Diagnostics & Imaging

Veterinary diagnostics in Shiner, TX: in-house tests, digital X-rays, and more at Shiner Animal Hospital. Precise care for pets & livestock. Call (361) 594-2971.

Veterinary Diagnostics in Shiner, TX | Shiner Animal Hospital

At Shiner Animal Hospital, we’re committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of your pets and livestock with advanced diagnostic testing. Early detection through in-house diagnostics, digital X-rays, and laser therapy diagnostics helps us quickly identify health concerns, enabling us to create an effective treatment plan that’s tailored to your pet’s needs. Our team believes in combining a thorough physical exam with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to ensure every aspect of your animal’s health is covered.

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Why Diagnostics Are Essential for Your Pet’s Health

Diagnostics are a cornerstone of effective veterinary care, offering critical insights that go beyond a physical exam. They support early detection, preventive care, and ongoing health monitoring, all of which contribute to a longer, healthier life for pets and livestock.

Preventive Care and Early Detection

Diagnostics allow veterinarians to catch potential health issues early, often before symptoms appear. Regular tests, like bloodwork and urinalysis, help detect conditions such as kidney disease or infections at a stage where they’re more manageable. By identifying issues early, diagnostics can prevent complications, making treatment simpler and more effective, especially for senior pets and those with a higher risk of chronic disease.

Creating Targeted Treatment Plans

Diagnostic tests are essential for crafting treatment plans tailored to each pet’s specific needs. Detailed insights from tests like CBCs and blood chemistry help veterinarians understand the severity of conditions and choose treatments accordingly. Diagnostics also aid in monitoring the response to treatments, ensuring they remain effective and adjusted to the pet’s changing health needs.

Supporting Long-Term Health Monitoring

Regular diagnostics provide a complete picture of your pet’s health over time, allowing veterinarians to track changes and identify emerging concerns before they become serious. Long-term testing is particularly beneficial for managing chronic conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, and arthritis, ensuring pets enjoy the best quality of life.

With a commitment to preventive care and targeted diagnostics, Shiner Animal Hospital helps your pet stay healthy at every life stage.

Our Comprehensive Diagnostic Services

With our extensive range of diagnostic services available at Shiner Animal Hospital, pet owners in Shiner and surrounding areas can count on swift, accurate results and high-quality care. Below is an overview of the specific diagnostic services we offer.

Our Comprehensive Diagnostic Services

Our clinic offers a wide range of in-house diagnostic tests, giving us the ability to provide quick answers without sending samples out. This means that if your pet needs urgent care, we can often diagnose and begin treatment within the same visit. Here are some of the primary in-house tests we perform:

Fecal Exams: This essential test checks for intestinal parasites or worms, which can lead to digestive issues, malnutrition, and other health concerns if left untreated. Fecal exams are especially important for puppies, kittens, and pets who spend a lot of time outdoors.

Urinalysis: This simple yet informative test evaluates bladder health and checks for infections or crystal formation. Detecting issues like urinary tract infections early can help us provide quick relief for pets experiencing discomfort.

Heartworm Testing: Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition. Heartworm testing allows us to identify the disease early and start treatment before the infection progresses, ensuring your pet’s heart health is protected.

Parvovirus Testing: Parvovirus is a life-threatening viral disease, particularly in puppies. Quick parvovirus testing allows us to detect and address this condition as soon as possible to protect the health of your dog.

Feline Leukemia and FIV Testing: Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are two of the most serious viruses affecting cats. We offer FeLV and FIV testing to ensure early diagnosis and appropriate care for affected cats.

Ear and Skin Cytology: For pets with skin or ear issues, cytology helps us identify the presence of yeast, bacteria, or parasites, providing us with the information needed to recommend targeted treatments for bacterial or yeast infections.

Dermatophytosis (Ringworm) Testing: Commonly known as ringworm, dermatophytosis is a contagious fungal infection. We test for ringworm to protect your pet’s health and prevent the spread to other animals or family members.

Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC is invaluable for assessing overall health, revealing conditions such as anemia, infection, and immune system function. It’s a common component of wellness screenings and vital in diagnosing illnesses.

Blood Chemistry and Blood Electrolyte Levels: These tests provide insight into organ function, helping us assess liver and kidney health, and ensuring the body’s electrolyte balance is maintained for overall well-being.

