When your pets tell you through their actions and behaviors that they are feeling bad, it is stressful on the people who love them. Watching your pet suffer through any physical ailment makes you wonder what is really going on and how bad it truly is since your pet cannot verbally communicate. In many cases, even an experienced veterinarian needs tools beyond a physical examination to develop an accurate diagnosis. Our team at Integrative Veterinary Therapies in Ridge, NY offers an all-inclusive approach to treating your pet’s health concerns.
At Integrative Veterinary Therapies, we work hard to get the right diagnosis before looking at possible options for a treatment plan. Our practice uses an in-house laboratory so that all diagnostic testing can be performed on the premises, eliminating separate appointments with specialized clinics, waiting for the results, and passing them from office to office. Our veterinarian will approach your pet’s health with a wealth of information from laboratory testing and a detailed examination.
Diagnostic Veterinary Services
Unfortunately, some illnesses hide within your pet’s body, showing little to no signs or symptoms until significant damage has been done and the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. Diagnostic testing plays an important role in identifying problems that do not show themselves right away.
Laboratory Tests
A urine test reveals how well your pet’s body processes fluids and nutrition and filters waste. Our veterinarian analyzes the look and consistency of the urine sample and runs it through chemical tests for bladder infections, kidney health, or conditions such as crystals in the urine.
Information about bodily functions also shows up in fecal samples, where the presence of blood indicates serious internal problems. Fecal exams entail checking the sample under a microscope for normal appearance and consistency. If your pet tests positive for harmful parasites that will show up here too. Tests for heartworms will be separate but may easily be included within the diagnostic panel. This test is especially important because heartworms are deadly, and treatment should begin as soon as possible to protect your pet.
Radiology
Being able to see inside your pet’s body makes a huge difference in narrowing down a correct diagnosis. X-rays of your pet’s body combined with a panel of CBC and other tests will give our veterinarian the full picture. Unforeseen and completely unexpected medical issues, like strange items in the house and yard that your pet may have swallowed, might only be revealed through x-rays. Integrative Veterinary Therapies provides x-ray imaging on-site to avoid waiting, separate appointments, and to have all of the valuable information conveniently at hand.
Veterinary Care & Testing in Ridge, NY
If you are new to the Ridge area or a new pet owner, call our team at Integrative Veterinary Therapies today at (631) 924-7700 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gucciardo. When your pet visits us for a check-up, it is in good hands at Integrative Veterinary Therapies.