Pet Diagnostics in Weddington

Cats and dogs tend to be very stoic and often do not show signs that something is wrong until it has become a true issue. When our pets are not acting like themselves, sometimes it can be difficult to determine the reason why. A physical examination performed by a veterinarian can help to identify if they are hurting, dehydrated, or showing symptoms of an underlying disease. Sometimes, our pets can be nervous and hide pain or may appear normal on physical examination even if they are not acting like their usual selves at home. This can make it challenging to know exactly what is causing your pet distress and how best to care for them.

When a physical exam doesn’t provide enough information, diagnostic tools help us determine the cause of your pets pain or discomfort. Our hospital is equipped with an in-house laboratory and digital radiology suite which allow us to get test results quickly so we can provide the best course of treatment for your pet. We are able to send lab samples out for further, specialized testing as needed.

Preventative Diagnostics

Diagnostics are also used in preventative care to ensure your pet is healthy. At each wellness visit, our veterinary staff may recommend screening a fecal sample for intestinal parasites to ensure your pet does not have any worms that can be passed to you or your children. We test for heartworm disease annually in dogs using a blood test, and often recommend annual screening bloodwork to look at your pets red and white blood cells and liver and kidney function. For kittens or outdoor cats, we recommend testing for feline leukemia/feline aids to ensure they are free of these diseases. Before surgery, blood work is recommended to ensure your pet is healthy enough to be under anesthesia for their procedure.

Does dry nose indicate sick dog

Growing Lump

If your pet has a lump or a bump that has popped up or is growing, your veterinarian may perform a fine needle aspirate to look at the cells and screen for cancer or signs of infection. If a mass is removed during surgery, the tissue can be sent off for examination by a specialist to determine what the mass is as well as identify if it was completely removed. These tests are very useful to ensure your pet is receiving optimum care and to help your veterinarian identify possible issues before they become a true problem.

Specialized Testing

Weddington Animal Hospital is equipped with an in-house laboratory and digital radiology suite which allow us to get test results quickly so we can provide the best course of treatment for your pet. We are able to send lab samples out for further, specialized testing as needed. Turn around time for these tests is test dependent. X-rays are available immediately after being taken for evaluation. Bloodwork, heartworm testing, and thyroid testing can be run in house and results are available immediately, or may be chosen to be sent out for more detailed results and is generally available within 24 hours. Intestinal Parasite Screening takes approximately 10 minutes and is performed in house. Other specialized tests such as Cushings Testing, Tissue Biopsies, Fungal cultures and Tick Serology may take several days for results to return.

Diagnostic Tools

Below are just some of the many diagnostic tools we use:

  • CBC (Complete Blood Count)
  • Blood Chemistry Panel
  • Thyroid testing
  • Tissue Biopsies
  • Urinalysis
  • Digital Radiology (X-Rays)
  • Heartworm Testing
  • Feline Leukemia/Feline Aids Testing
  • Intestinal Parasite Screening
  • Fluid and Tissue Cytology
  • Ear and Skin Cytology
  • Fungal Cultures
  • Tick Serology
  • Cushing’s Testing
  • And more!

Diagnostic Testing Equals Optimum Care

Diagnostic testing provides a toolbox for your veterinarian to better understand what is wrong to treat your pet and provide optimum care. Our veterinary staff will discuss diagnostic testing with you at your visit and design an individualized treatment plan for your pet.

Weddington Animal Hospital

Weddington Animal Hospital is proud to serve all of the surrounding areas in our community. Our patients in the Weddington Animal Hospital family come from a variety of areas, including Matthews, Monroe, Ballantyne, Marvin, Waxhaw, Indian Trail, Waverly, Wesley Chapel, and Weddington

Whether it be for preventative screening, pre-operative screening, or to help identify what is wrong with your sick pet, Weddington Animal Hospital provides quality diagnostic care in an efficient time period to help your pet receive the best care possible. If you have any questions or concerns or would like to schedule an appointment for your pet, please do not hesitate to reach out at 704-847-8466 or wah@wahcares.com.

Schedule Your Appointment

We would love the opportunity to meet you and your pet!  You can fill out the appointment form and our office team will contact you shortly to schedule an appointment that works best for you.

Here at the Weddington Animal Hospital, we treat your pet like they should be treated, like a member of your family.  We take pride in our level of care and customer service and we look forward to having you join our family.

Contact Us Today

Just switched over to Weddington Animal Hospital a couple months ago… and WOW what a great choice! Everyone there is so friendly and keep you very informed on your furry friend. I feel very confident leaving my dog with Dr. Faulkner! If you are looking for more then just your average vet, WAH is the place to be.

- Willis Lowe, Google review

Weddington Animal Hospital is absolutely wonderful! We have tried out a few around the area and this is our favorite. Recently our puppy swallowed something she wasn’t supposed to & everyone apart of the hospital took such good care of her. Dr. Faulkner is amazing! He explained everything into such great detail and we were happy to leave her in such great hands. Thank you Weddington Animal Hospital!

- Leah Upchurch, Google review

Dr. Faulkner really took his time and answered all of our questions. As new puppy owners, we really appreciated his insight and patience with us.

- Jake Wood, Google review

If you are looking for a vet that is extremely knowledgeable, caring, and compassionate you have found the right place! Not only is Dr. Faulkner great, but his entire staff is too!

- Joe Black, Google review