Compassionate and Trusted Pet Care and Prevention Services

Ultrasonography and Radiology

Ultrasound is a technique that provides us with a non-invasive way of scanning your pet’s body system without surgery. This equipment is used for the diagnosis and treatment of pets by using high frequency sound waves. Similar to an ultrasound that is used to monitor a human pregnancy a probe is placed against the body. Sound waves are converted into an image that represents a slice through the tissue, and this is displayed on a small TV screen so we can gain a better understanding of what is going on in your pet’s body.

For example we can investigate the liver, kidneys, intestines, gall bladder, bladder, uterus, and so on. The types of things that can be diagnosed with ultrasound range from pregnancy to blockages of the intestine to bladder stones.

It is very useful in patients with heart disease as we can measure the thickness of the walls of the heart and see the heart valves in action and it can be done while the patient is awake or sedated with minimal stress.

We utilise veterinary specialist service for cardiac ultrasounds and for some patients that requires advance imaging diagnosis digital radiographs or x-rays are a non-invasive way for us to look at tissues, bones and organs. Having the equipment on hand means we are able to quickly diagnose injuries particularly in emergency situations. This is convenient for you as your pet can have all treatment done at the hospital and also means our patients are given the best opportunity for recovery.

We use digital radiography (referred to as x-ray machines) to provide us with the latest in veterinary medicine diagnosis. Providing real-time results, in a manner which is less stressful for your pet. Patients must stay very still while having an x-ray taken. This means many of our wriggly patients are given a sedation or general anaesthetic.

Inhouse Laboratory 

Harbourside Vet Care is equipped with an in-house laboratory that allows our veterinarians to quickly perform many of the diagnostic tests to achieve an accurate and rapid diagnosis. This is especially important in very ill animals and those requiring immediate or emergency treatment.

Our in-house laboratory can provide results within minutes. Some of the conditions that may be diagnosed with in house testing are kidney and liver disease, pancreatitis, diabetes, blood clotting disorders, infections, parasitism, anaemia and certain cancers determinable by fine needle aspirates. We can perform screening blood tests which are important as an ongoing preventative strategy in our senior patients as part of a senior wellness program or prior to an anaesthetic.

Some more specialized tests may need to be performed by an external veterinary laboratory. We are happy to discuss if you have any questions or if your pet needs any type of pathology test. Phone us to arrange an examination for your pet.