Diagnostic Services at Tulare Veterinary Hospital

At Tulare Veterinary Hospital, we have advanced diagnostic equipment that can properly and accurately diagnose underlying conditions in your pet. Our hospital offers radiographic imaging and complete laboratory testing to screen for any underlying conditions that your dog or cat may have.

Radiology

Radiographs (or x-rays) are a common imaging tool used to examine your pet’s internal organs, including the cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and urinary systems. Our veterinarians may use x-rays to:

• Find foreign objects or materials within the body that may have been ingested
• Diagnose fractures, bone and/or joint abnormalities, and various injuries
• Screen for abnormalities within the heart, lungs, urinary, and digestive organs
• Inspect teeth for bone loss, fractures, and dental diseases
• Screen for certain types of cancer

Ultrasonography

Ultrasound is a safe, noninvasive, and painless procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce a real-time image of your pet’s internal organs.

We use ultrasound for a variety of diagnostics to provide a better view of the internal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lymph nodes. Ultrasound does not require any form of sedation, and can quickly help us identify and locate tumors, cysts, stones, and inflammation. Our veterinarians can also use ultrasound to visualize fetal heartbeats during pregnancy to ensure the proper development of your pet’s puppies or kittens.

In-House Laboratory

Our facility features a laboratory that allows us to evaluate your pet’s health using simple testing procedures. With advanced diagnostic technology, we can quickly diagnose the condition and find a solution or treatment as quickly as possible. At our in-house lab, we can perform tests such as:

• Full blood panels
• Coagulation profiles
• Routine heartworm testing
• Microscopic evaluations of stool samples, skin scrapes, ear slides or blood smears

In the event of an emergency, we can perform certain tests to help provide a quick diagnosis and begin a course of treatment. In some cases, we may also consult with a team of internists and pathologists on lab tests submitted to any outside labs.

Specialist Services

If your dog or cat requires an endoscopy (a minimally invasive exploratory procedure), we can refer you to an outside specialist who will perform the procedure. For more information about our in-house diagnostic care or specialist services, please call at (559) 686-8544.