Medical Services

Radiology is routinely used to provide valuable information about a pet’s bones, gastrointestinal tract (liver, pancreas, stomach, intestines, colon), respiratory tract (trachea, bronchi, lungs), heart and vessels, and genitourinary system (kidneys, bladder, uterus, prostate). It can be used alone or in conjunction with other diagnostic tools to identify the cause of a medical problem. The radiographs are also sent to a board certified radiologist.

When a pet is being radiographed, an x-ray beam passes through its body and hits a piece of radiographic film. Images on the film appear as various shades of gray and reflect the anatomy of the animal. Bones, which absorb more x-rays, appear as light gray structures. Soft tissues, such as the lungs, absorb fewer x-rays and appear as dark gray structures.

Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its diseases. Skin disease is a frequently observed problem in dogs and cats. Diagnosing a skin problem in your pet may simply require an examination by a veterinarian; however, most skin diseases or problems require additional tests to accurately obtain a diagnosis. Additional diagnostic procedures may include blood work, urinalysis, skin cytology, skin scrapings or biopsies.

The cause of skin problems ranges from hormonal disorders to the common flea. We recommend booking an appointment for your animal if you notice any excessive itchy behaviour, loss of hair, and / or the presence of scabs or scales on the skin.

We also provide referrals to a dermatologist when indicated such as for allergy testing and management.

Cardiology is the medical study of the structure, function, and disorders of the heart.

A heart problem can affect your pet at any age although it is found more often in older pets. Heart failure occurs when the heart no longer has the ability to pump blood throughout the body effectively. Heart failure can lead to congestive heart failure. If an animal is suffering from congestive heart failure, fluid accumulates in the lungs although it can result in fluid accumulation in the abdomen as well. Animals suffering from congestive heart failure often experience difficulty breathing and frequent coughing. The coughing often seems to be worse at night. Some causes of heart failure include: congenital heart disease (animals born with a heart problem), valvular heart disease (abnormalities of the valves of the heart), arrhythmias (rhythm disturbances) and heartworm disease.

Many heart problems can be identified on physical examination. Additional tests are usually required to accurately identify the cause of the heart disease. Additional tests that we provide include blood tests (cardio pet proBNP) and radiographs. If indicated, your pet will be referred to a cardiologist for an electrocardiogram (ECG) and ultrasound.

Heart disease is a serious life threatening condition but early diagnosis and appropriate therapy can extend your pet’s life.

Endocrinology is the branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the endocrine system and its specific secretions called hormones. Endocrine diseases develop when the body produces too much hormone or too little hormone. There are several common endocrine disorders found in dogs and cats. A common disorder in dogs is hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when an animal has low levels of circulating thyroid hormone. The opposite is common in cats. They are frequently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism which is high levels of circulating thyroid hormone.

Additional endocrine problems include diabetes, Cushing’s disease and Addison’s disease.

There are many observable signs in pets with endocrine diseases. Common clinical signs include abnormal energy levels, abnormal behaviour, abnormal drinking, urinating and eating, excessive panting, skin disorders, and weight gain or loss.

If any of these signs are observed in your pet, we recommend that you book an appointment to discuss them with a veterinarian.