Best Care Pet Hospital

Pet X-Ray & Diagnostics

At Best Care Pet Hospital, we are equipped with modern, state-of-the-art technology to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of pet-related health conditions. Our in-house laboratory provides rapid results, our diagnostic imaging allows us to further identify problems we can’t see in a physical examination, and our highly-trained staff will help to develop the best treatment plan for any condition.

Laboratory Services

The in-house diagnostic laboratory at Best Care is designed to give our veterinarians and staff the ability to provide time-sensitive diagnostic results to our clients and patients. 

Diagnostic laboratory testing is designed to go deeper than just a physical examination. Blood work that is done can reveal chemistry level, organ functioning, and potential underlying disorders. This lab testing, combined with the physical examination gives our medical team an entire scope of the health status of your pet.  

Our modern, fully-equipped diagnostic laboratory sets us apart from other veterinarian hospitals that constantly rely on having to get results back from off-site laboratories. With us, the process takes less time and we can provide treatment to some problems the same day!

Common diagnostic test from our in-house laboratory include:

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC) measures the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in a blood sample. This information provides our medical team with a wealth of information about a pet’s health status. From this test, we can identify conditions like infection, anemia, inflammation, and leukemia. 
  • Blood Chemistry Panel is used as a baseline of health and can determine the functionality of organs. 
  • Urinalysis can detect urinary tract infections, liver disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and dehydration. 
  • Thyroid tests examine the outputs of hormones necessary for metabolism and energy. This is very important in senior animals.
  • Electrolytes Testing monitors health condition, dehydration, and bone metabolism.
  • Fecal Exams check for intestinal parasites which can cause gastrointestinal infections. 
  • Skin scrapings tests for parasites and fungi. 

    Digital Radiography

    Digital radiography, better known as X-ray, is an important diagnostic tool that allows our medical team to diagnose numerous medical conditions. Using advanced modern technology, digital radiography produces high-resolution images of inside the body and allows us to see things not observable with the naked eye. 

    Digital radiography is safe and non-invasive. The process does not take a lot of time, reducing anxiety for your pet. A harmless amount of radiation is emitted in digital radiography. 

    Digital radiography is employed to assess vital parts of the body such as organs and bones. From the high-resolution images produced by digital radiography, our medical team can make diagnoses and prescribe treatments as needed. 

    The images from digital radiology can reveal to our team major health concerns such as cancer, stomach tumors, and intestinal blockages. It can also be used to diagnose other conditions like bladder stones, chronic arthritis, broken bones, and spinal cord diseases. 

    Ultrasound

    Ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time videos of the chest cavity, internal organs, and abdominal regions. These videos produced by the ultrasound are extremely useful when assessing bodily processes in real-time. They also help us to understand where malfunctions may be occurring and allow our medical team to decide which treatment would be best suited for your pet’s condition.  

    To take an ultrasound, a pet is gently laid on its side and gel is applied on its abdomen while a probe is lightly rubbed against the skin. It is likely that part of your pet's abdomen may have to be shaved. Do not be alarmed by this, it is just a simple part of the procedure to help produce clearer videos. 

    The process of an ultrasound generally does not last more than an hour and your pet may go home the same day. In most cases, anesthesia and sedatives are not necessary. However, if your pet experiences extreme stress and anxiety during the process, they may have to be sedated. 

    Allergy & Dermatology Testing

    Dermatitis is a general term for conditions affecting the skin of your pet. Pets may acquire dermatitis for several reasons, including hormonal disorders, allergies, tumors, cancers, infection, and disease. If left untreated, dermatitis can cause pain, irritation and mental distress.

    At Best Care, our medical team is equipped to spot allergic and dermatological problems so we can properly treat your pet. 

    Allergens are not uncommon and your dog is likely to be exposed to them daily. Allergens include grasses, weeds, pollen, flowers, wheat, perfumes, and household cleaners. 

    Common signs of a dermatological condition: 

    • Flaky or red skin
    • Watery or irritated eyes
    • Lumps or bumps on the skin
    • Excessive licking or biting of the skin
    • Excessive itching
    • Vomiting
    • Excessive shedding
    • Hair loss
    • Diarrhea
    • Behavioral changes resulting from distress/irritation 

    If your dog appears to be experiencing one or more of these symptoms please do not hesitate to reach out to us for an appointment. 

    Diagnosis

    In most cases, our veterinarians can make a dermatitis diagnosis simply based on an examination of your pet’s skin. However, some findings may prompt further examination. This may include diagnostic tests such as skin scraping, blood tests, and allergy tests. Fortunately, our on-site diagnostic laboratory allows us to get back test results relatively quickly. 

    Treatment

    Based on the diagnostic results and severity of your pet’s dermatological discomfort, our medical team will work with you to devise an appropriate and effective treatment plan. This may involve topical creams, oral medications, injections, avoidance of the allergen, or a combination of treatment approaches. 

    From the examination and the result of the diagnostic test our medical team will be able to properly assess the severity of your pet’s condition. From there, we can discuss appropriate treatment methods with you. 

    Join the Best Care Pet Hospital Family Today!

    We are located on the east side of Sioux Falls, right off I-229. You'll find us on E 10th St. right across from Nelson Park.

    Phone: 605-334-2412

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