Lab Diagnostics and Digital X-Ray for Dogs and Cats in Bear, DE
A physical examination gives us surface-level information about your pet’s health. But for a broader and more detailed understanding that allows us to provide better care, we turn to our diagnostic tools. At Summit Bridge Veterinary Hospital, we frequently use our in-house laboratory and digital X-ray equipment for general screenings and sickness care. Similar to our need for regular blood work and checkups, dogs and cats also need, and benefit from, regular blood testing so we can evaluate their condition and check for potential problems.
Call or text our hospital today at (302) 834-7387 to schedule a checkup for your pet, or request an appointment online.
Why Your Pet Needs Routine Blood Work
Dogs and cats age quickly compared to humans, and can experience sudden health changes, especially as they age. To monitor for these changes and detect underlying health issues early enough to treat them, we need to perform routine blood tests. These help us determine a baseline of health for your pet, and make it easier for us to notice changes in blood and organ values that might indicate a problem.
These blood tests typically include:
- CBC (complete blood count)
- Blood chemistry
- Comprehensive blood panel
- Heartworm test
- Tick-borne disease test
We also recommend routine fecal exams to check your pet for intestinal parasites. If you are bringing them in soon for a general wellness exam, be sure to bring along a fresh stool sample as well!
The Importance of X-Ray for Dogs and Cats
While digital radiography (X-ray) is an excellent tool for checking for bone and joint problems, we can also use it to check the heart and lungs. Our hospital uses digital X-ray technology, which is faster than traditional film X-ray and produces higher-quality radiographs for review. If needed, we can also email your pet’s X-rays to another vet or to a specialist.
With X-ray, we can detect things that may not be apparent with a physical exam or even blood work. Furthermore, it can help us more accurately diagnose bone fractures, bone deformities, joint disorders, arthritis, and heart and lung diseases. We can also use X-ray to check for foreign bodies if needed.
