Blood Testing and Laboratory Facilities
Blood Testing and Laboratory Facilities
In-house state of the art biochemistry analysers to assess internal organ function. Full haematology and electrolytes are also available. Blood pressure monitoring has become a vital part of small animal practice. The ability to measure and monitor blood pressure trends provides important data about a patient's cardiovascular status and may help define an approach to treatment. It is a simple procedure and just requires placement of a cuff on your pet’s forelimb or tail. The cuff will inflate and a reading will be recorded. It is normal for us to repeat this a number of times and an average reading will be calculated.
Electrocardiograph (ECG)
Electrocardiograph (ECG)
Utilised to check your pet’s heart rhythm and rate. An ECG, electrocardiogram is often indicated in the assessment of patients with heart disease. Carrying out an ECG is a non-invasive and fairly simple procedure which doesn’t cause any stress or discomfort for your pet. The procedure involves attaching your pet to a machine via 4 clips or electrodes and obtaining a printout or graph of the electrical activity through the heart. The electrodes can pick up electrical impulses generated by the polarization and depolarization of cardiac tissue and translates this into a waveform. The waveform is then used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats and can indicate the presence of any damage to the heart.
The information we get from an ECG can help us in choosing the correct medication for particular cardiac cases and acts as a tool in monitoring the progression of disease in a patient.
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Blood Pressure Monitoring
This is especially important with heart disease and kidney disease. Blood pressure monitoring has become a vital part of small animal practice. The ability to measure and monitor blood pressure trends provides important data about a patient's cardiovascular status and may help define an approach to treatment. It is a simple procedure and just requires placement of a cuff on your pet’s forelimb or tail. The cuff will inflate and a reading will be recorded. It is normal for us to repeat this a number of times and an average reading will be calculated.
Pregnancy Ultrasound
Pregnancy Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a useful imaging method used to diagnose pregnancy. The best time to perform an ultrasound to detect a pregnancy in a dog is at least 30 days post-breeding, and at least 16 days post-breeding in the cat. As foetal number cannot be accurately judged with ultrasound, we will not be able to give you an exact number of puppies or kittens but it is very exciting to see the little heartbeats and movement of the puppies or kittens on the screen. Your pet will usually be shaved on the belly to allow us to perform the procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging
Diagnostic Imaging
The Veterinary Hospital is equipped with radiology and ultrasound facilities. X-ray helps to assess bone and organ structure. Ultrasound is an excellent, non-invasive diagnostic tool for assessing the internal structure and tissue type of many of the body’s organs. It can be used to detect inflammation, abscesses, stones and tumours. It is also valuable in monitoring heart health and function.
If a patient requires a referral for a ultrasound/radiologist specialist then an appointment can be made by one of the our vets.