Diagnostics
Diagnostic testing enables our Estherville Veterinary Clinic team to determine your pet’s health status and diagnose disease. Our state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and expertly trained veterinary professionals ensure fast, accurate results that allow us to provide top-tier care. From wellness screening tests to advanced imaging techniques, our diagnostic capabilities support a range of pet health needs.
In-house laboratory testing is a convenient option that allows our team to diagnose many pet illnesses while you wait. Our laboratory capabilities include essential blood and urine testing, fecal parasite checks, skin and ear cytology testing, and more. Benchtop or bedside test results enable us to obtain critical health information in minutes, eliminating the time lag associated with sending out tests and allowing us to formulate and begin a treatment plan without delay.
We partner with top-tier reference laboratories for specialized and non-urgent tests. Reference labs provide comprehensive diagnostic services, including blood panels, histopathology, cultures, and more, to help us reach an accurate diagnosis. Tests sent to Iowa State University complement our in-house laboratory by providing a more complete picture of your pet’s health. Common tests we send out to reference laboratories include:
- Tumor biopsies
- Hormone testing
- Fungal testing
- Bacterial culture and sensitivity testing
- PCR and infectious disease testing
X-rays are a vital diagnostic tool for examining your pet’s bones, joints, chest, abdomen, bladder, and other internal structures. Our hospital uses digital X-ray technology, which provides instant, high-quality images while reducing the need for retakes and minimizing radiation exposure. Our veterinarians can interpret initial X-ray studies and may send images to a radiology specialist for expert review. Reasons we may take X-rays of your pet include :
- Suspected fracture or soft tissue injury
- Vomiting
- Urinary tract problems
- Abnormal abdominal palpation
- Heart murmur
- Coughing or difficulty breathing
Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed, three-dimensional, real-time images of your pet’s internal organs without radiation. At the Estherville Veterinary Clinic, we use ultrasound to evaluate abdominal organs, obtain samples, collect urine, and monitor hospitalized patients.
