Answers Start with the Right Diagnostics

From bloodwork to digital imaging, we use advanced diagnostic tools to detect illness early and guide the best care for your dog or cat.

Diagnostic testing helps our MTCAC team to determine your pet’s health status and diagnose disease.

We have in-house lab and off-site lab capabilities, along with advanced imaging modalities and boarded specialists to consult with if needed. From wellness screening tests to advanced imaging techniques, our diagnostic capabilities support a range of pet health needs.

Laboratory Services

In-house Laboratory

Our 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. 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 an accurate diagnosis and begin a treatment plan without delay.

Reference Laboratory

When more specialized and non-urgent tests are needed, we partnered with a reference lab. This complements 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
  • Culture and sensitivity testing
  • Cancer screening
  • Routine wellness checks
  • PCR and infectious disease testing
  • Urinary stone analysis
  • DNA or allergy testing

Digital Imaging Services

Digital X-ray

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 fear and anxiety of the pet along with minimal radiation exposure. Our veterinarians can interpret initial X-ray studies and can 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/Diarrhea
  • Urinary tract problems
  • Abnormal abdominal palpation
  • Heart murmur
  • Coughing or difficulty breathing

Abdominal Ultrasound and Echocardiography

Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed, three-dimensional, real-time images of your pet’s internal organs without radiation. At MTCAC, we are able to use an in house abdominal ultrasound to evaluate abdominal organs, obtain biopsies, collect urine, and monitor hospitalized patients. We are also able to perform echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound) is a specialized imaging technique used to evaluate the heart’s structure and function. It is essential to diagnose and monitor pet heart conditions, including cardiomyopathy, valve disorders, and congenital malformations, and ensure adequate heart function before anesthesia in pets with a heart murmur.

In addition to the in-house imaging and a commitment to the best and most specialized care, our hospital offers a board-certified radiologist that visits every 2 weeks and performs more complete ultrasounds and echocardiograms.