Radiology (X-Rays)

X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool that help us identify health issues, rule out concerns, and detect problems early—even before symptoms appear.

They allow us to evaluate your pet’s:

• Bones and joints
• Digestive system (stomach and intestines)
• Heart and lungs
• Urinary and reproductive systems

We use radiology on its own or alongside other diagnostics to get a complete picture of your pet’s health.

Advanced Digital Imaging

Our practice uses digital radiology, which provides:

• Faster results and quicker diagnoses
• High-quality images for more accurate interpretation
• Lower radiation exposure compared to traditional x-rays

Dermatology (Skin)

Skin issues are common in dogs and cats and can be caused by allergies, infections, parasites (like fleas and mites), or underlying health conditions. Because these problems can be uncomfortable and sometimes complex, early evaluation is important.

In many cases, we can diagnose skin conditions through a physical exam. When needed, additional testing may include:

• Blood work or urinalysis
• Skin scrapings
• Biopsies

If you notice your pet scratching excessively or developing symptoms such as hair loss, scabs, redness, scaling, lumps, or bumps, we encourage you to contact us promptly.

We’re here to help your pet find relief and get back to feeling their best.

Cardiology (Heart)

Heart disease can affect pets of any age, though it’s more common in older animals. While often serious, early diagnosis and proper treatment can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life—and in some cases, certain conditions can be corrected.

Heart disease may lead to congestive heart failure (CHF), a condition where the heart can no longer pump blood effectively. This can cause fluid buildup in the lungs or abdomen.

Common causes include:

• Congenital heart conditions (present at birth)
• Valve disease
• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Heartworm disease

Watch for signs such as:

• Rapid or labored breathing
• Persistent coughing
• Decreased appetite
• Fatigue or weakness
• Difficulty exercising

If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact us promptly—we’re here to help protect your pet’s heart health.

Tonometry (Eyesight)

Protecting your pet’s vision starts with early detection. Conditions like glaucoma—caused by increased pressure within the eye—require prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent permanent damage.

Watch for signs such as:

• Dilated pupils
• Cloudy appearance of the eye
• Red or bloodshot eyes
• One eye appearing larger or bulging
• Squinting or excessive tearing
• Rubbing or pawing at the eyes

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact us right away. Early care is critical to protecting your pet’s vision and comfort.

Ultrasonography

Ultrasound is a noninvasive, pain-free imaging technique that uses sound waves to evaluate your pet’s internal organs and structures. It allows us to examine areas such as the heart, liver, kidneys, bladder, and more.

Ultrasound can help:

• Detect fluid, cysts, tumors, or abscesses
• Evaluate organ function
• Confirm or monitor pregnancy

We often use ultrasound alongside other diagnostics, such as x-rays, to provide a more complete and accurate diagnosis.

Endocrinology (Hormones)

Early detection of endocrine (hormonal) disorders is essential for keeping your pet healthy. While these conditions can be serious, they are often manageable with prompt diagnosis and proper treatment.

The endocrine system is made up of glands that release hormones into the bloodstream to regulate key functions like metabolism, growth, and development. When hormone levels become too high (hyper) or too low (hypo), health problems can occur.

Common Endocrine Conditions

• Diabetes mellitus – issues with insulin production or response
• Hypothyroidism (common in dogs) – low thyroid hormone levels
• Hyperthyroidism (common in cats) – high thyroid hormone levels
• Addison’s disease – low adrenal hormone levels
• Cushing’s disease – excess adrenal hormone levels

Medical Assessment

A thorough medical assessment is often the first step in diagnosing your pet’s condition. During the exam, we evaluate your pet from head to tail, including the eyes, ears, skin, and major body systems such as cardiovascular, neurological, digestive, and musculoskeletal.

When needed, we may recommend diagnostic testing to better understand your pet’s health, including:

• Blood and urine tests
• Evaluation of kidney, liver, pancreas, and endocrine function
• Imaging such as x-rays or ultrasound
• Advanced diagnostics like endoscopy or biopsy

These tools help us reach an accurate diagnosis and create an effective treatment plan tailored to your pet.

If you’re concerned something may be wrong, please contact us to schedule an exam. In some cases, we may recommend bringing your pet in right away based on their symptoms.