Advanced Imaging: Digital X-Rays and Ultrasound

When it comes to obtaining clear visuals of your pet’s internal structures, our digital radiography and ultrasound services are essential tools. They provide detailed imaging that helps us assess a range of health issues, from fractures to internal organ health.

Key Services for Adult Dogs and Cats:

Digital X-Rays (Radiography): Our digital X-rays offer high-quality imaging that enables us to examine your pet’s bones, lungs, heart, and abdomen. With digital technology, images are instantly available, allowing us to act quickly and share images with specialists if a second opinion is needed.

Ultrasound: Ultrasound is a non-invasive way to visualize soft tissues and internal organs. It’s especially helpful for evaluating abdominal organs and is widely used in pregnancy monitoring. Our ultrasound equipment supports both small and large animals, making it ideal for pets as well as livestock.

Advanced Imaging: Digital X-Rays and Ultrasound

Laser Therapy Diagnostics

Laser therapy offers a unique, gentle way to address and monitor certain health conditions. This diagnostic and therapeutic approach helps manage pain, inflammation, and tissue healing, providing relief for conditions like arthritis, wounds, and post-surgical recovery. Laser diagnostics can also help us determine how your pet is responding to treatment, allowing us to make real-time adjustments as needed.

Specialized Testing for Complex Cases

For complex health issues, Shiner Animal Hospital partners with trusted external labs and specialists to offer advanced testing and imaging. This collaboration provides pets with access to comprehensive diagnostic support beyond our in-house services.

Thyroid Testing

Identifies hormonal imbalances affecting metabolism and energy levels, crucial for pets with symptoms like weight changes or lethargy.

Cushing’s Testing

Cushing’s disease, a common condition in older dogs marked by excess cortisol. Specialized testing confirms the diagnosis and guides treatment.

Cancer Screening

Detects cancer early for proactive intervention. Blood tests and cytology help identify and evaluate cancer risks, improving treatment options.

Advanced Imaging Referrals (CT, MRI, Echocardiogram)

CT Scans: Detailed images for diagnosing tumors, fractures, and internal issues.

MRI: Ideal for soft tissue and neurological assessments.

Echocardiogram: Specialized ultrasound for heart health evaluations.

These specialized tests ensure accurate diagnosis and care for complex conditions, supporting pets’ health at every stage.

Our Commitment to Pet and Livestock Health

Shiner Animal Hospital is dedicated to providing thorough and compassionate care to pets and livestock in Shiner, TX, and surrounding areas. With our combination of in-house diagnostics, advanced imaging, and access to specialized labs, we are equipped to support your animal’s health journey at every step.

Our veterinary team is here to answer any questions you have about diagnostics, and we believe in transparent, compassionate care that keeps you informed throughout the process. Whether you’re seeking peace of mind or managing a complex condition, Shiner Animal Hospital is here to guide you through each stage of diagnostics and care.

Precision Diagnostics, Personalized Care | Schedule Your Diagnostic Appointment Today

Regular diagnostic testing is key to improving your pet’s health and quality of life. Contact Shiner Animal Hospital to learn about our diagnostic services or schedule an appointment today. We’re here to support pets and livestock in Shiner and nearby areas. Call (361) 594-2971 or visit us at 2785 Highway 90 A West, Shiner, TX 77984.

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FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions About Diagnostics & Imaging

What are the benefits of in-house diagnostic testing?

In-house diagnostics allow us to receive results quickly, often during the same visit. This speeds up diagnosis and treatment, helping us deliver efficient care when it matters most.

How often should diagnostic testing be done for a healthy pet?

Annual wellness screenings are recommended to monitor your pet’s health and detect any potential issues early. Senior pets or pets with chronic conditions may benefit from more frequent testing.

What are digital X-rays used for in pet diagnostics?

Digital X-rays help assess bone health, check for fractures, evaluate internal organs, and identify foreign objects. They provide detailed images that are instantly accessible for diagnosis and planning treatment.

Will my pet need to be sedated for an ultrasound or X-ray?

Sedation is typically not necessary for ultrasound, as it is a gentle, non-invasive procedure. For X-rays, sedation may be recommended if your pet has difficulty staying still or is anxious, ensuring the best quality images.

How do you handle advanced tests that Shiner Animal Hospital doesn’t offer on-site?

For specialized tests such as CT scans or MRI, we work with trusted veterinary specialty centers and labs. Our team coordinates the process to ensure seamless care and access to comprehensive diagnostic resources.