We Dig Deeper

Better diagnostics.

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In-House Laboratory

Our in-house laboratory is equipped with the latest equipment and allows our veterinarians to analyse and diagnose specific health conditions. These tests assist with monitoring treatments and checking organs that cannot be checked with a physical examination.
Our lab allows our veterinarians to perform a range of diagnostic tests to achieve an accurate, rapid response. Commonly we run diagnostic tests including:
  • Blood tests which include: haematology (identifies white and red blood cell health) & biochemistry (which assesses the health parameters of organs and electrolytes)
  • Urinalysis testing which assesses urine and identifies any problems that can arise from a number of conditions. It also includes checking the ability of the urine to concentrate properly and for the identification of crystal formation.
  • Faecal float tests which involves assessing faeces for the presence of worm eggs.
  • Cytology testing involves looking at samples on a slide under a microscope. Common examples include fine-needle aspirates (FNA’s) of lumps, swabs from ear infections and skin/hair follicle scrapings.
All of these tests can have results within minutes.
Having an in-house laboratory assists us in providing valuable information about our patient’s anaesthetic safety. A simple blood test before a surgical procedure to check liver and kidney function is vital to ensure they are able to break down the anaesthetic drugs.
For older pets we recommend a 6 monthly wellness blood test as this allows for early detection of disease and illness that can be preventable or easily managed.
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Cytology

Cytology is the microscopic examination of a sample of blood, bodily fluids or body tissues that allows our veterinarian to identify any existing micro-organisms that can lead to infections or disease. Common cytopathology that are performed include:
  • Urinalysis
  • Skin/hair follicle scrapping
  • Ear cytology
  • Blood smears
  • Faecal tests
  • Biopsy examination
  • Culture and infection disease testing
The most critical information cytology can gather for our veterinarians is whether a problem is caused by inflammation or by neoplasia (abnormal growth of tissue). If there is inflammation, cytology can often identify the underlying cause, such as a bacterial infection, embedded foreign body, or allergies. If the sample appears to be neoplastic, cytology can usually determine which type of tissue is involved and whether the neoplasm is cancerous or not. Read More

Sonography

Sonography or ultrasound is a non-invasive, pain-free procedure that uses sound waves to examine a pet’s internal organs and other structures inside the body. It can be used to evaluate the animal’s heart, kidneys, liver, gallbladder, and bladder; liver, gallbladder, and bladder; to detect fluid, cysts, tumours, or abscesses; and to confirm pregnancy or monitor an ongoing pregnancy.
We may use this imaging technique in conjunction with radiography (x-rays) and other diagnostic methods to ensure a proper diagnosis.
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Digital Radiographs

We are proud to offer digital radiology (x-rays that are captured digitally rather than on film). This state-of-the-art technology allows us to provide you with a quicker diagnosis for your pet.
We routinely use x-rays to help identify the cause of problems, rule out possible problems, or provide a list of possible causes. We may also use x-rays during a wellness exam to diagnose potential problems before they become serious.
X-rays provide valuable information about a pet’s bones, gastrointestinal tract (stomach, intestines, colon), respiratory tract (lungs), heart, and genitourinary system (bladder, prostate). We use radiology alone or in conjunction with other diagnostic tools.
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Endoscopy

This minimally invasive procedure allows a veterinarian to see inside a pet’s body and, when necessary, take biopsies (tissue samples). It is particularly valuable for retrieving swallowed items without having to perform surgery. Endoscopy is commonly used to examine the inside of the ears, nose, oesophagus, colon, bladder, stomach, and other internal organs.
To perform this procedure, the veterinarian inserts the endoscope (a long tube with a camera at one end) into the area to be examined. Endoscopy does require that your pet be placed under anaesthesia. As with all such procedures, we follow strict protocols and continually monitor your pet’s vital signs to help ensure their safety.
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External Laboratory (Idexx)

In some cases where special blood tests are required to further work-up a case or if histopathology testing is required on surgical biopsy samples, we send the samples to an external lab in Brisbane. This can take a little longer, normally a few days at the most.
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