Technology for Veterinary Care
At Northside Veterinary Clinic, we have technology on-site in our veterinary diagnostic lab that helps us pinpoint the precise cause of your pet's symptoms quickly.
Imaging tools allow us to produce images of your pet's internal structures. Digital X-rays can be used to produce highly detailed images of your pet's hard and soft tissues, organs and dental health, whereas ultrasound technology allows us to obtain a 'real-time' view of your pet's internal organs and how they function. Once we've diagnosed their health condition, we can implement an appropriate treatment plan.
Diagnostic technology is often used throughout the treatment process as well, from ongoing bloodwork, urinalysis and imaging to monitor the progress to the use of tools like surgical lasers during medical procedures.
Diagnostic Services for Pets
- Radiography (Digital X-rays)
Digital X-rays are a safe and non-invasive option for gaining a view of your pet's internal structures. The level of radiation exposure required to perform radiography is so low that even pregnant females and very young pets are able to undergo this procedure.
This imaging technology can be used to view hard and soft tissue like bones and organs. The images produced are used to diagnose conditions including broken bones (fractures), chronic arthritis, bladder stones, spinal cord diseases and some tumours.
- Digital Dental X-rays
Digital X-rays allow our team to examine the roots, bones and internal anatomy of your cat or dog's teeth.
If your cat or dog is suffering from periodontal disease, much of this damage occurs below the gum line where it can't be easily seen. With digital X-rays, we are able to see below the surface of your pet's gum line to fully evaluate each tooth.
- Ultrasound
When we perform ultrasound imaging, we expose part of the body to high-frequency sound waves. These sound waves create data that is sent to a computer to display images of the inside of the body. The images are captured in 'real-time.' This means that we can see the structure and movement of your pet's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through the blood vessels as it is occurring.
- ECG / EKG
If your pet undergoes a physical examination and the veterinarian spots signs of a heart disorder, they may request chest X-rays and an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG).
Electrocardiograms are a quick and straightforward diagnostic procedure. They are used to monitor the electrical activity within the heart to diagnose heart-related conditions. In some cases, a cardiac ultrasound may be required to identify disorders in the chambers of the heart.
- Bloodwork
Using our veterinary lab in Lethbridge, we perform several different types of blood tests to help us determine the health of your pet and diagnose medical conditions.
Some of the most commonly performed blood tests are CBC (complete blood count), white blood count, hemoglobin and MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration), hematocrit, platelets, eosinophils, and blood serum profile. Many of these are performed as part of your dog or cat's routine wellness exam.
- Urinalysis
Urinalysis is a key diagnostic test that can be performed during routine visits and to diagnose a specific condition. They provide your veterinarian with essential insights into the physical and chemical properties of your pet's urine.
Urinalysis is primarily used to assess the health of your pet's kidneys and urinary tract system. However, it can also help detect issues in other organ systems and is important for diagnosing metabolic diseases, such as diabetes.
- Fecal Exams
Our veterinarians frequently perform fecal exams to diagnose conditions like gastrointestinal infections caused by intestinal parasites. This microscopic examination of your pet's feces will be done on-site in our veterinary diagnostic lab in Lethbridge.
By performing these tests in-house, we can quickly diagnose medical issues that may be compromising your pet's health and even the health of your family.
In-House Veterinary Pharmacy
Once your pet's condition has been diagnosed, your veterinarian will prescribe and supply any medications required to help resolve or manage your pet's health issue.
If it's time to refill the prescription, let us know. We can have your pet's medicine ready and waiting when you come in.
Pet Health Supplies
At Northside Veterinary Clinic, we are committed to providing pets with the highest quality pet health supplies, including a range of diets and healthcare products.
Our veterinary clinic is well-stocked with prescription foods to meet a variety of dietary needs, parasite prevention products, medications and more. This allows our team to provide you with the products your four-legged friend needs both while in our care and once they head back home.