Diagnostic Lab and Radiology

Laurelton Animal Hospital offers a variety of services that enhance medical diagnosis and treatment in Webster, NY. These include in-house and referral laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging—ultrasound and x-rays for dogs & cats.

Heartworm Test:
We run heartworm tests in our internal lab as a part of your pet’s yearly wellness exam and in cases where a heartworm infection is suspected.

Heartworms are a dangerous but completely preventable problem. Heartworm disease is caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis. The only known vector is the mosquito, which bites an infected animal and then transmits the larvae through a bite to your pet. The larvae mature and migrate to the heart and other organs in the body. Left untreated, heartworms can become fatal.

Fecal/ Stool Test
A fecal is performed to screen your pet for intestinal parasites on a yearly basis. This aids in early detection and prompt treatment of any parasite infection. A fecal will not detect tapeworm unless visible in the stool or on the pet. Tapeworms can appear as a long flat worm or little segments that look like flat rice. If you have seen this at home please report it to the doctor during the pet’s examination.

Blood Testing
Most veterinary practices offer bloodwork as a part of their routine screening for older patients. Bloodwork is the veterinarian’s first and most informative tool in evaluating sick patients as well. It is an internal view of your pet’s overall health. Depending on the results of the initial bloodwork, other diagnostic tests may be warranted to fully diagnose the extent or the cause of any abnormal findings.

Urinalysis
A wellness exam sometimes includes a urinalysis. Urinalysis results can give an idea of hydration and kidney function. Normal results help determine health or exclude certain diseases. In addition, a urinalysis can help in evaluating pets with urinary abnormalities such as increased urine production, increased urinary frequency, straining to urinate, bloody urine or abnormal color to the urine. This test can also be helpful in cases of unexplained fever, loss of appetite or weight loss.