Veterinary Diagnostic Lab
With electromagnetic radiation and other technologies used in diagnostic imaging, we can produce highly detailed images of your pet's internal structures.
At Tumwater Veterinary Hospital, we leverage advanced tools to help accurately diagnose your pet's medical issues. We offer a range of services, from digital radiology to ultrasound, ECG, endoscopy and more
Our diagnostic imaging capabilities mean we have the ability to gain valuable insights and interpret diagnostic information about your pet's condition, then provide immediate treatment options.
In-House Lab & Veterinary Pharmacy in Tumwater
In our in-house laboratory, we perform tests and receive results quickly, so we can diagnose your pet's symptoms and start treatment as soon as possible.
Our pet pharmacy in Tumwater is stocked with a range of prescription diets and medications, providing us with quick access to any medications your pet may need while in our care.
Our Diagnostic Services
At our in-house veterinary diagnostics lab, we offer advanced diagnostic testing. This allows our vets to provide an accurate diagnosis of your pet's medical issues.
- Radiography (Digital X-Rays)
We can use a radiograph (digital X-Ray) to check your pet's internal systems and reveal information that may be invisible from the outside.
Radiography is a non-invasive, safe and painless diagnostic method that uses only very low doses of radiation. Because the level of radiation needed to perform radiography is so low, even very young pets and pregnant females can undergo this procedure
Radiographs can be used to assess organs and bones, and to diagnose conditions including chronic arthritis, broken bones, spinal cord diseases, bladder stones and some tumors.
- Ultrasound
The use of diagnostic imaging allows our team of veterinary professionals to create extremely detailed images of your pet's internal structures.
With ultrasound imaging, we expose part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body.
Because we capture ultrasound images in real-time, we can see the structure and movement of your pet's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through the blood vessels.
Having this valuable technology available to our vets in our in-house lab means that your dog or cat's condition can be diagnosed quickly and treatment can start sooner.
- Endoscopy
An endoscope is comprised of a very tiny camera with a light attached to the end of a flexible tube.
When we perform an endoscopy, a long, thin tube is inserted directly into the body to observe an internal organ or tissue in detail.
Minimally invasive endoscopes can be inserted into the openings of the body such as the mouth or anus.
- Surgical Lasers
Highly focused laser beams can be used in veterinary laser surgery to efficiently chip away or vaporize tissue. As the laser completes this task, it also seals nerve endings, capillaries, lymphatics and small blood vessels.
Surgical lasers can reduce pain, bleeding and risk of infection after surgery. This can result in a shorter recovery period for many of our patients.
- Bloodwork & Fecal Exams
Bloodwork
At our vet lab in Tumwater we are able to run a number of common and specialized blood tests to determine the health of your pet, and to diagnose illness.
Some of the most common veterinary blood tests we do are CBC (complete blood count), white blood count, hemoglobin and MCHC, hematocrit, platelets, eosinophils, and blood serum profile.
Fecal Exams
A fecal exam is the microscopic examination of your pet's feces, which can be done at our in-house vet lab in Tumwater.
The ultimate goal of a fecal exam is to identify and treat any GI infections that could be compromising your pet's health and even the health of your family. Fecals allow your vet to determine if your pet has intestinal parasites such as roundworms or hookworms.
Parasites can make pets uncomfortable, irritable, and lead to more serious conditions. Some can even be transmitted to humans.
Since these parasites live in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract, they are often hidden from view. The only way to detect them is with a fecal exam.
Annual fecal examines should be a vital part of every pet's routine wellness exam.
- ECG / EKG
If your veterinarian performs a physical examination and suspects your pet may have a heart disorder, we usually take chest X-Rays and an electrocardiogram (ECG / EKG).
This procedure can be completed easily and quickly. It reveals data that may be integral to your pet's diagnosis. In other cases, a cardiac ultrasound may be required to identify disorders in the chambers of the heart.
- Digital Dental X-Rays
If your cat or dog is suffering periodontal disease, much of this damage occurs below the gum line where it can't be easily seen. Digital dental X-Rays help our veterinarians assess your pet's oral health.
Digital X-Rays are safer for your pet. They allow our team of veterinary professionals to examine roots, bones and internal anatomy of your cat or dog's teeth.
With digital X-Rays, the risk of radiation exposure for your pet is significantly lower than with traditional X-Ray technology. We are able to see below the surface of your pet's gum line to fully evaluate each tooth.
This technology allows your Tumwater vet to see results immediately, then project them onto a computer screen to review.
- PRP
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections are elements of regenerative medicine that can be used to heal injuries and repair tissue in pets with arthritis, or bone, joint and soft-tissue injuries.
