Veterinary Diagnostic Lab
Electromagnetic radiation and other technologies are used in diagnostic imaging to allow us to produce highly detailed images of your pet's internal structures.
The advanced tools we use at Kearny Mesa Veterinary Center help us to accurately diagnose your pet's medical issues. We offer a number of services, from digital radiology to ECG/EKG.
By leveraging our diagnostic imaging capabilities, we're able to efficiently produce accurate diagnostic information about your pet's condition and offer immediate treatment options.
In-House Lab & Veterinary Pharmacy in San Diego
We conduct tests and get results quickly in our in-house vet laboratory so your pet's symptoms can be diagnosed and we can begin treatment as soon as possible.
Our pet pharmacy in San Diego is stocked with a range of prescription diets and medications, providing us with quick access to any medications your pet may need while in our care.
Our Diagnostic Services
At our in-house veterinary diagnostics lab, we are pleased to offer advanced diagnostic testing, which allows our vets to provide an accurate diagnosis of your pet's medical issues.
- Radiography (Digital X-rays)
We can use a radiograph (digital X-ray) to examine your pet's internal systems to reveal information that we may not be able to detect from the outside.
Radiography is a safe, painless and non-invasive procedure that uses only very low doses of radiation. Since the level of radiation exposure needed to perform radiography is very low, even very young pets and pregnant females can undergo this procedure.
Radiographs can be used to evaluate organs and bones, and to diagnose conditions including fractured bones, bladder stones, chronic arthritis, spinal cord diseases and some tumors.
- Bloodwork
At our vet lab in San Diego we are able to run a number of common and specialized blood tests to determine the health of your pet, and to diagnose illness.
Some of the most common veterinary blood tests we do are CBC (complete blood count), white blood count, hemoglobin and MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration), hematocrit, platelets, eosinophils, and blood serum profile.
- Urinalysis
Urinalysis is a key diagnostic test that provides your vet with essential insights into the physical and chemical properties of your pet's urine.
Urinalysis is primarily used to assess the health of your animal's kidneys and urinary tract system, but it can also be helpful in detecting issues in other organ systems and is important for diagnosing metabolic diseases such as diabetes.
This is a valuable diagnostic test for both healthy and sick animals and should be included in any comprehensive evaluation of your pet's overall health.
- Fecal Exams
A fecal exam is the microscopic examination of your pet's feces, which can be done at our in-house vet lab in San Diego.
The ultimate goal of a fecal exam is to identify and treat any GI infections that could be compromising your pet's health and even the health of your family. Fecals allow your vet to determine if your pet has intestinal parasites such as roundworms or hookworms.
Parasites can make pets uncomfortable, irritable, and lead to more serious conditions. Some can even be transmitted to humans.
Since these parasites live in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract, they are often hidden from view. The only way to detect them is with a fecal exam.
Annual fecal examines should be a vital part of every pet's routine wellness exam.
- ECG / EKG
If your veterinarian performs a physical examination and suspects your pet may have a heart disorder, we usually take chest X-Rays and an electrocardiogram (ECG / EKG).
This procedure can be completed easily and quickly. It reveals data that may be integral to your pet's diagnosis. In other cases, a cardiac ultrasound may be required to identify disorders in the chambers of the heart.
- Digital Dental X-Rays
If your cat or dog is suffering periodontal disease, much of this damage occurs below the gum line where it can't be easily seen. Digital dental X-rays help our veterinarians assess your pet's oral health.
Digital X-rays are safer for your pet. They allow our team of veterinary professionals to examine roots, bones and internal anatomy of your cat or dog's teeth.
With digital X-rays, the risk of radiation exposure for your pet is significantly lower than with traditional X-ray technology. We are able to see below the surface of your pet's gum line to fully evaluate each tooth.
This technology allows your San Diego vet to see results immediately, then project them onto a computer screen to review.