Pet Allergies and Dermatology

Allergies – Allergic dermatitis can be a very
frustrating condition for you and your pet. We understand this
frustration, and will do our best to treat the problem with a variety of
treatment options, and also give you tools to help limit
flare-ups.  A multi-modal approach is often necessary to keep our
furry friends with allergies comfortable! 

Orthopedic Pain Management

Controlling pain in our patients is of the utmost importance. We
believe in using a variety of modalities to both alleviate arthritis
pain and try to slow any progression. 

Blood Work

CBC (Complete Blood Count): The cells within blood are
examined in the CBC. This test determines the number of erythrocytes (red
blood cells), the number and type of leukocytes (white blood cells), and
the number of platelets (thrombocytes).

Chemistry/Electrolytes: A chemistry panel (blood chem,
chemistry screen) tests blood sugar, kidney function, liver function,
electrolyte levels, GI enzymes, etc. Blood chemistries are run on the
fluid part of the blood sample.

Urinalysis

Urinalysis provides information about how well the kidneys are working and
identifies inflammation and infection in the urinary system. It can also
help to detect diabetes and can be useful in the diagnosis of cancer
within the urinary system.

Cytology

Cytology allows us to look at cells (often collected with a needle) under
a microscope. This test helps diagnose various pathologies including
infection, inflammation, and cancer.

Histopathology

Histopathology is similar to Cytology, but we look at thin slices of
bodily tissue as opposed to individual cells. Histopathology often
provides more definitive diagnoses than Cytology, but generally requires
the patient to be sedated or anesthetized in order to obtain a tissue
sample.

Digital Radiography

X-rays help diagnose soft tissue and/or orthopedic conditions. There are
several advantages to Digital Radiography over traditional radiography,
including less exposure to radiation, increased image quality, and the
ability to save and send digital copies of X-rays with ease.

ECG

Electrocardiography is a non-invasive test that can help diagnose
abnormalities in a patient’s heart rate and/or rhythm.

Blood Pressure

Did you know that pets can have high blood pressure as a primary disease
process or secondary to an underlying illness (such as kidney disease,
hyperthyroidism, Cushings, etc)? When indicated, we use an Ultrasonic
Doppler instrument to measure blood pressure in our patients. We also
measure blood pressure as part of our routine anesthetic monitoring.

Ophthalmic Testing

Our ophthalmic diagnostic modalities include Fluorescein Corneal Staining,
Schirmer Tear Testing, and Tonometry (Intraocular Pressure Testing).

Abdominal Ultrasound/Echocardiogram

Advanced imaging (ultrasound and echocardiogram) is often required to
diagnose illness in pets. When one of our patients is in need of an
Ultrasound or Echo, we have the ability to arrange for a specialist to
perform this advanced imaging at our hospital. We can also facilitate
referral to one of the many Specialty Hospitals in Jacksonville.

Specialized Laboratory Diagnostics

Countless specialized lab tests are available to our patients via
Idexx Reference Laboratories.