Pet Diagnostic Imaging and Lab Work in Hickory
Fast, accurate diagnostics for the dogs and cats of Hickory, with most testing performed right in our hospital. Because pets can’t tell us what’s wrong, we rely on a combination of bloodwork, imaging, and clinical experience to determine what’s actually going on.
Why In-House Diagnostics Matter
When something’s wrong with your pet, waiting for answers can be the worst part. That’s why Springs Road Animal Hospital has invested in a robust in-house lab and imaging setup, so we can run most of the tests we need on-site and get answers in minutes or hours, not days.
In-house diagnostics aren’t just faster. They’re often less expensive, less stressful for your pet, and they let us start treatment sooner when time matters. For urgent cases, that speed can make a meaningful difference. In routine cases, it means you can leave with a plan rather than a question.
In-House Lab Work for Dogs and Cats
Our laboratory handles a wide range of routine and diagnostic testing, including:
- Complete blood counts (CBC)
- General chemistry panels
- Liver and kidney function screening
- Pancreatic evaluation
- Thyroid testing
- Urinalysis
- Pre-anesthetic bloodwork before surgical procedures
- Heartworm testing
- FeLV and FIV testing for cats
- Parvovirus testing for dogs
- Skin and ear cytology
- Fecal testing for parasites
For tests that require specialized equipment or expertise beyond our in-house capabilities — biopsies, certain endocrine panels, advanced cultures, and more — we partner with trusted reference laboratories and have results back to you as quickly as possible.
Digital X-Rays and Ultrasound
Diagnostic imaging gives us a window into what’s happening beneath the surface without being invasive. We use digital radiography (X-rays) and ultrasound to evaluate everything from broken bones to soft tissue concerns to the inner workings of the heart.
Digital X-rays are quick, low-radiation, and produce high-quality images that we can review immediately. They’re our go-to for evaluating:
- Skeletal injuries and orthopedic concerns
- Dental disease below the gumline
- Foreign bodies your pet may have swallowed
- Heart and lung conditions
- Abdominal masses or obstructions
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of soft tissue and organs, which makes it especially useful for evaluating:
- Abdominal organs (liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, gastrointestinal tract)
- Heart function (echocardiography)
- Pregnancy and reproductive concerns
- Masses or fluid collections that need closer examination
Both X-rays and ultrasound are painless. Some pets need light sedation to stay still enough for clear images — we’ll talk you through what’s needed before any procedure.
Pet Diagnostics as Part of the Bigger Picture
The best diagnostic plan isn’t always the most extensive one. We don’t run tests for the sake of running tests; we run them when the results will actually change what we recommend. If your pet’s bloodwork or imaging suggests an issue or a diagnosis, we’ll explain what we’re seeing and what it means for your pet’s care plan in plain language.
If you have questions about diagnostic services or want to schedule an appointment, request an appointment online or call us at (828) 256-2151.
Book Now