Diagnostic Care

In-House Laboratory

The ability to evaluate and test the performance of your pet’s internal processes is integral in any preventative wellness program. Are your pet’s major organs performing their vital functions? Is your pet suffering from internal parasites? Is the lump on your pet’s skin harmless?

Laboratory testing provides us with the answers to all of these questions and more, by non-invasively giving us an overall assessment of your pet’s systems. For this reason, our clinical team recommends testing when a potential health concern is identified and annually. This gives us the opportunity to detect and solve health issues sooner, which prevents pain and disease progression in your pet. Our doctors also perform testing prior to all procedures that require anesthesia. Your pet’s health is our priority, so we take every precaution to prevent any potentially adverse reactions.

Our lab is equipped to perform urinalysis, parasite testing, fungal cultures, blood chemistry testing, and more. Oftentimes, we can share results with you in minutes.

Ultrasound

Another major tool we use in diagnostics is ultrasound. This form of imagery allows us to view your pet’s internal organs, chest cavity, and abdomen without the strenuous process of sedation and surgery. For the majority of the time, this process takes less than an hour, and your pet will be able to go home with you the very same day.

Advantages of Ultrasound Technology:

• The most effective diagnostic tool for identifying many types of heart disease.
• Provides an assessment on the functionality and condition of your pet’s internal organs.
• Identifies the cause and possible spread of bodily lesions.
• In situations where surgery is required, ultrasound assists our veterinarian when performing a biopsy or removal of a foreign object.

Digital X-Ray

Radiographs are a powerful asset in  veterinary medicine. Our doctors now have the ability to capture clear images of your pet’s bones and internal organs and display them digitally on a screen. This allows us to manipulate these images and diagnose a variety of conditions more accurately and more efficiently than ever before.

Advantages of Digital X-Ray Technology:

• Digital X-rays can be easily shared, giving you more control of your pet’s veterinary care.
• Specialists can give a second opinion at unprecedented speeds due to the ease of sending digital files.
• X-rays are now more efficient, meaning fewer images are required and less time on the x-ray table for your pet.
• There is no longer any need for film development, meaning less toxic chemicals exposed to the environment.

Allergy & Dermatology Testing

If your pet is suffering from allergies or dermatological issues, our medical team is trained to provide relief. Conditions of the skin, hair, ears, and nails can cause your pet extreme discomfort and irritation, so it’s best to seek treatment right away. At Highland Animal Hospital, we are experienced in the treatment of allergies, dermatitis, skin infections, parasitic infections, hormonal disorders, tumors, and skin cancer.

If you observe any of the following symptoms in your pet, please give us a call:

• Constant licking, chewing, or biting at the skin
• Scabby, red, or flaky skin
• Excessive shedding
• Excessive scratching
• Hot spots
• Lumps or bumps
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

In some cases, we can make a diagnosis by visual examination alone. However, further testing may be required to make an accurate diagnosis. Our in-house lab is equipped to test blood samples, skin scrapings, biopsies, and cultures. Once we diagnose your pet’s condition, we can begin a treatment plan.