Diagnostics

Comprehensive Range of Diagnostic Services

Tailored To Your Pet’s Needs

When pet owners call us, they usually describe a symptom their cat or dog is experiencing, such as not eating, diarrhea, and vomiting. When they bring their pet in, the job of the veterinarian is to determine what is causing the symptom so that it can be stopped and the pet can feel better and heal. The proper diagnosis is crucial for the speedy and healthy recovery of your cat and dog. Our pets cannot tell us what is wrong with them. This is why we at Countryside have invested in the latest technology in order to help our vets in the diagnostic process. These non-invasive technologies allow us to produce quick and accurate diagnoses, which can make all the difference when your pet is critically ill or injured. Countryside’s comprehensive range of diagnostics includes:

VETSCAN IMAGYST™
Video Otoscope
Digital Radiography
In-House Laboratory Testing
Digital Ultrasound
Rapid and accurate results

VETSCAN IMAGYST™

One notable tool we’ve invested in, is our VETSCAN IMAGYST™ machine, which allows us to send electronic samples to board-certified doctors for analysis. With a turnaround time of less than two hours, it provides rapid and accurate results to aid in making prompt and informed decisions about your pet's care. This innovative technology enhances veterinary diagnostics, ensuring efficient and effective treatment for your beloved companion. We are super excited about VETSCAN IMAGYST™ and have already seen its benefits in providing valuable diagnostic information in various areas, including:

While diagnostics may involve expenses, their benefits far outweigh the costs. We gain precise answers, personalized treatment approaches, and the ability to make timely and well-informed decisions

Blood analysis: Reads blood smears and supplements CBC (complete blood count) results and may identify abnormalities such as "abnormal white blood cell count, low platelet count, and changes associated with anemia".
Urine analysis: Enables comprehensive urinalysis for dogs and cats at the point of care.
Fecal analysis: Detects parasites (eggs in fecal/different kinds of worms, etc) that maybe affecting your pet's health.
Dermatology: Examines skin samples, helping to diagnose skin infections and skin-related conditions.
Cytology: Analyzes cell samples obtained through fine needle aspirates or other means to identify abnormalities or indications of cancer, infections, or inflammatory conditions.
Dogs and cats, like humans, can develop various cancers. Each year, approximately 6 million new cancer diagnoses are made in dogs and an additional 6 million more in cats. Early detection is key, as half of all canine and feline cancers are treatable, and ongoing research brings hope for improved cancer care.
Many veterinary practices have to send these samples to outside labs with results taking a week or more to return. Who wants to wait a week or more to find out if your pet has cancer? We sure don't.

While diagnostics may involve expenses, their benefits far outweigh the costs. We gain precise answers, personalized treatment approaches, and the ability to make timely and well-informed decisions

Imaging Visible in Seconds

Digital Radiography

Canine X-rayCanine x-rayCanine diagnostics
Dogs and cats, like humans, can have problems with their bones and soft tissues that the naked eye just can't see. Digital radiography steps in so that veterinarians can see the inside of your pet's body and make diagnoses, such as broken bones, canine hip dysplasia, arthritis, and more. Introduced about 15 years ago, digital radiography allows veterinarias the ability to see the inside of your pet's body immediately after the images have been taken. This allows for the pet's images to be taken all at once without having to move the cat or dog off the table. The image quality is exceptional, and the amount of radiation your pet is exposed to is greatly reduced.

Radiography is also the only method used to accurately diagnose canine hip dysplasia. Canine hip dysplasia is a condition that results in joint instability and the abnormal wear of cartilage. Currently, OFA and PennHip techniques are used to determine the likelihood of a dog developing hip dysplasia or arthritis. At Countryside, we provide radiographs that meet the standards for both of these techniques.
Visualzing the Ear

Video Otoscope

A veterinary video otoscope is a small video camera that is used to examine the inner parts of the ear canal. This fiberoptic scope gives our veterinarians the highest level of visualization of the ear canal and eardrum. It magnifies the images so that our veterinarians can have a better view of what is happening inside the ear to see if there are any:

Earmites
Tumors
Impacted ears
Ruptured ear drums
Foreign objects inside the ear
Swellings
Abnormalities or buildup

If your pet is prone to or is having an issue with their ears, Countryside Veterinary Services is here to help identify and properly treat the problem.

Dog having an ear diagnosticReviewing a canine diagnostic result
In-House

Laboratory Diagnostics

It's truly amazing how an animal's blood cells can tell us a lot about what is happening inside its body. Here at Countryside Veterinary Services, we have an in-house laboratory so that we can test your dog or cat's blood and have the results back quickly. This speeds up the diagnosis process and gives the veterinarians a good idea of what is causing your pet's symptoms. There are different types of blood tests that can be performed that are designed to diagnose different conditions. For example, a urinalysis can help reveal your dog or cat's hydration status, infections, kidney or bladder disease, diabetes, and more. Blood work can also be run to determine any surgical risk for your aging cat or dog.

