Offering the Most Advanced Diagnostics for Your Pet’s Care in Charlotte, NC
At Steele Creek Animal Hospital, we employ some of the finest diagnostic tools in-house to fully evaluate your pet’s health and screen for underlying illness. These tools allow us to understand our patients’ conditions on a deeper level and go further with the early detection of disease in order to make any existing issues more easily treatable. From our diagnostic laboratory to our digital radiography and ultrasound machines, our hospital is equipped to manage and treat a significant variety of cases, both routine and urgent.
Whether your pet is due for annual testing or has a condition requiring deeper investigation, we can help. Call (704) 588-4400 to schedule an appointment
Diagnostic Services
Radiology
Radiology
Radiographs (X-rays) are one of the most important diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine. They allow us to view the shape, size and location of organs inside your pet's body. Compared to traditional x-rays, digital radiographs provide our doctors and medical staff with higher quality images. This means better diagnostic information that is produced more quickly with less inconvenience in time and stress to you and your pet. Radiographs are also used to diagnose orthopedic and neurological conditions. Images can be quickly shared via email for review by a board-certified radiologist or specialist when a second opinion or additional diagnosis is needed. Sedation is not required for pets to undergo X-ray procedures, but we may recommend mild sedation if your pet is uncomfortable or stressed.
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Steele Creek Animal Hospital offers both abdominal and cardiac (heart) ultrasound services. Ultrasound is a non-invasive technique that produces a visual imprint of the interior of your pet's body. Ultrasound uses sound waves, which have no harmful effects and the examination is painless. Ultrasound allows the doctor to achieve a further depth of detail that complements information obtained from radiographic examinations. Abdominal ultrasound has revolutionized the study of liver diseases, and is extremely useful in diagnosing and monitoring treatment of many types of cancer.
Diagnostic Laboratory
Diagnostic Laboratory
Our laboratory is capable of processing dozens of tests, including complete blood counts (CBCs), blood chemistry panels, parasite testing, fecal and more. Your pet's laboratory tests are performed by our team of specially trained veterinary technicians. These are the most common tests at our hospital:
- Major organ function chemistries and Urine Analysis
- Electrolytes and Blood Gases
- Skin, ear and mass cytology
- Virus testing (feline leukemia, FIV, Parvovirus)
- Fungal cultures and Skin parasites
We refer to Antech, Michigan State, Texas A&M, and Cornell known for their specific expertise in:
- Wellness panels and Extended blood evaluation
- Cultures (skin, urine, ear, wound, etc.) and thyroid evaluation
- Adrenal gland, Digestion and pancreatic function testing
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Pets with high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) are more prone to issues including heart disease, diabetes, renal disease, and hypothyroidism. On the other hand, low blood pressure is a health risk we need to watch for while pets are undergoing surgery, as some dogs and cats may have a negative reaction to the anesthesia.
To make sure your pet’s blood pressure is at a healthy level, we recommend a blood pressure screening each time your pet sees us for their yearly checkup. If we find that your pet’s blood pressure is abnormally low or abnormally high, your veterinarian will help you find the best treatment option for them.
Glaucoma Screening
Glaucoma Screening
Glaucoma occurs when the eye’s fluid pressure increases, causing discomfort and eventually blindness. Primary glaucoma is an inherited condition affecting pets that are middle-aged and older. Secondary glaucoma results from an injury or chronic infection, tumor, or lens luxation. To screen for glaucoma, we use tonometry to measure the pressure inside the eye; we will also examine the eye for signs of disease or injury.
Glaucoma symptoms include pain, redness and/or bulging of the eye, discharge/tears, light sensitivity, and cloudiness. We can save your pet's vision if we detect their glaucoma early and treat it right away. Early-stage glaucoma does not always show symptoms, so routine checks might be needed at your pet’s annual visits.
Thermal Imaging
Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging is an excellent tool for precisely showing areas of inflammation and poor blood circulation in dogs and cats. It does not indicate temperature, but rather the radiant energy of the affected tissue. In addition to being non-invasive, thermal imaging is also painless, quick, and easy, and can often be used in conjunction with other tools, such as laser therapy.