x-ray of teeth

Pet Diagnostic Tools

The wellness exam is an excellent means of detecting health problems, but for many conditions, it’s just the first step towards a complete and accurate diagnosis. While physical exams allow our veterinarians to evaluate your pet from the outside, advanced diagnostics can be used to help us understand what’s going on internally. At Arcata Animal Hospital, we offer a full range of pet diagnostic services, such as digital radiography (X-rays), abdominal and cardiac ultrasound, in-house laboratory and more.

Digital Radiography

Digital X-rays are used to examine your pet’s bones and internal organs. The X-ray exam is completely painless and non-invasive. We may recommend digital X-rays for your pet to:

  • Locate a broken bone
  • Detect disease
  • Measure the growth of a tumor or cyst
  • Evaluate the condition of internal organs
  • Find a foreign body in the stomach or intestines

Digital radiography is the new standard of care used by top veterinary practices. This state-of-the-art technology uses digital sensors to create an image almost instantaneously. Compared to traditional film X-rays, digital radiographs produce clearer images that are easier and faster to generate, enhance, and share. They’re also safer because they don’t require harsh development chemicals, and they use less radiation than film X-rays.

Pet Ultrasound

Ultrasound is another high-tech diagnostic tool that we use to examine your pet internally. Our equipment allows us to evaluate the size, shape, and internal structure of your pet’s organs painlessly and noninvasively. We provide soft tissue, abdominal, and cardiac ultrasound services, including Doppler flow studies. When indicated, we are able to consult directly with cardiologists and internal medicine specialists to provide even more advanced care for your pet.

Dog having ultrasound scan

Full In-House Laboratory

For the benefit of all of our patients and clients, we offer complete in-house laboratory diagnostic services. We can perform a variety of vital tests, including:

  • Blood tests
  • Urinalysis
  • Thyroid function
  • Biopsies
  • Fecal exams
  • …and more

If you think your pet is in need of our diagnostic services, or if you’d just like to find out more information about what we have to offer, feel free to contact us at 707-822-2402.