Radiology & diagnostic testing for pets
It's hard to provide the best care for your pet without knowing the root of what's ailing them, which is why diagnostics are so important in helping your pet continue to thrive. Pet diagnostics include radiology (diagnostic imaging) and laboratory testing (blood, urine, and fecal testing).
What is radiology for pets?
Radiology is the use of imaging to help diagnose health conditions in pets. There are many different types of radiological scans, each designed with unique technology to provide images of different parts of a pet’s body.
Based on your pet’s symptoms, your veterinarian may recommend a particular type of scan that will allow for a closer look at their problem areas. The most common scans performed in our primary pet care clinics and specialty hospitals include:
Provides the most detailed 3D images of internal structures, especially brain & spinal cord.
X-Ray
Shows images of bones, joints, obstructions, and gas build-up
Also used in cardiology to evaluate heart size and determine if there is fluid in or around the lungs.
Ultrasound
Provides view of internal organs and soft tissue using an imaging probe
Often used to evaluate glands, fetal development, heart (echocardiogram), foreign object detection, and abdominal issues
Endoscopy
Echocardiogram
CT-Scan (Computed Tonometry)
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
We are lucky enough at Thrive Pet Healthcare to have some of the latest advances in veterinary radiology, available both at our primary care pet clinics and specialty hospitals. Additionally, our partnership with TotalRads provides all our clinics across the country with on-demand access to Board-Certified Veterinary Radiologists who are ready to assist with more complex or difficult-to-define cases!
What are lab screenings for pets?
Lab screening (or diagnostic testing) includes
blood testing, urinalysis, and fecal testing. Lab screenings can be used to both diagnose symptoms of illness in pets and used as a preventative health measure to analyze potential issues your pet may be developing.
Blood, urine, and fecal tests are commonly used for pets suffering from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, appetite loss, pale gums, general lethargy, and weakness.
What pet conditions can lab tests find?
Our laboratories at Thrive Pet Healthcare can perform a variety of blood, urine, and fecal tests, from routine health screenings to diagnostic examinations. Some of the most commonly screened pet conditions include:
All pets can benefit from annual blood, urine, and fecal testing, but if you suspect that your pet may be suffering from one of the disorders above, ask your Thrive veterinarian about getting them tested today!
*Please note that not all Thrive clinics provide all of the above services - make sure to call your local clinic to verify their specific service offerings!
