Diagnostics and Radiology at Minnehaha Animal Hospital, Minneapolis, MN
One of the most critical components of veterinary care is diagnostics and radiology. These services are essential for understanding what’s going on beneath the surface when your pet is experiencing symptoms or for monitoring their health during routine checkups.
At Minnehaha Animal Hospital in Minneapolis, MN, we are dedicated to delivering top-notch care for your pets. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and radiology services, we ensure that your pets receive the most accurate and effective treatment possible. Our in-house capabilities allow us to swiftly assess and address your pet’s health needs, from regular wellness exams to managing unexpected health issues. With a compassionate team and cutting-edge technology, we’re here to support your pet’s health and well-being at every stage of life.
In-House Diagnostics for Rapid and Accurate Results
Diagnostics are key to assessing your pet’s health, identifying issues, and guiding treatment. At Minnehaha Animal Hospital, our advanced in-house equipment provides same-day results, ensuring fast answers and prompt care. Our on-site testing capabilities allow us to customize care and reduce the need for external referrals.
Our in-house diagnostic services include:
Blood Tests
Diagnostics are key to assessing your pet’s health, identifying issues, and guiding treatment. At Minnehaha Animal Hospital, our advanced in-house equipment provides same-day results, ensuring fast answers and prompt care. Our on-site testing capabilities allow us to customize care and reduce the need for external referrals.
Urinalysis
Urinalysis is a crucial diagnostic tool for assessing your pet’s kidney function and detecting various conditions, such as diabetes, urinary tract infections, and bladder stones. We perform this test in-house for same-day results, ensuring prompt diagnosis and treatment. At Minnehaha Animal Hospital, we prioritize this test during routine wellness exams and when your pet shows signs of illness.
Blood Pressure Checks and Glaucoma Screening
Monitoring your pet’s blood pressure is an important part of managing conditions such as heart disease and kidney problems. We also offer glaucoma screening to detect increased eye pressure, which can lead to vision loss if left untreated. Regular blood pressure checks and glaucoma screenings are particularly important for senior pets and those with predisposing conditions, helping to catch issues early before they escalate. By offering these preventive services, we aim to ensure that your pet maintains a high quality of life.
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
An electrocardiogram (EKG) records the electrical activity of your pet’s heart, helping us identify irregular heartbeats, arrhythmias, and other cardiac conditions. By performing EKGs in-house, we can quickly assess your pet’s heart health and determine if further treatment is needed. This non-invasive test is vital for diagnosing and monitoring heart conditions, ensuring timely care. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive cardiac care to keep your pet healthy.
In addition to detecting arrhythmias, EKGs can also identify other heart-related issues such as:
Heart Enlargement
Electrolyte Imbalances
Blockages or Scarring in the Heart
There are several scenarios where an EKG may be recommended for your pet:
Symptoms of Heart Disease
Pre-Anesthetic Screening
Senior Pet Wellness
Routine Monitoring for Pets with Heart Conditions
Fecal Exams
Regular fecal exams are essential in detecting intestinal parasites, which can affect your pet’s health and potentially spread to other animals or humans. Fecal exams can also identify other GI problems, such as undigested food, mucus, or blood, indicating conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or food allergies.
The most common intestinal parasites we screen for during fecal exams include:
Roundworms
Hookworms
Whipworms
Tapeworms
Coccidia and Giardia
At Minnehaha Animal Hospital, we include these exams in routine wellness visits and when pets show signs of digestive distress. By analyzing a small sample of your pet’s stool, we can identify the presence of parasites and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Heartworm Testing
Heartworm disease is a serious, often fatal condition in dogs and cats caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a parasitic worm transmitted by mosquitoes. It is also preventable and treatable when caught early. Regular heartworm testing is essential, even for pets on preventive medications, as missed doses or prevention failures can leave pets vulnerable to infection.
