Diagnostics & Lab Testing: Uncovering Your Pet's Health
At Tarka Vets, we believe in proactive and precise care. That's why we utilize advanced diagnostic technology to quickly and accurately identify health issues, allowing for prompt and effective treatment. Our comprehensive diagnostic services are crucial for understanding your pet's condition, monitoring treatment efficacy, and ensuring their overall well-being.
In-House Laboratory: Immediate Answers for Urgent Care
Our state-of-the-art in-house laboratory plays a vital role in providing rapid results when time is of the essence. This means we can often get critical information within minutes, enabling us to make immediate and informed decisions about your pet's care, especially in emergency situations or during pre-surgical screenings. Our in-house capabilities include:
Biochemistry: Assessing organ function (e.g., liver, kidney, pancreas) and metabolic health.
Haematology: Analyzing blood cell counts to detect infections, inflammation, anemia, and other blood disorders.
Endocrinology: Diagnosing hormonal imbalances such as diabetes, Cushing's disease, and thyroid conditions.
Urinalysis: Evaluating kidney function, detecting urinary tract infections, and identifying other systemic diseases.
Basic Faecal Exams: Screening for intestinal parasites and digestive issues.
Cytology: Examining cells from lumps, bumps, or fluid samples to diagnose infections, inflammation, or certain types of cancer.
External Laboratory Services: For Specialized Insights
For more specific or highly specialized tests, we partner with trusted external veterinary laboratories. This collaboration ensures that we have access to a vast array of advanced diagnostics, including highly specialized pathology, microbiology, toxicology, and genetic testing, whenever your pet's condition requires in-depth analysis.
Diagnostic Imaging: A Clearer Picture of Internal Health
Beyond laboratory tests, our diagnostic imaging capabilities allow us to visualize internal structures, providing invaluable insights without invasive procedures.
Digital X-rays: Fast and Detailed Radiographic Analysis
Digital X-rays are a cornerstone of modern veterinary diagnostics. This non-invasive tool uses radiation to create images of bones, organs, and soft tissues, offering quick and detailed results. Digital X-rays are particularly effective for:
Diagnosing bone fractures, dislocations, and various joint conditions.
Assessing the health of the respiratory system, including lungs and airways, to detect conditions like pneumonia or fluid accumulation.
Identifying issues within the abdominal cavity, such as organ enlargement, foreign bodies, or bladder stones.
Evaluating the thoracic cavity for heart size, major blood vessels, and other chest abnormalities.
The digital format allows for rapid image acquisition, easy sharing with specialists if a referral is needed, and enhanced image manipulation for optimal viewing.
Ultrasound: Gentle and Comprehensive Soft Tissue Visualization
Ultrasound technology provides a real-time, non-invasive way to visualize the soft tissues within your pet's body using sound waves. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound excels at examining the structure and movement of organs, making it invaluable for:
Assessing abdominal organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract.
Diagnosing conditions of the bladder and reproductive organs.
Detecting fluid accumulation, cysts, masses, or foreign bodies that might not be visible on X-rays.
Guiding minimally invasive procedures like biopsies or fluid aspirations, ensuring precision and safety.
Echocardiography: Specialized Heart Imaging
Echocardiography is a specialized ultrasound of the heart. This advanced diagnostic tool is essential for evaluating cardiac function and structure, allowing us to:
Determine the cause and severity of heart murmurs detected during routine physical examinations.
Assess cardiac function, including the pumping ability of the heart and blood flow dynamics.
Diagnose congenital (present from birth) and acquired heart diseases, such as valvular disease, cardiomyopathy, or pericardial effusion.
Monitor disease progression and the effectiveness of ongoing cardiac treatments, helping us tailor medical plans for pets with heart conditions.
By combining these advanced diagnostic tools, Tarka Vets is committed to providing the most accurate and timely diagnoses, leading to the best possible outcomes for your beloved pet.