Laboratory
The in-house veterinary laboratory at Hemlock Bluffs Animal Hospital of Holly Springs features diagnostic testing for the following:
- Bloodwork: CBC, Chemistry Panel, T4, FELV/FIV testing
- Urinalysis and Sediment examination
- Cytology of skin & ear samples
- Fecal testing for intestinal parasites
- Occult heartworm, Lymes, Erhlichia testing
- Parvo tests
- Feline heartworm Ag tests
Radiology
Radiology is a frequently used diagnostic tool which provides Hemlock Bluffs Animal Hospital veterinarians with a view of the internal body systems and the skeletal system.
Hemlock Bluffs Animal Hospital of Holly Springs has an on site radiology suite that enables us to quickly develop your pet’s radiographs and ensure excellent quality.
All radiographs are sent to a board certified radiologist for evaluation. The digital system also allows us to permanently archive the radiographs allowing us to access them at any time in the future. Lastly, we can easily send them at the click of a button to specialists or referral facilities if necessary.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a pain free, non-invasive diagnostic used to visualize internal organs including the liver, gall bladder, spleen, adrenal glands, pancreas, kidneys, urinary bladder, stomach, and intestines. In most cases, ultrasounds can be performed without sedation or anesthesia and is considered superior to radiographs in many respects including; diagnosis of many types of abdominal tumors, pancreatitis, hepatitis, early pregnancy, certain types of bladder stones, and full visualization of internal organs. Ultrasound can also be utilized to sample tissue via a technique called “ultrasound guided aspiration.” A needle is inserted through the skin into the organ or tissue of concern using a minimally invasive technique.
At our clinic, ultrasounds are performed using a Prosound Aloka Alpha 6 unit. A board certified radiologist interprets all of the images and completes a full report.
Echocardiogram
We are happy to announce that we now offer echocardiograms. Echocardiograms are ultrasounds of the heart used to evaluate chamber size and valve dysfunction. In comparison to X-rays that evaluate only heart size, echocardiograms can determine the cause of heart disease so that a tailored treatment protocol can be formulated. Similar to abdominal ultrasounds, echocardiograms can most often be performed without sedation or anesthesia. A board certified radiologist interprets the images and develops a treatment strategy based on the cause and degree of heart disease. A baseline EKG is performed during the echocardiogram. This invaluable diagnostic can also be used to determine prognosis and treatment.
