See Beneath The Surface: Elevating patient care through advanced diagnostics
Diagnostics
When our animal companions are not feeling well, they can’t tell us what’s wrong or where it hurts. That’s why veterinary diagnostics are so important. These invaluable tools allow our veterinarians to delve deeper – below the surface of the skin – to quickly and accurately identify, diagnose and treat whatever is ailing your pet. This early diagnosis can help improve the chances of a quick and full recovery for your pet.
Our hospital uses state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment for quick, accurate results to many diagnostic tests. We also maintain a close relationship with a veterinary diagnostic lab to assist with more complex tests, and we can even arrange a consultation with clinical pathologists and pathologists when needed.
In-house Laboratory
Our in-house laboratory allows us to perform many diagnostic tests with rapid results, aiding in the prompt development of appropriate treatment options for our patients. We can perform basic blood panels to evaluate general health and organ function, as well as special blood tests to assess for such conditions as heartworm disease, feline leukemia, pancreatitis and anticoagulant poisoning. Using a microscope, we have the ability to evaluate for skin and ear infections, blood-borne parasites, and cancerous masses, to name a few.
We also utilize several outside laboratories that can perform a vast array of testing. Once or twice daily pickups of laboratory samples allows for quick processing and evaluation.
Dental X-Ray
In addition to standard diagnostic and dental x-ray services, we offer ultrasound imaging at our hospital. We will also be offering video scope service for examining the ears and nasal cavity. This option allows on-screen viewing of the problem area. A veterinary radiologist consults with our hospital to review all of our x-rays and to perform advanced ultrasound studies.
Radiology
We are fortunate to have a number of board-certified veterinary radiologists through Bay Area Veterinary Imaging mobile services. They are available to provide abdominal ultrasounds here at Livermore Family Hospital when needed, which allows us to evaluate the health of many of the internal organs. They also review all of the x-rays that we take of our patients to provide expert opinions as to diagnosis, further testing (if required), and possible treatment protocols. Because our x-rays are taken digitally, these experts are able to access and review the images usually within 24 hours, allowing us to provide prompt and specific care.
Electrocardiography (ECG)
We are equipped with a modern ECG machine that allows us to diagnose and monitor cardiac arrhythmias and other abnormalities, as well as providing an important support tool for anesthesia and surgery.
Endoscopy/Videoscopy
We are proud to offer endoscopy and videoscopy that allow us to view the ear canal, nasal cavity, and stomach, in order to evaluate disease processes, as well as retrieve foxtails and some foreign bodies from the ears, nose, and stomach. We will be able to view and display the images on a computer screen or television in order to evaluate and discuss therapeutic options and assist in retrieval as necessary.
Reproduction Services
In addition to examination, laboratory diagnostics, counseling, and surgery, we also offer pregnancy ultrasound evaluations and radiography. Ultrasound helps us to determine fetal health and stage of development, as well as to facilitate surgical decision-making. We can also perform Cesarian sections as our schedule allows.