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Diagnostics
Often when animals are experiencing injury or illness a thorough physical exam just doesn't provide enough information to discover the complete problem. At Fisher Animal Hospital we offer a wide variety of diagnostic services that help us uncover exactly what is going on inside the patient's body that may not be detectable from the outside. This allows us to find the patient's problem quicker and begin treatment as soon as possible. |
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Radiographs (X-Rays)
We are equipped to assess x-ray images of the inside of our patients quickly and efficiently using digital radiology. Digital radiography is a form of x-ray imaging, where digital x-ray sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film. Digital radiographs are processed in less than a minute allowing doctors to view high quality images almost immediately. We use our radiographs to detect abdominal masses, kidney and bladder stones and even objects lodged in the stomach and intestines. This allows us to get critical patients into surgery quicker when surgery is needed. Radiographs of the chest allow us to check for signs of heart or lung disease, screen for common conditions such as tracheal collapse and even determine if immediate life saving measures are needed, saving precious seconds in certain medical conditions. Whether your pet is having difficulty breathing, excessive vomiting, abdominal pain or limping, at Fisher Animal Hospital, all of our doctors are trained to interpret radiographs and formulate a treatment plan based specifically on your pet's needs. |
Ultrasound & Echocardiography
Echocardiogram, a test of the action of the heart using ultrasound waves to produce a visual display, is used for the diagnosis or monitoring and detection of heart disease. If your pet has ever been diagnosed with a heart murmur or an irregular heart rhythm, one of the next steps in a diagnosis is an echocardiogram. Dr. Bell has had many years of experience in performing echos and is one of few veterinarians in north Alabama that is able to perform this diagnostic procedure. Abdominal ultrasound is a type of imaging test. It is used to look at organs in the abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and urinary bladder. The blood vessels that lead to some of these organs, such as the caudal vena cava and aorta, can also be examined with ultrasound. |
Bloodwork
For many illnesses, our ability to check blood tests right here in the clinic gets answers within minutes and allows us to begin treatments immediately. We are even able to check certain medication levels such as phenobarbitol and thyroid medication while the patient and owner waits in the clinic.
Serum chemistry profile is one of the most important initial tests that is commonly performed. A small blood sample is collected from the patient first. The blood is then separated into a cell layer and serum layer by spinning it at high speeds in a machine called a centrifuge. The serum layer is drawn off and a variety of compounds are then measured. These measurements aid in assessing the function of various organs and body systems. Sometimes a specific diagnosis may be made on the basis of a blood chemistry profile alone. More often than not, however, the profile provides information that helps give the doctor and indication of where the problem might be located. This test can be extremely helpful in determining which of many other diagnostic tests may be beneficial.
A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test used to evaluate your pet's overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection and leukemia. A CBC measures several components and qualities of your pet's blood including, red blood cells, white blood cells, hematocrit and platelets. Abnormal increases or decreases in cell counts as revealed in a complete blood count may indicate that your pet may have an underlying medical condition that calls for further evaluation.
There are many other blood tests that can be performed at Fisher Animal Hospital. In situations that additional blood tests may be needed, the doctors may also order additional tests through an off site laboratory.
For many illnesses, our ability to check blood tests right here in the clinic gets answers within minutes and allows us to begin treatments immediately. We are even able to check certain medication levels such as phenobarbitol and thyroid medication while the patient and owner waits in the clinic.
Serum chemistry profile is one of the most important initial tests that is commonly performed. A small blood sample is collected from the patient first. The blood is then separated into a cell layer and serum layer by spinning it at high speeds in a machine called a centrifuge. The serum layer is drawn off and a variety of compounds are then measured. These measurements aid in assessing the function of various organs and body systems. Sometimes a specific diagnosis may be made on the basis of a blood chemistry profile alone. More often than not, however, the profile provides information that helps give the doctor and indication of where the problem might be located. This test can be extremely helpful in determining which of many other diagnostic tests may be beneficial.
A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test used to evaluate your pet's overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection and leukemia. A CBC measures several components and qualities of your pet's blood including, red blood cells, white blood cells, hematocrit and platelets. Abnormal increases or decreases in cell counts as revealed in a complete blood count may indicate that your pet may have an underlying medical condition that calls for further evaluation.
There are many other blood tests that can be performed at Fisher Animal Hospital. In situations that additional blood tests may be needed, the doctors may also order additional tests through an off site laboratory.
