Veterinary Diagnostic Lab
We use electromagnetic radiation and other technologies for diagnostic imaging. This allows us to produce highly detailed images of your pet's internal structures.
At Countryside Veterinary Hospital, we have technology and tools to help our team accurately diagnose your pet's medical issues. We offer a variety of services, from digital radiology to urinalysis and bloodwork.
With our diagnostic imaging capabilities, we can produce accurate diagnostic information about your pet's condition and provide customized treatment options.
In-House Lab & Veterinary Pharmacy in Olds
Our vets perform diagnostic testing using our in-house laboratory so that we can diagnose your animal's symptoms and customize treatment plans to meet their needs.
Our pet pharmacy in Olds is stocked with a range of prescription diets and medications, providing us with quick access to the medications your pet may need while in our care.
Our Diagnostic Services
With our in-house veterinary diagnostics lab we are pleased to offer a range of diagnostic testing and imaging to help us reach an accurate diagnosis of your pet's medical issues.
- Radiography (Digital X-rays)
Using a radiograph (digital x-ray), we can examine your pet's internal systems to reveal information that may be invisible from the outside.
Radiography is safe, painless, non-invasive, and uses only very low doses of radiation. Because the level of radiation exposure required to perform radiography is very low, even pregnant females and very young pets can undergo this procedure.
Radiographs can be used to evaluate bones and organs, and diagnose conditions including broken bones, chronic arthritis, bladder stones, spinal cord diseases, and some tumours.
- Digital Dental X-Rays
If your pet is suffering periodontal disease, much of this damage occurs below the gum line where it's difficult to spot. Digital dental X-Rays help our veterinarians assess your pet's oral health.
Digital X-Rays are not only safer for your pet, but allow our team to examine the tooth roots, bones, and internal anatomy of your cat or dog's teeth.
With digital X-Rays, the risk of radiation exposure for your pet is significantly lower than with traditional X-Ray technology. We are able to see below the surface of your pet's gum line to fully evaluate each tooth.
This technology allows your Olds vet to see results immediately, then project them onto a computer screen to review.
- Bloodwork
At our vet lab in Olds we are able to run a number of common and specialized blood tests to determine the health of your pet and to diagnose illness.
Some of the most common veterinary blood tests we do are CBC (complete blood count), white blood count, hemoglobin and MCHC, hematocrit, platelets, eosinophils, and blood serum profile.
- Urinalysis
Urinalysis is a diagnostic test that provides your vet with essential insights into the physical and chemical properties of your pet's urine.
Urinalysis is primarily used to assess the health of your animal's kidneys and urinary tract system, but it can also be helpful in detecting issues in other organ systems and is important for diagnosing metabolic diseases such as diabetes.
- Fecal Exams
A fecal exam is the microscopic examination of your pet's feces, which can be done at our in-house vet lab in Olds.
The ultimate goal of a fecal exam is to identify and treat any GI infections that could be compromising your pet's health and even the health of your family. Fecal exams allow your vet to determine if your pet has intestinal parasites such as roundworms or hookworms.
Parasites can make pets uncomfortable, irritable, and lead to more serious conditions. Some can even be transmitted to humans.
Since these parasites live in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract, they are typically hidden from view. Annual fecal examines can form a key part of every pet's annual routine health care.