Diagnostic Procedures

Radiograph Imaging - Our digital radiograph machine allows us to image any specific area of concern or give us an overview for preventative care to assess any changes in organs or bones that can occur over time. We submit all our radiographs to board certified radiologists for review using advanced technology to receive reports within 24 hours as the standard turn-around time or sooner if needed.

Laser Therapy – Class IV Lasers are currently the fastest growing modality in both the veterinary and human medical fields. As an FDA-approved medical device, therapy lasers employ different wavelengths of light that penetrate tissues of the body to allow therapeutic benefit. The wavelengths of light stimulate blood circulation to the treatment areas as well as stimulate different biochemical reactions at the cell level in treated tissues. The light's effect, put simply, stimulates the body's normal pain relieving and healing processes to occur at an accelerated rate. This translates into what we see as the positive effects of treatment – pain relief and rapid healing. During treatment, the only sensation noted by the patient is a mild warming of the treatment area, and often soon after (sometimes during!) a noticeable improvement in comfort level.

Given the method of action of the Class IV Laser, it has multiple possibilities for use in the care and treatment of our patients. Indications include back/neck pain, osteoarthritis, soft tissue injuries, and wounds. It has been a successful addition in treating pets with these problems and in many instances allowed faster recovery times as well as lower doses of pain medication. It also has application for our patients undergoing wound healing whether it occurred from trauma or was a result of surgery or dental work. It has proven to speed healing time in all of these procedures as well as provide additional pain relief during the healing process. 

Our therapeutic cold laser is used to treat joint pain and other soft tissue problems. The therapeutic laser reduces inflammation in joints and soft tissues which dramatically reduces pain. More importantly, though, is that Laser therapy is “biostimulatory”. This means it actually aids in repairing the damaged tissues and therefore improves strength and provides greater mobility. Treatments last 3 to 8 minutes per site and require no anesthesia. Your pet will be very comfortable as this laser produces only a soothing warmth in the inflamed tissue.

Ultrasound Imaging - Ultrasound is a non-invasive option for evaluating internal organs that provides more detail than survey radiographs. At Loyal Family Veterinary Hospital we use the ultrasound to assist with sterile urine collection from the bladder. This technique also gives us the ability to view any bladder stones or irregularities in the bladder at the same time. For full abdominal ultrasound evaluations, we can set up an appointment for a board certified radiologist to come and perform this detailed diagnostic evaluation. 

Cardiology - At Loyal Family Veterinary Hospital, we have access to board certified cardiologists who come to our hospital to perform cardiac ultrasounds and specialized diagnostics when needed for your pets. Our doctors can work with you to schedule the appropriate appointments.

In-house bloodwork - Our in-house diagnostic equipment allows us to run blood panels for fast results within 15 minutes or less for pre-surgical procedures or to perform follow-up testing on medication rechecks. In addition, we can also run test to check for heartworm disease, tick diseases, canine and feline pancreatitis, giardia, and feline FeLV and FIV.

Microscopic Analysis – Using samples from ear swabs, fine needle aspirates of masses or even samples of the skin, we can microscopically evaluate samples for yeast, bacteria, mites or cells under the microscope quickly and efficiently to diagnose a variety of problems which assist the doctors in creating the best treatment plan for your pet. 

Eye Diagnostics - We have the ability to detect a wide variety of eye diseases including corneal ulcers by using some of our in-house diagnostic equipment specifically designed for eye health.