170 North Street, Rye, NY 10580
In-House Laboratory
Pets’ lab test results will be available faster, and with greater precision, thanks to our in-house laboratory.
Many veterinary practices without an in-house diagnostic lab have to ship their samples, wait for the third party to receive them, to test them, and then to draft an explanation of the findings and send it back. Not only does this add time to the diagnostic process, it introduces more chances for contamination of the samples during the shipping process.
Our in-house lab can provide answers quickly and accurately by bystepping this process, and our clinical team is highly skilled and dedicated to provide correct and scientifically-legitimate testing. Because of our in-house lab, we also have greater quality control and the ability to prioritize samples for serious and time-sensitive cases. Tests that cannot be ran in-house are sent to trusted labs and results are sent as soon as possible.
Some of the tests which we regularly run in our laboratory include,
- Complete Blood Count – one of the most common tests run in our laboratory, the complete blood count, can provide an overall picture of pet health and diagnose several diseases such as anemia, infection, and leukemia.
- Blood Chemistry Panel – is a series of tests designed to target a specific organ such as the kidneys, pancreas, or liver.
- Electrolyte Testing – measures the levels of electrolytes in the body. Electrolytes are vital minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium. Testing electrolyte levels can help to diagnose dehydration, and monitor how different treatments or medications are affecting the body.
Digital X-Ray
Using x-ray technology, a veterinarian can visualize the musculoskeletal system of a pet without an invasive procedure.
X-Ray technology works by exposing the pet’s body to x-ray waves. Although normally invisible to the naked eye, the distribution of the x-ray waves can be turned into images by the x-ray machine. The images of the distribution form a picture of the musculoskeletal system, which they are bouncing off of.
Rye Harrison Veterinary Hospital has the most advanced form of x-ray technology available–digital x-ray. Unlike traditional film x-rays, digital x-rays use a computer to create the images. Several of the benefits of digital x-ray in comparison to film x-ray include,
- Faster acquisition of images, which means your pet does not have to sit still for as long
- More precise and detailed images better inform diagnostic decisions
- The images can be easily stored electronically for future use
- The images can be sent to specialists across the country via email
X-rays can diagnose many conditions such as bone breaks and fractures, foreign body ingestion, masses, tumors, infections, and deformities.
A radiological examination is fast and pain-free for the patient. Usually, one veterinarian or a veterinary technician will help the animal to recline on an examination table, and use gentle and safe restraining techniques to prevent them from moving while the image is being captured. After the images are collected, the veterinarian will analyze them for diagnostic information and devise an appropriate treatment plan. If the animal’s condition is rare or complex, a specialist may be contacted to help with the diagnosis.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound technology is another form of radiology that helps veterinarians to visualize the inner workings of a pet’s body. Ultrasound images use sound waves to create a “bounce-back” captured by a machine.
Unlike x-rays which produce 2D static images, ultrasounds create 3D real-time videos of bodily systems. Ultrasounds create better images of soft tissues and fluid-filled structures than other forms of radiology.
Like digital x-rays, ultrasounds are painless and noninvasive. There is no risk of complication associated with ultrasounds– they are completely safe. The same imaging technology is commonly used to view human fetuses during pregnancy. The procedure for taking an ultrasound is similar to the procedure for taking an x-ray. A veterinarian or assistant will help safely restrain the animal so that they will be still during the reading. A cooling gel will be applied to the area and the Ultrasonographer will use a wand-like instrument against their skin to create the ultrasound. In most cases, the area may need to be shaved so it can be easily reached by the instrument.
In veterinary practices, ultrasounds are most commonly used to view the heart and lungs. Ultrasounds can diagnose conditions such as heart murmurs, deformities, foreign body ingestion, pregnancy, pancreatitis (a common and life-threatening disease of the pancreas), infected gallbladders, enlarged lymph nodes, and more.
Because of their accuracy and safety, ultrasounds are one of the most useful veterinary tools available when diagnosing conditions of the organs and abdomen. Conditions that would have required a surgery to diagnose in the past can now be treated safely and noninvasively with information gathered during ultrasounds.
Allergy & Dermatology Testing
Dermatology
Dermatology refers to the treatment of conditions that affect the skin, hair, feet, nails or eyes of the patient. Irritation of the skin is generally referred to as dermatitis, regardless of the cause, until a diagnosis is derived.
Dermatitis can be very uncomfortable, and down-right painful, for our animal friends. It can cause them to change their behavior, and make them unhappy day-to-day.
Often, the process for treating dermatitis can be long and require veterinary care over months or even years. Having a veterinarian you feel comfortable communicating with and discussing treatment plans with will be important in your journey towards finding long-lasting relief for your pet.
The following symptoms may be signs that your pet is dealing with a form of dermatitis:
- Regularly licking the skin, often the paws
- Itching or scratching of the skin
- Red or watery eyes
- Irritability or unusual aggression
- Sensitivity towards a certain area of the body– they may react negatively when this body part is touched
- Red or inflamed skin
- Hair loss
If you see a cluster of these symptoms, or one symptom that is extreme or has a sudden onset, it might be time to contact a veterinarian.
Allergies
Allergies are one of the most common dermatological problems that affect our pets. Just like humans, pets can be allergic to anything from pollen to dander to foods. We provide services such as allergy testing that can help us understand if your pet has allergies, and what they are allergic to.
To treat allergies, there is a wide variety of methods that range from allergy shots, to daily oral medicine, to topical treatments. Your veterinarian will help you decide on the best option for your pet with you, taking into account factors such as the severity of the reaction, the potential for the allergen to be avoided, and the lifestyle of you and your pet.
Trusted Pet Care & a Friendly Welcome for Every Pet
