Diagnostic Testing for Cats and Dogs in Nashville, TN

Digital Radiology for Pets in Nashville, TN

Digital radiology, also known as digital X-rays, is a modern adaptation of traditional X-ray technology. Instead of using film, digital X-rays use a digital image capture device. This advancement allows for immediate viewing of the images, and the digital format enables easy storage and sharing of the results. Furthermore, digital X-rays expose your pet to significantly less radiation than traditional X-ray methods.

Our pet diagnostic services in Nashville, TN, include using digital radiology to more easily examine your dog or cat’s:

• Internal organs
• Musculoskeletal system
• Dental fitness
• Cardiopulmonary system
• Gastrointestinal system
• Reproductive system
• Urinary system

This technology can help us visualize bones, organs, and other internal tissues without invasive procedures. From diagnosing fractures and bone abnormalities to detecting foreign objects ingested by your pet, digital radiology is a vital diagnostic tool routinely leveraged by our animal hospital.

Digital X-rays play a crucial role in diagnosing a variety of conditions in pets, providing detailed insights into their internal health. One area where digital radiology can prove invaluable is in diagnosing orthopedic conditions. Offering clear images of the skeletal structure allows for diagnosing a wide range of bone-related issues. Fractures, dislocations, and bone deformities are often easily detected, as are signs of arthritis or osteoporosis. Furthermore, bone tumors, often difficult to identify in their early stages, can frequently be visualized, enabling early intervention and treatment.

Digital radiology is also a vital tool in diagnosing dental problems in pets. Dental diseases are common in cats and dogs and can lead to significant discomfort and other health issues if not addressed promptly. With digital radiology, our veterinarians can look for signs of dental decay, gum disease, tooth abscesses, and oral tumors. Moreover, this technology can reveal problems hidden beneath the gum line, which are otherwise difficult to detect.

Abdominal disorders in pets can also be diagnosed using digital radiology. This imaging technology provides a comprehensive view of the abdominal cavity, including the liver, kidneys, stomach, intestines, and bladder. It can help detect tumors, stones, and blockages within these organs and changes in organ size and shape indicative of disease.

Digital radiology is also utilized for diagnosing certain urinary and reproductive system issues. For example, bladder stones, kidney stones, and certain types of cancer can be identified using digital radiology. In female animals, it can help diagnose pregnancy and monitor fetal development, while in males, it can reveal prostate problems.

Our Animal Hospital’s In-House Laboratory in Nashville, TN

Our in-house laboratory can perform a comprehensive range of tests, ensuring a thorough evaluation of your pet's health. This allows us to gain quick and accurate insights into your pet’s health, expediting the diagnosis and treatment process. Combining our pet diagnostic services in Nashville, TN, with our team's knowledge and experience, we strive to provide the highest quality care for your cherished companions.

Belle Meade Animal Hospital’s in-house laboratory can perform many types of tests, including:

• Routine fecal screenings. Fecal screenings are primarily used to detect the presence of intestinal parasites, which are a common concern in both dogs and cats. Parasites like hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms can significantly compromise your pet's health. Regular fecal screenings ensure early detection of these harmful parasites, allowing us to administer appropriate treatment swiftly.
• Urinalysis. This test provides valuable information about your pet's urinary and metabolic system. It allows us to evaluate kidney function and hydration status and identify urinary tract infections. Urinalysis can also help in detecting conditions like diabetes and liver disease.
• Heartworm tests. Heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal disease in pets that primarily affects the heart, lungs, other organs, and blood vessels. Early detection through heartworm tests allows us to start treatment promptly, minimizing the damage to your pet’s health.
• Complete blood counts (CBC). A CBC provides detailed information about your pet's blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This test is crucial in diagnosing conditions like anemia, infection, inflammation, and certain types of cancer. It also provides insight into your pet’s overall health, immune response, and ability to clot blood.
• Pre-surgical screenings. Before any surgical procedure, pre-surgical screenings are carried out to evaluate your pet's overall health and determine their ability to tolerate anesthesia and surgery. These screenings typically include blood tests, urinalysis, and sometimes even X-rays or ultrasound. This comprehensive evaluation assists us in minimizing surgical and anesthetic risks, ensuring your pet's safety.
• Blood chemistry profiles. We conduct blood chemistry profiles to assess your pet’s organ function, electrolyte status, and hormone levels. These tests are crucial in diagnosing conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid disease. They can also indicate dehydration, infection, and other health issues.

Pet Ultrasounds in Nashville, TN

Ultrasound imaging is a powerful diagnostic technique that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to produce images of your pet’s internal structures. The ultrasound procedure involves the use of a handheld probe, known as a transducer, that is gently moved across the skin over the area of interest. The transducer emits sound waves that travel into the body, bounce off internal structures, and return to the transducer. These returning sound waves are processed by a computer to generate real-time images of the body's internal tissues and organs.

One of the key advantages of ultrasound imaging is its ability to provide a dynamic view of the body's internal structures. Ultrasound can capture the movement of internal tissues and organs in real time. This makes it particularly useful in evaluating heart function and blood flow and detecting abnormalities like tumors, cysts, stones, and inflammation.

Ultrasound imaging is used to diagnose a wide range of conditions in dogs and cats. For example, it can reveal heart abnormalities such as murmurs and valve issues in pets, allowing for early detection and management of heart disease. Ultrasound scanning of the abdomen can help identify diseases of the liver, kidneys, bladder, and other abdominal organs. It can detect tumors, blockages, inflammation, and other abnormalities in these organs.