Diagnostic Services

Ultrasound

Northlands Animal Care Hospital offers basic imaging for general health issues and pregnancy. Ultrasound works by producing high-frequency sound waves to provide a real-time moving image of your pet’s internal organs.
Ultrasonography 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; to detect fluid, cysts, tumours, or abscesses; and to confirm pregnancy or monitor an ongoing pregnancy. This procedure can also be used to detect abdominal fluid, tumours, pregnancy and foreign bodies. We can then work towards developing an appropriate treatment plan for you and your pet!
We may use this imaging technique in conjunction with radiography (x-rays) and other diagnostic methods to ensure a proper diagnosis. Interpretation of ultrasound images requires great skill on the part of the clinician.
The veterinarian applies gel to the surface of the body and then methodically moves a transducer (a small handheld tool) across the skin to record images of the area of interest. The gel helps the transducer slide more easily and create a more accurate visual image.
The transducer emits ultrasonic sound waves, which are directed into the body toward the structures to be examined. The waves create echoes of varying degrees depending on the density of the tissue and amount of fluid present. Those waves create detailed images of the structures, which are shown on a monitor and recorded for evaluation.
Ultrasound does not involve radiation, has no known side effects, and doesn’t typically require pets to be sedated or anesthetized. The hair in the area to be examined usually needs to be shaved so the vet can obtain the best result.

Radiology

Radiographs (x-rays) are one of the most powerful tools used when diagnosing problems with your pet. X-rays are used to pinpoint the location and severity of bone fractures, detect signs of heart disease, identify tumours and locate foreign bodies (bones, toys, etc.) that may be inside your pet’s stomach, amongst other diagnostic uses.

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. Interpretation of radiographs requires great skill on the part of the veterinarian.
Digital x-ray technology allows us to produce high-quality images within five seconds. This means less exposure to radiation and less stress for your pets. The image achieved with a high-quality digital x-ray means fast, accurate diagnoses, and the ability to send those images over the internet to specialist radiologists all over the world. This will benefit our patients with complex conditions, as specialist reports will often come back on the same day.

Our new machine is ecologically friendly with no chemical wastage or disposal, no exposure to chemical fumes inhalation for our staff and no storage or x-ray retrieval issues. Our x-ray images can be emailed to you our clients or to other veterinary practices throughout New Zealand. This state-of-the-art technology allows us to provide you with a quicker diagnosis for your pet. Plus, it uses less radiation than traditional x-rays. To avoid a blurry image, pets need to remain completely still while an x-ray is taken. In most cases, we may need to sedate your pet or use short-acting general anaesthesia.

It is the intention to ensure that the Elbow Dysplasia scheme remains viable – as it has been shown to be effective. Some breeders may choose to use the existing Australian hip-extended schemes rather than Penn HIP, however that data is currently not being captured by the NVZA or NZKC and will have to be sent to Australia for scoring.

Laboratory

Our in-house lab allows us to provide pre-anaesthetic blood panels, and a range of biochemistry and haematology tests for unwell or geriatric patients. These results are usually available within 15 minutes.
We also provide in-house testing for feline aids, leukaemia and canine parvovirus, among other diseases.

Cytology

Urine testing and skin, ear, vaginal or lump cytology is available and provides a valuable diagnostic aid to determine the cause of a problem! Urinalysis tests for the presence of crystals, bacteria, yeasts, blood and other cells, and provides information such as urine concentration and pH. Cytology is the investigation of cell types of samples from ears, skin, lumps or fluids to provide diagnostic information to our veterinary team in a non-invasive manner.

Dermatology

Skin problems are common in dogs and cats and can be caused by hormonal disorders, allergies, infections, or parasites such as fleas and mites. These issues can be particularly difficult to treat and should be addressed promptly.

We can often diagnose a skin problem by simply examining your pet. Some dermatologic diseases or conditions do require additional diagnostic procedures to ensure a correct diagnosis. Depending on your pet’s symptoms and the results of our physical exam, we may run blood work or perform a urinalysis, skin scraping, or biopsies.
Contact us if you notice your dog or cat scratching excessively or if he or she develops any bare patches, scabs, scaling, redness, inflammation, lumps, or bumps.

Endocrinology

Identifying endocrine problems as early as possible is important in dogs and cats. These serious, potentially life-threatening conditions are much more manageable when caught early, allowing us to begin proper treatment.

The endocrine system is made up of a group of tissues (mostly glands) that release hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones regulate metabolism, growth, development, and reproduction and are dispersed to different areas of the body, depending on the hormone’s function. When a hormonal balance is disturbed (by a tumour or autoimmune disease, for instance), an endocrine disorder can develop. “Hyper” refers to an excess of hormone, and “hypo” refers to a deficiency in a hormone. Treatment varies depending on the disease.

There are several common endocrine disorders found in dogs and cats:

• Diabetes mellitus is caused by a deficiency in or resistance to the hormone insulin.
• Hypothyroidism, which is often diagnosed in dogs, indicates that the animal has low levels of thyroid hormone.
• Hyperthyroidism, which frequently affects cats, indicates that the animal has elevated levels of thyroid hormones.
• Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism) and Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) can also affect both species, although Cushing’s disease is rare in cats.

Contact us if your pet begins panting excessively, develops any skin issues (such as hair loss or dull coat), or shows any changes in behaviour, energy levels, appetite, weight, water consumption, or urination.

Cardiology

Although heart problems are found more often in older pets, these conditions can affect pets at any age. Heart disease is usually a life-threatening condition, but early diagnosis and appropriate therapy can extend your pet’s life. If caught soon enough, some forms of heart disease can be cured.

Heart disease can lead to congestive heart failure (CHF), which occurs when the heart can no longer pump blood effectively. If an animal is suffering from CHF, fluid usually accumulates in and around the lungs and sometimes in the abdomen. Congenital heart disease (animals born with a heart problem), valvular heart disease (abnormalities of the heart valves), arrhythmias (rhythm disturbances), and heartworm disease can all lead to CHF.

Call us if your pet starts breathing rapidly or coughing, loses his or her appetite, tires easily, seems weak, or has trouble exercising. We can discover many heart problems during a physical exam. Additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), radiographs (x-rays), and ultrasounds, are usually needed to accurately identify the cause of the heart disease or failure.