Heartworm testing involves a simple blood test that detects antigens or larvae, providing quick results to ensure prompt treatment if necessary. While dogs are the primary hosts and can suffer severe damage from heartworms, cats can also develop respiratory issues from even a few worms. Year-round prevention and annual testing are the best defense against this dangerous disease.
We provide heartworm testing as part of your pet’s routine health care to ensure they are free of this dangerous parasite.
Partnership with External Laboratories for Advanced Diagnostics
At Minnehaha Animal Hospital, we collaborate with trusted external labs and veterinary radiologists for specialized testing when in-house diagnostics are insufficient.
Some of the scenarios where collaboration with external labs is necessary include:
Advanced Bloodwork: Specialized tests assess organ function, detect rare diseases, or evaluate hormones, such as in Cushing’s or Addison’s disease.
Genetic Testing: External labs analyze DNA to identify breed-specific risks or confirm genetic disorder diagnoses.
Pathology: External pathologists examine tissue samples for cancer, infections, or other diseases to guide treatment.
Infectious Disease Testing: Specialized tests from external labs confirm diagnoses of tick-borne or viral infections for accurate treatment.
Veterinary radiologists interpret imaging like x-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs, offering expert insights for complex cases. Results are typically available within one to two days, enabling quick diagnosis and treatment. This collaboration ensures your pet receives expert care for even the most challenging health concerns.
Radiology and Imaging Services
Imaging is essential for diagnosing and managing various health conditions in pets. At Minnehaha Animal Hospital, we use advanced imaging technologies, including digital x-rays and access to ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans, to visualize internal structures that can’t be assessed through physical exams. These tools help us detect issues like broken bones, organ problems, and tumors quickly and accurately. Imaging also allows us to diagnose underlying conditions early, improving treatment outcomes and ensuring better care for your pet.
Our radiology and imaging services include:
Digital X-Rays
Digital x-rays are a vital diagnostic tool at Minnehaha Animal Hospital, enabling quick and non-invasive assessments of your pet’s internal health. They help diagnose a range of conditions, from skeletal issues like fractures and arthritis to soft tissue and internal organ problems, providing high-resolution images for accurate diagnosis.
Digital x-rays also allow easy sharing with specialists for second opinions or advanced analysis, ensuring comprehensive care. Additionally, the speed of digital x-rays minimizes stress for pets by reducing procedure time. This technology allows for better, faster treatment decisions, ensuring optimal care for your pet.
Dental X-Rays
Dental x-rays are essential for detecting hidden dental issues in pets, such as tooth decay, abscesses, and bone loss, that are not visible during regular dental exams. At Minnehaha Animal Hospital, we use advanced digital x-rays to assess your pet’s teeth, roots, and jawbone, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment. This technology helps identify conditions like periodontal disease, infections, and dental abnormalities in young pets, ensuring timely intervention.
X-rays also guide dental procedures, improving precision and outcomes. Regular dental x-rays are vital for maintaining your pet’s oral health and overall well-being.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to visualize internal organs and detect issues like tumors, cysts, and fluid buildup without the need for surgery. This imaging method provides real-time, detailed images, allowing us to assess your pet’s heart, kidneys, bladder, and other organs safely and painlessly.
Ultrasound also guides minimally invasive procedures like biopsies and fluid drainage. It is a stress-free, radiation-free technique suitable for pets of all ages, offering valuable insights for diagnosing and treating a range of health conditions.
MRI and CT Scans
MRI and CT scans are advanced imaging techniques used to provide detailed, high-resolution views of your pet’s internal structures, essential for diagnosing complex conditions.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissues, making it ideal for diagnosing neurological issues, muscle injuries, and organ diseases. It is non-invasive, radiation-free, and commonly used for brain tumors, spinal cord injuries, and strokes.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography): CT scans combine x-rays and computer technology to produce detailed cross-sectional images of both hard and soft tissues. They are ideal for diagnosing bone fractures, joint problems, and internal injuries, often used for bone tumors and planning orthopedic surgeries.
