Diagnosis & Treatment
Radiology
The role of the x-ray machine in the diagnosis of numerous conditions is vital. We have a new, high quality digital x-ray machine which allows us to take accurate x-rays and rapidly assess bone, soft tissue and other internal (or foreign) structures.
Clinical pathology
On site at Manuka Veterinary Hospital we have a wide range of clinical pathology equipment allowing us to promptly assess your pets issues and needs. These include:
- Haematology
- Biochemistry
- Blood glucose analysis
- Urinalysis
- Microscopy
- Heartworm, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) testing
In-house Laboratory
Our laboratory facilities allow us to get accurate and rapid blood results in house. This means if your pet is unwell and we need to take a blood sample we are able to do so and have results within the hour. Similarly before any operation is undertaken we offer the option of performing a ‘pre-anaesthetic blood screen’ to ensure there are no underlying problems that may compromise your pet during anaesthesia.
We are also able to perform cytology which is the study of cells using our microscope. This allows us to rapidly assess microscopic elements found in fluid samples, lumps, ears, and even urine and faeces which aid in reaching a diagnosis.
We also perform urinalysis in house which is useful for any cases where we may suspect kidney disease, Cushing’s disease, diabetes, urinary tract infections and a variety of other conditions.
Diagnostic Ultrasonography
We offer ultrasonography for the diagnosis of diseases, and the monitoring of diseases. Ultrasonography is a non-invasive, non-painful means of examining the inside of your pet. The main areas that we examine are the abdomen and the heart. The information that you acquire is different from that which you would see from an x-ray.
Your pet will generally need to have some of their coat clipped away in order to obtain a good image and occasionally will require a sedation if they are very stressed by the situation.
Some examples of the diseases that can be diagnosed with ultrasound include liver and kidney disease, tumours in various abdominal organs, heart valvular and muscle disease and bladder stones.
Pregnancy Ultrasonography
Sometimes the pitter-patter of tiny feet is heard on the horizon – usually planned, but occasionally not! Here at MVH we have the ability to check your dog or cat for pregnancy from 4 weeks of gestation. If we didn’t use ultrasound, it could be not until 7 or even 8 weeks of gestation (dogs and cats give birth after 9 weeks of gestation) before pregnancy can be confirmed by feeling the abdomen. Early detection of pregnancy (and in some cases number of babies) at 4 weeks allows for decisions to be made regarding the future of the pregnancy and planning for maintaining mum in optimum health throughout the pregnancy, birth and rearing stages.
Diagnostic Services On Site
The diagnostic services available on site include:
Clinical pathology
- haematology
- biochemistry
- blood glucose analysis
- urinalysis (dipstick, specific gravity, sediment examination and cytology)
- FIV, FeLV, Heartworm testing
Microscopy
- faecal analysis
- ear swab analysis
- skin analysis
- urine analysis
- blood analysis
Diagnostic imaging
- radiology (plain and contrast)
- ultrasonography
Dermatological testing
- skin scrapes
- tape preparations
- trichograms
- fungal culture
Other
- otoscopic equipment
- ophthalmic equipment
External Facilities
- advanced laboratory testing of blood, urine, faeces and body fluids
- histopathology
- oncology specialists
- dermatology specialists
- radiology specialists