We have a range of onsite diagnostic equipment available to help diagnose your pet’s problems.

In-house Blood Testing

Blood samples taken from your pet can be analysed in the clinic, thus helping us to diagnose and treat your pet’s problems more rapidly. We also offer pre-anaesthetic blood tests (PABT’s) for your animal, which are taken the morning your pet comes in for an anaesthetic and surgery. This is particularly important in geriatric and sick animals, but is a useful aid in any patient undergoing an anaesthetic and surgery. There are always risks associated with any animal undergoing an anaesthetic. With a PABT, risks particular to your animal can be identified and a suitable protocol can be devised to ensure a safe as possible anaesthetic.

We are currently in the process of purchasingmore advanced blood machines. However, if required, further advanced studies and tests can be referred to New Zealands leading veterinary laboratory facility.

Radiology (x-rays)

For both general diagnostic and dental radiographs. These are useful in situations such as identifying fractures and surveying the thorax and abdomen.

Ultrasound (Sonar scans)

We are fortunate to now have an Ultrasound machine for more advanced diagnostic investigation. This machine can be used to do sonar scans of the abdomen looking in more detail at the kidneys, liver, bladder and intestines. It can also be used for pregnancy diagnosis and to obtain sterile urine samples for specific diagnostic purposes.

Pulse Oximeter and Ap-alert Breathing Monitor

An essential aid during surgery to monitor oxygenation and breathing status of your pet.

Doppler Blood Pressure Monitor

This is becoming more and more useful in the extensive work-ups that we perform on our sick or elderly patients. We now perform blood pressures in all our renal, thyroid, heart and geriatric patients to track effectiveness of medication or need for further investigations. We also use this thoroughly in anaesthetic monitoring (especially of our elderly patients).

Urinalysis Equipment  (Refractometer, Dipsticks)

All useful aids to diagnosing your pets’ urinary problems. A urine check is combined with all sick and senior patient blood checks. The urine is important to determine the functionality of the kidneys, but the urine is also checked for traces of blood, crystals, protein and glucose (in the case of a diabetic).

Microscope

For basic cytology, parasite identification and urine sediment examinations. aving this equipment in the clinic enables us to obtain results for your pet as soon as possible.

If further testing is required, we have access to an external laboratory and outpatient referral service for ultrasound, CT scanning and MRI scanning.