Diagnostics 

Our state-of-the-art diagnostic services combine cutting-edge technology with a compassionate touch, allowing us to pinpoint and address your pet's needs accurately. From advanced imaging to laboratory testing, our dedicated team of professionals is committed to providing thorough and efficient diagnostic solutions tailored to your furry companion.

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, Pancreatitis 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.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. One of our vets may recommend this procedure when they have auscultated (listened with a stethoscope) your pet’s heart and heard a murmur. A murmur represents a swooshing or other sound, other than the normal beats of the heart. An echocardiogram allows us to assess the overall heart size, the size of the chambers and the thickness of the muscle as well as rule out masses and other heart related diseases. We can assess turbulence and perform a lot of calculations based on these images to determine if your pet requires medication. It is a highly valulable diagnostic tool to keep your pets heart healthy. 

Pregnancy Ultrasonography 

Sometimes the pitter-patter of tiny feet is heard on the horizon – usually planned, but occasionally not! Here at Manuka Veterinary Hospital,  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.

External Facilities

At Manuka Veterinary Hospital we work very closely with our local emergency centres, both Animal Referral Hospital and CVES and also have excellent relationships with our local dermatologist and surgical and medical specialists. We pride ourselves on working very closely with these exceptional specialists to be part of your pets medical team.