When your dog or cat shows signs of illness or requires routine health monitoring, accurate diagnostic testing is essential for developing effective treatment plans and ensuring the best possible outcomes. At Pawtown Veterinary Care in Bend, we utilize advanced diagnostic technologies and techniques to quickly identify health issues, monitor chronic conditions, and provide the detailed information needed to keep your pets healthy throughout their lives.
Our experienced veterinarians, Dr. Erin Miller and Dr. Lauren Stayer, combine state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment with years of clinical expertise to accurately interpret test results and clearly explain findings in terms that are easy to understand. As Central Oregon’s locally-owned small animal practice dedicated exclusively to dogs and cats, we provide comprehensive diagnostic services that help us deliver precise, personalized care for your beloved companions. For more information about our complete range of veterinary services, visit our services page to discover how diagnostic testing supports every aspect of your pet’s healthcare.
In-House Diagnostic Capabilities For Your Pets
Having diagnostic equipment on-site allows us to provide rapid results when your pet needs answers quickly. Our in-house laboratory can perform the following within minutes, eliminating the stress of waiting days for results when your pet is unwell:
- Complete blood chemistry panels
- Complete blood counts
- Urinalysis
Digital radiography (x-rays) provides immediate imaging for evaluating broken bones, detecting foreign objects, assessing organ size and position, and diagnosing conditions like hip dysplasia or bladder stones. Our digital system produces high-quality images instantly, allowing us to make treatment decisions during your appointment rather than scheduling return visits.
Blood pressure monitoring, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and other cardiovascular diagnostics help us assess heart health in both routine wellness examinations and when investigating symptoms like coughing, exercise intolerance, or irregular heart rhythms that might indicate cardiac disease.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Our diagnostic equipment is regularly updated to ensure accurate, reliable results that meet current veterinary medicine standards. Digital technology provides clearer images with less radiation exposure for your pets, while automated laboratory equipment ensures consistent, precise results for blood work and other laboratory tests.
Microscopic examination of blood cells, skin scrapings, and other samples allows our veterinarians to identify parasites, bacterial infections, fungal diseases, and cellular abnormalities that might not be visible during physical examinations alone.
Laboratory Testing for Your Pet’s Complete Health Assessment
Comprehensive blood work provides detailed information about organ function, blood sugar levels, protein levels, electrolyte balance, and other markers that indicate your pet’s overall health status. These tests are invaluable for detecting early signs of kidney disease, liver problems, diabetes, and other conditions that benefit from early intervention.
Pre-surgical blood work ensures your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia and surgical procedures. These safety screenings help us identify potential complications before they occur and adjust anesthetic protocols based on your pet’s individual health status and metabolism.
Fecal examinations detect intestinal parasites common in Central Oregon, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and Giardia. Even indoor pets can be exposed to parasites through insects, contaminated soil, or contact with other animals, making regular screening important for all dogs and cats.
Specialized Testing Options
Thyroid function testing is particularly important for older cats, as hyperthyroidism is common in senior felines and can cause weight loss, increased appetite, hyperactivity, and other concerning symptoms that impact quality of life.
Allergy testing helps identify environmental allergens or food sensitivities causing skin problems, chronic ear infections, or digestive issues in pets with recurring symptoms that don’t respond well to standard treatments.
Imaging and Diagnostic Procedures
Digital radiography allows us to evaluate bone structure, joint health, organ size and position, and identify foreign objects or masses that might require surgical intervention. The immediate results help us provide same-day diagnoses for many conditions affecting dogs and cats.
Ultrasound examinations provide detailed views of internal organs, helping diagnose heart conditions, abdominal masses, pregnancy, and bladder abnormalities that may not be clearly visible on standard X-rays. This non-invasive imaging technique is particularly valuable for evaluating soft tissue structures.
Emergency Diagnostic Capabilities
During urgent care situations within our business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 am-5 pm, rapid diagnostic testing helps us quickly assess your pet’s condition and begin appropriate treatment. Emergency blood work can identify internal bleeding, organ failure, poisoning, or other life-threatening conditions requiring immediate intervention.
Point-of-care testing provides results within minutes for critical values like blood glucose, kidney function, and electrolyte levels when emergency patients cannot wait for traditional laboratory processing times.
Monitoring Your Pet’s Chronic Conditions
Pets with ongoing health conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, or thyroid disorders require regular diagnostic monitoring to ensure treatments remain effective and detect changes that might require adjustments to medication or management strategies.
Regular blood work allows us to monitor how well medications are working, detect early signs of progression, and adjust treatment plans before problems become serious. This proactive approach often prevents emergency situations and helps maintain a better quality of life for pets with chronic conditions.
Diagnostic imaging helps track changes in organ size, joint deterioration, or other structural changes that occur over time in pets with chronic diseases. Comparing current results with previous tests provides valuable information about disease progression and treatment effectiveness.
Preventive Health Screening For Pets in Bend
Annual diagnostic screening for healthy adult pets helps establish baseline values and detect early signs of disease before symptoms develop. Many conditions are much easier and less expensive to treat when caught early through routine testing.
Senior pet screening packages typically include comprehensive blood work, urinalysis, blood pressure measurement, and other tests appropriate for older dogs and cats who face increased risks of age-related health problems.
Breed-specific screening addresses genetic predispositions common in certain dog breeds, such as hip dysplasia evaluation in large breeds or cardiac screening in breeds prone to heart conditions.
Wellness Program Integration
Our diagnostic services integrate seamlessly with regular wellness examinations, allowing us to combine routine care with appropriate health screening based on your pet’s age, breed, and risk factors specific to Central Oregon’s environment and lifestyle.
Results from diagnostic testing inform vaccination protocols, parasite prevention strategies, and nutritional recommendations that support your pet’s optimal health throughout different life stages.
Expert Diagnostic Services at Pawtown Veterinary Care
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective veterinary medicine, and our advanced diagnostic capabilities ensure your dog or cat receives the precise care they need. As Bend’s locally-owned practice dedicated exclusively to small animals, we combine cutting-edge technology with personalized service that puts your pet’s comfort and your peace of mind first. Our family-like clinic culture means diagnostic procedures are performed with attention to your pet’s stress level and comfort, while our experienced veterinarians ensure you understand what tests show and how results guide your pet’s ongoing care. The hometown feel of our practice extends to every aspect of your pet’s diagnostic experience.
Contact Pawtown Veterinary Care today to discuss diagnostic testing options for your dog or cat. Whether you need routine screening, investigation of concerning symptoms, or monitoring of chronic conditions, our comprehensive diagnostic services provide the answers you need to keep your pet healthy and thriving in Central Oregon. Schedule your pet’s diagnostic consultation to ensure your companion receives expert diagnostic care when they need it most.
