Pet Diagnostics

Dade City Animal Clinic is a registered EIA (Enzyme Immunoassay) Laboratory. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), also known as enzyme immunoassays (EIA), are tests designed to detect antigens or antibodies by producing an enzyme triggered color change. Common tests we are able to perform include Coggins Testing, testing for tick-borne diseases, and FeLV/FIV tests.

The most common and useful tools for veterinary diagnostics are radiographs and X-rays. For our vets to give the correct treatment to an animal, they need an accurate diagnosis. Radiographs have the ability to show the pet’s bones and organs by penetrating the tissue using electromagnetic radiation. X-rays can be used to show fractured bones, heart problems, objects that have been swallowed, and many other things.

Digital radiographs offer some critical advantages:

• No harsh chemicals are required to develop the images. This reduces any possible harm to the environment and those in it.
• The images can be viewed on a computer immediately after being taken.
• The images are clear and detailed. A quicker and more accurate diagnosis can be made as the image can be manipulated so our vets can get a better view of the pet’s internal organs and bones.
• Digital images can be sent by email if a second opinion is needed.
• Your pet will be on the X-ray table for a much shorter amount of time as the image takes a lot less time to process.

An ultrasound is taken when we need to know more; they are a safe, painless, and non-invasive procedure. We require an ultrasound to evaluate the internal organs, which provides us with a real-time moving image that allows us to see things that an X-ray cannot.

It helps us to determine the size, shape, internal structure, tissue density, and more of your pet’s organs. It can also be used to diagnose pregnancy and identify tumors or masses.

The procedure does not require sedation and can take around twenty minutes to one hour. We should be able to get a diagnosis immediately from the ultrasound, which means treatment options can be discussed on the same day.

Our on-site lab means we can perform tests on blood, urine, and fecal samples ourselves. The results we receive from these tests are just as important for diagnosis as an ultrasound or X-ray images. These results are helpful for assessing your pet’s health and also detecting any diseases or other conditions.