Advanced Diagnostic Tools and Services

Minnetonka Animal Hospital offers a range of diagnostic tools to help us quickly identify and treat health problems in your pet. We maintain an in-house laboratory and utilize both x-ray and ultrasound technology to provide a clear picture of your pet’s internal health.

Our Laboratory

Our in-house laboratory provides you with important test results quickly and efficiently. Our range of testing includes:

• Blood chemistry panel
  This series of tests help screen for liver or kidney disease, diabetes, and evaluates levels of sodium, potassium, and chloride.
• Stool analysis
  This helps identify parasites such as roundworms and hookworms (which are infectious to people).
• Urine analysis
  With a small sample, we can learn much about kidney function and look for evidence of a urinary tract infection or diabetes.
• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
  This disease is diagnosed by conducting a blood test using ELISA technology, which identifies FeLV proteins in the blood. This test is highly sensitive and can identify infections very early on.
• Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
  An FIV infection is diagnosed by an ELISA blood test which looks for the presence of antibodies. Our team will interpret the results and determine whether additional testing is needed.
• Heartworm
  This important test requires a small blood sample and works by detecting the presence of heartworm proteins. Further tests are necessary if a positive result is returned. Our heartworm diagnostic technology also includes testing for tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis.

Digital X-Rays

X-rays are used to identify changes in bone, irregular shapes in the abdomen, or the presence of foreign objects. Common reasons we recommend x-rays include the occurrence of broken bones, suspected injuries, pneumonia, or to evaluate the bladder for stones.

At Minnetonka Animal Hospital, we use the Sound-Eklin DR imaging system, which offers the latest in digital x-ray technology. Similar to the evolution of digital photography, the use of digital imaging is a significant advancement in veterinary care. It provides clearer, more detailed results and allows us to easily distribute and share images. Digital x-rays also require less radiation than traditional methods.

Ultrasounds

Ultrasounds are useful when evaluating real-time organ activity or blood flow. Exams are noninvasive, require no chemicals, and can provide images from a variety of angles. Ultrasound technology is often used to examine the abdominal region, as well as the chest, heart, and any suspicious masses. At Minnetonka Animal Hospital, ultrasounds are performed by a board-certified veterinary radiologist.