While Minnehaha Animal Hospital offers a wide range of in-house imaging, we collaborate with specialized external partners for MRI and CT scans when more in-depth imaging is needed. The non-invasive nature of MRI and CT scans ensures minimal discomfort, while their precision allows for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Our collaboration with specialists ensures comprehensive care for your pet.
Sedation and Preparation
While sedation isn’t always necessary, it may be required for pets who are anxious, in pain, or need to remain completely still for detailed imaging. At Minnehaha Animal Hospital, ensuring your pet’s comfort and safety during diagnostic imaging procedures like x-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, or CT scans is our priority.
Sedation helps reduce stress, ensures stillness, and minimizes discomfort, especially during complex procedures. We provide specific preparation instructions, such as fasting and monitoring, to ensure the process goes smoothly. After the procedure, we offer detailed post-care guidance to help your pet recover comfortably.
At Minnehaha Animal Hospital, we customize sedation based on the imaging procedure, your pet’s health, and their anxiety or pain levels.
Mild sedation helps pets relax during less invasive procedures like x-rays or ultrasounds.
General anesthesia is used for more complex imaging, such as MRIs or CT scans, ensuring your pet is fully asleep and stress-free during the procedure.
Why Choose Minnehaha Animal Hospital for Diagnostics and Radiology
At Minnehaha Animal Hospital, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of care for your pets. Our diagnostics and radiology services are designed to give you peace of mind by delivering quick and accurate results.
Here are a few reasons why pet owners in Minneapolis choose us for their pets’ diagnostic needs:
State-of-the-Art Equipment: Our clinic features advanced diagnostic and imaging technology, enabling fast and precise results for your pet.
Same-Day Results: We often provide same-day test results, allowing for immediate treatment when needed, especially in urgent cases.
Comprehensive Imaging Services: We offer in-house imaging like digital x-rays and ultrasounds, and collaborate with external partners for specialized services like MRI or CT scans.
Collaborative Care: We take a collaborative approach, consulting with specialists and radiologists when needed to ensure accurate diagnoses for your pet.
Your pet’s health is our priority, and we are here to support them at every stage of their life. Whether your pet is due for a routine health checkup or needs specialized care, Minnehaha Animal Hospital is here to help.
Take the Next Step for Your Pet’s Health
At Minnehaha Animal Hospital, we focus on your pet’s well-being with prompt diagnostics and radiology services. Our advanced tools and skilled team offer top-notch care, helping to prevent serious issues through early detection. Call (612) 825-4427, visit us online, or stop by our Minneapolis clinic to schedule an appointment and give your pet the care they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diagnostics and Radiology
What types of diagnostic tests are available for my pet?
We offer a wide range of diagnostic tests, including blood tests, urinalysis, fecal exams, ultrasound, blood pressure checks, and heartworm testing. Many of these tests are performed in-house for same-day results.
Does my pet need to be sedated for x-rays?
Most pets do not require sedation for routine x-rays. However, sedation may be necessary for certain views, such as spinal or joint x-rays, or if your pet is in pain. Sedation helps keep your pet calm and still, ensuring we obtain clear images.
How quickly can I expect results from diagnostic tests?
With our in-house diagnostic equipment, many test results are available within hours. For more specialized tests sent to external laboratories, results are typically ready within one to two days.
What conditions can radiographs (x-rays) help diagnose?
Radiographs can help diagnose a wide range of conditions, including fractures, arthritis, spinal issues, heart and lung problems, bladder stones, and tumors. Dental x-rays are also used to detect issues such as tooth decay and bone loss in the jaw.
Do you offer advanced imaging like MRI or CT scans?
Yes, we offer advanced imaging through our external partners. If your pet requires an MRI or CT scan, we will refer you to a trusted facility that provides these specialized services. We will work closely with them to ensure your pet receives the care they need.