In-House Diagnostics

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In-House Diagnostics at Tell Tail Veterinary Urgent Care: Comprehensive and Rapid Testing for Your Pet

At Tell Tail Veterinary Urgent Care, we know that when your pet isn’t feeling well, waiting for test results can be stressful. That’s why we’re proud to offer in-house diagnostics—advanced, rapid testing services that allow us to quickly and accurately diagnose health issues during your visit. Our on-site laboratory means we can run a variety of tests to evaluate your pet’s condition in real-time, providing answers and beginning treatment without delay.

Here’s a detailed look at the in-house diagnostics we provide to ensure your pet receives the best possible care.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A CBC is a fundamental blood test that helps us evaluate your pet’s overall health by analyzing:

  • Red Blood Cells (RBCs): These cells carry oxygen throughout the body. A low RBC count can indicate anemia, while a high count may suggest dehydration or other medical conditions.
  • White Blood Cells (WBCs): WBCs are essential for immune function. Elevated levels may indicate infection, inflammation, or stress, while low levels could point to a compromised immune system.
  • Platelets: Platelets are responsible for blood clotting. A low platelet count could suggest a bleeding disorder, while high levels might indicate inflammation or another underlying issue.

With this test, we can quickly detect issues such as infections, anemia, immune-mediated diseases, or other blood disorders—allowing us to tailor a treatment plan based on the results.

Blood Chemistry Panel

A blood chemistry panel is critical for evaluating your pet’s internal organs and overall health. This test examines:

  • Organ Function: We assess the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and other vital organs to detect any signs of disease or dysfunction.
  • Electrolyte Balance: Sodium, potassium, and chloride are electrolytes that help regulate many bodily functions. An imbalance can indicate dehydration, kidney disease, endocrine disease (Addison’s), or other metabolic issues.
  • Proteins: Protein levels give us insights into your pet’s liver function, hydration status, and immune health.

By evaluating organ function and metabolic health, we can detect diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, and more, ensuring early intervention for better outcomes.

Blood Clotting Time

Measuring blood clotting time is essential, especially before surgeries or in cases of suspected poisoning (e.g., rodenticide ingestion). We use this test to evaluate how quickly your pet’s blood clots to prevent excessive bleeding during procedures or identify clotting disorders.

Urine Evaluation

A urinalysis is an important part of diagnosing many conditions, including:

  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Identifying bacterial infections in the urinary tract helps us prescribe the right antibiotics for a speedy recovery.
  • Urine Crystals: Certain types of crystals in the urine can lead to bladder stones, which may require dietary changes or surgery to resolve.
  • Kidney Function: Urinalysis also provides insight into kidney function and can help us diagnose conditions like chronic kidney disease.

This quick, non-invasive test provides valuable information about your pet’s urinary health, hydration, and kidney function.

Rapid Diagnostic Testing

Our in-house lab also allows us to conduct rapid diagnostic tests for specific diseases, including:

  • Pancreatitis: Using specialized tests, we can quickly detect inflammation in the pancreas, a condition that causes vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy.
  • Canine Parvovirus: Parvovirus is a life-threatening viral infection in dogs, particularly puppies. Rapid detection allows for immediate treatment and isolation to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease.
  • Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): FeLV is a serious viral infection in cats that suppresses the immune system. Early detection helps manage the disease and improve your cat’s quality of life.
  • Tick-Borne Diseases: We can rapidly test for diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis—conditions transmitted through tick bites that can lead to serious health issues if not promptly treated.
  • Feline Heart Disease: Some forms of heart disease in cats, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), can be detected through specialized tests, allowing us to diagnose and treat heart issues before they progress.

With these rapid diagnostics, we’re able to provide immediate answers and begin appropriate treatments to give your pet the best chance of recovery.

Microscopic Evaluation

Sometimes the key to diagnosing your pet’s condition lies under the microscope. At Tell Tail Veterinary Urgent Care, we perform microscopic evaluations to analyze samples from various parts of your pet’s body, including:

  • Ear Swabs: Microscopic evaluation of ear discharge can help us diagnose ear infections caused by yeast, bacteria, or parasites such as ear mites.
  • Skin Scraping: By examining skin samples, we can detect parasites like mites, identify infections, or diagnose skin conditions such as mange.
  • Cytology: Cytology involves examining cells from lumps, bumps, or masses to help us determine whether they are benign or malignant. This quick procedure helps us decide if further treatment or surgery is necessary.
  • Blood Smears: Looking at your pet’s blood under a microscope can help us identify abnormal cells, parasites (such as heartworms or blood-borne pathogens), or changes in blood cell appearance that might indicate disease.

Microscopic analysis allows for precise diagnosis of infections, parasites, and even cancerous conditions, enabling us to create a targeted treatment plan for your pet.

Same Day Clinical Pathology Analysis

If a pathologist is needed for the diagnosis of a mass, tumor, fluid analysis, or other, we have the ability to send the images digitally to a pathologist for same day results.

Why Choose Tell Tail Veterinary Urgent Care for In-House Diagnostics?

  • Rapid Results: With our in-house laboratory, we provide quick, reliable results during your visit, meaning you won’t have to wait days for a diagnosis.
  • Comprehensive Care: From blood tests to microscopic evaluations, we offer a full spectrum of diagnostic services to ensure your pet receives a thorough examination.
  • Experienced Team: Our veterinarians and skilled technicians are trained in advanced diagnostic techniques, ensuring accurate test results and appropriate treatment plans.
  • State-of-the-Art Equipment: We use the latest veterinary diagnostic equipment, ensuring precise and fast results that help us create the best possible care plan for your pet.
  • Timely Treatment: Quick diagnosis means faster treatment, which can be critical in urgent or emergencies. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes for your pet.

Send out diagnostics

There are times when advanced testing requires sending samples to the laboratory. In the case of specialized testing, cultures of wounds or urine, or biopsy tissue evaluation, we have negotiated special pricing with our labs in order to offer competitive pricing and quality for you and your pet. Our team of experienced veterinarians will advise when to perform on site diagnostics and when to send samples to our lab for evaluation.

Visit Tell Tail Veterinary Urgent Care for In-House Diagnostics Today

At Tell Tail Veterinary Urgent Care, our top priority is your pet’s health and well-being. With our in-house diagnostic services, we can quickly assess your pet’s condition and begin treatment without delay, giving you peace of mind and your pet the care they deserve.

If your pet is showing signs of illness, discomfort, or injury, don’t hesitate to visit us. We’re here to provide comprehensive diagnostics and expert care when it matters most. Call us or visit telltailvet.com to learn more about our in-house diagnostic services or to schedule a visit today.