Blood Test Icon

Our in-house laboratory can quickly develop test results, enabling us to begin treatment for your pet right away. Some of the in-house diagnostic testing available at Countryside includes:

Blood chemistry panel
Complete blood cell count
Cytology
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
Feline immunodeficiency virus
Heartworm testing
Parvo testing
Urinalysis and fecal examinations
Veterinary lab diagnostic machineBlood work at Countryside Veterinary ServicesSmall Animal Lab diagnostics
Viewing Internal Structures

Digital Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses sound waves to give a visual picture of what is happening inside your dog or cat's body. Ultrasound can be used to diagnose many conditions and diseases, such as heart conditions, abdominal problems and masses, as well as pregnancy. Tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues can be seen more clearly, which helps diagnose injuries, and cysts and tumors are more readily seen. In short, an ultrasound exam on your dog or cat is another important diagnostic tool that your veterinarian can use to help determine what is causing your dog or cat's symptoms.
When Can An Ultrasound Confirm My Pet's Pregnancy?
Ultrasound can be used to confirm your pet's pregnancy in as early as 25 days. Radiographs can be taken after 50 days to determine the number and general size of the puppies or kittens.
Dog having a diagnostic vet appointment
From the Blog

News & Articles

As many of our clients know, we love sharing our knowledge and important animal health news. Our blog contains valuable educational resources in one easy location.

Nov 1

Caring for Your Senior Dog: A Guide to Their Golden Years

Caring for a senior dog involves adjusting their diet, exercise, and environment to support aging joints and health needs while prioritizing regular vet check-ups and providing extra comfort. By focusing on these areas, you can help your dog enjoy their golden years with happiness and vitality.
More
Jul 8

July: Pet Hydration Awareness Month – Ensuring Your Pets Stay Hydrated

National Pet Hydration Awareness Month in July emphasizes the importance of keeping pets well-hydrated to prevent dehydration. This blog goes over some great tips for ensuring pets drink enough water and recognizing early signs of dehydration in cats and dog.
More
Jun 1

Understanding Skin Allergies in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Discovering the causes, symptoms, and management of skin allergies in dogs is crucial for pet owners. From environmental triggers to dietary adjustments and veterinary guidance, our vets provide essential insights to help dogs lead comfortable lives despite skin allergies.
More
Mar 30

8 Ways to Ensure Your Pet is Living Their Best Life

Ensuring your beloved pet lives a happy, healthy life is every pet owner's top priority. In this post, we explore eight strategies to help you optimize your pet's well-being.
More
Jan 31

Chew on This: The Ultimate How-To for Happy Pet Teeth!

Preventing oral diseases in our furry friends is easier than you might think. Here's our Step-by-Step Guide.
More
Dec 28

Healthy Pets: Tackling Weight Loss

January: Pet Weight Loss Awareness Month! Is Your Pup Pudgy? Is Your Kitty Chunky? Dr. Childers shares her expertise on combatting this health-threatening condition for both dogs and cats.
More
Dec 5

Cracking the Code: Understanding the Purr-fect Language of Cats

In honor of December being "National Cat Month", we're going to unravel the captivating history of cats and decode the unique language they use to communicate with us.
More
Nov 2

Senior Pet's Arthritis Guide: Keep Them Painless & Playful!

Learn how to spot the signs and explore proactive steps that can make a significant difference in enhancing your senior pet's well-being.
More
Oct 2

Best Local Trails to Walk Your Dog

Walking your dog is the best form of mental and physical exercise for both of you. Find your momentum and explore new hiking trails with our handy list for locals.
More
1 Nov

Caring for Your Senior Dog: A Guide to Their Golden Years

Caring for a senior dog involves adjusting their diet, exercise, and environment to support aging joints and health needs while prioritizing regular vet check-ups and providing extra comfort. By focusing on these areas, you can help your dog enjoy their golden years with happiness and vitality.
More
8 Jul

July: Pet Hydration Awareness Month – Ensuring Your Pets Stay Hydrated

National Pet Hydration Awareness Month in July emphasizes the importance of keeping pets well-hydrated to prevent dehydration. This blog goes over some great tips for ensuring pets drink enough water and recognizing early signs of dehydration in cats and dog.
More
1 Jun

Understanding Skin Allergies in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Discovering the causes, symptoms, and management of skin allergies in dogs is crucial for pet owners. From environmental triggers to dietary adjustments and veterinary guidance, our vets provide essential insights to help dogs lead comfortable lives despite skin allergies.
More
30 Mar

8 Ways to Ensure Your Pet is Living Their Best Life

Ensuring your beloved pet lives a happy, healthy life is every pet owner's top priority. In this post, we explore eight strategies to help you optimize your pet's well-being.
More
31 Jan

Chew on This: The Ultimate How-To for Happy Pet Teeth!

Preventing oral diseases in our furry friends is easier than you might think. Here's our Step-by-Step Guide.
More
28 Dec

Healthy Pets: Tackling Weight Loss

January: Pet Weight Loss Awareness Month! Is Your Pup Pudgy? Is Your Kitty Chunky? Dr. Childers shares her expertise on combatting this health-threatening condition for both dogs and cats.
More
5 Dec

Cracking the Code: Understanding the Purr-fect Language of Cats

In honor of December being "National Cat Month", we're going to unravel the captivating history of cats and decode the unique language they use to communicate with us.
More
2 Nov

Senior Pet's Arthritis Guide: Keep Them Painless & Playful!

Learn how to spot the signs and explore proactive steps that can make a significant difference in enhancing your senior pet's well-being.
More