organs without requiring surgery and help our veterinarians spot any issues. The sound waves used in this technique create real-time images on a monitor, making it easier to examine your dog’s condition gently and stress-free.
Ultrasound is a helpful tool for detecting issues such as:
- Abdominal lumps
- Foreign objects
- Organs such as the intestines, gall bladder, liver, kidneys, and bladder
- Pregnancy
The test is simple and does not require surgery. For quick looks with the ultrasound, dogs can usually be awake for this procedure. If we are taking a more in depth look, we will often use a light sedative to help pets stay calm for the imaging.
We perform ultrasounds on-site with the help of our Board-Certified Radiologists. If necessary, we can also refer your dog to a specialist for further examination. Whether done here or through a specialist, these scans are essential for detecting internal health issues early and helping us keep your dog’s well-being a top priority.
Allergy & Dermatology Care for Your Dog’s Comfort
At Riverbend Veterinary PetCare Hospital, our dog diagnostic care in Charlotte offers thorough allergy and skin tests to find out what is causing your dog’s skin issues.
Common triggers of dermatitis in dogs include pollen, grasses, flowers, certain foods. If your dog is experiencing itchy, inflamed skin or other signs such as excessive shedding or vomiting, this may indicate allergies or skin problems that need attention.
Our dermatology services include:
- Skin Scrapes: These help diagnose parasitic infections, such as mange, and fungal infections.
- Blood Work: This can screen for certain hormone imbalances that can lead to changes in the skin.
- Surface cytology: This looks for bacteria and yeast- common causes of infection in dogs.
- Skin biopsies: Certain, less common, skin conditions may require a biopsy to diagnose.
Based on the test results, we will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your dog, including changes to the diet, topical products, or medications to help manage your dog’s skin condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend a wellness exam at least once a year. Older dogs or dogs with health concerns may need more frequent visits to monitor their condition.
