Diagnostic Testing

• AntiThrombin Measured to detect DIC (a common and life-threatening complication of serious disease), and to assess risk of blood clots in patients with low protein levels.
• Bile Acids Measured to assess liver function.
• Blood Gas Analysis Measured to assess respiratory and metabolic balance of oxygen, carbon dioxide and the effects on blood pH.
• Blood Pressure Provides a quick and non-invasive way to estimate how well blood is circulating to the tissues.
• Blood Typing To determine blood types in dogs and cats in anticipation of transfusions.
• Buccal Mucosal Bleeding Time A test to measure coagulation parameters related to platelets, von Willebrand's disease, etc.
• Canine Borrelia Antibody Test To detect Lyme disease.
• Canine Occult Heartworm Test To detect infestation  with heartworms.
• Canine Parvo Test To detect a common and life-threatening viral intestinal disease.
• Capnography To assess expired carbon dioxide concentrations.
• Coagulation Testing Measurement of PT, APTT, and ACT to assess risk of clotting problems.
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring Cutting edge technology used to assess insulin therapy in our diabetic pets. Minimal blood sampling and patient handling leads to a happier patient and more accurate results.
• Colloid Osmometry To determine oncotic pull, a protein-related component of effective circulation. This is very important in critical patients with SIRS and low-protein levels.
• Cytology To assess cellular composition of mass lesions and fluids.
• D-Dimer Testing To aid in diagnosis of DIC.
• ECG  Allows us to visualize the electrical conductivity of the heart in order to detect any life threatening abnormalities.
• E.R.D.-Screen® A urine test that provides early detection of renal disease in dogs.
• Ethylene Glycol Test To detect exposure to antifreeze.
• FDP Testing To aid in diagnosis of DIC.
• Fecal Analysis To detect intestinal parasites.
• FIV/FeLV testing To detect presence of Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.
• Fungal Cultures To detect fungal infections of the skin.
• Fructosamine Provides a picture of the blood glucose level over a window of the 3-4 weeks prior to testing; aids in the management of diabetes.
• Giardia Antigen Testing To detect presence of this common cause for diarrhea. 
• Hematology Automated machinery measures white cell, red cell and platelet counts as part of assessment for anemia, infection and platelet disorders; a vital part of most patients' workup.
• Hemoglobin Measurement Using Hemocue machine, measures actual hemoglobin concentration (as opposed to estimating as most machines do).
• Ionized Calcium Useful in evaluation of disease of calcium regulation.
• PIVKA Testing To detect exposure to common rodent poisons and evaluate response to treatment, and to assess part of liver function in patients with advanced liver disease.
• Pulse Oximetry  Provides a non-invasive way to measure oxygen concentration in the bloodstream.
• Serum Chemistry Analyzer Measures key chemicals in the blood stream to assess organ inflammation, organ function, blood sugar, electrolytes, protein levels and other vital parameters.
• T-4 Measured to assess thyroid function in dogs and cats.
• Tonometry To detect inflammation and glaucoma of the eye, by measuring intraocular pressure (IOP).
• Urinalysis To assess kidney function and urinary tract inflammation or infection.

Endoscopy

Here at the ECA, we can perform minimally invasive endoscopic exams of the upper (stomach and duodenum) and lower (colon, rectum) digestive tract in most patients. In addition, we can use our endoscopes to evaluate nasal disease, the bladder and the airways. Not only can we view the affected organs, we can also obtain biopsies for microscopic analysis. The scopes allow nonsurgical retrieval of some swallowed foreign bodies.

Click here to see Dr. Gunby perform an endoscopic procedure to examine and obtain biopsies from a dog's intestines.

Recent advances in technology have allowed veterinarians to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures including laparoscopic assisted abdominal exploration, biopsy collection, bladder stone removal, and prophylactic gastropexy.  The use of this special equipment requires advanced training and extensive practice to master.  Dr. Gunby has done just that and is always available for consultation on both emergent and routine laparoscopic procedures.

Radiology

Ultrasonography