Pet Diagnostics and Imaging

Advanced Diagnostic Services for Dogs and Cats in Albuquerque

When a pet is sick, injured, or simply not acting like themselves, clear information helps guide the next step. Valle Verde Animal Hospital offers diagnostic testing and imaging to help us look beyond outward symptoms and better understand what may be happening inside your pet’s body.

We’ll begin by listening closely to what you’ve noticed at home and performing a thorough examination. From there, we may recommend laboratory testing, imaging, or another diagnostic service based on your pet’s symptoms, age, history, and overall condition. We’ll explain what each test is designed to evaluate and how the results may affect the care plan.

In-House Laboratory Testing

Laboratory testing can provide valuable information about organ function, blood cells, hydration, infection, and other aspects of your pet’s health. Depending on the situation, testing may include:

• Complete blood counts
• Blood chemistry panels
• Urinalysis
• Intestinal parasite screening
• Heartworm testing
• Infectious disease screening
• Pre-anesthetic bloodwork
• Cytology and other sample evaluation

Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostics are useful for more than illness. Routine testing may help us establish a baseline during Wellness and Preventative Care, monitor ongoing conditions, or assess a pet before a procedure through our Surgery services.

Imaging allows us to evaluate internal structures that can’t be assessed through a physical examination alone. Available services may include:

• Digital X-rays
• Dental X-rays
• Ultrasound
• Electrocardiography

Clear Explanations and Thoughtful Next Steps

Digital X-rays may help evaluate bones, joints, the chest, abdomen, and certain foreign objects. Dental X-rays provide a closer look at structures below the gumline. Ultrasound creates real-time images of soft tissues and internal organs, while electrocardiography records the heart’s electrical activity.

The best diagnostic approach depends on the concern. In some cases, one test is enough. In others, combining laboratory work and imaging provides a more complete picture.

Testing can feel stressful, especially when you’re worried about your pet. Our team will walk you through the process, review the findings, and explain what they mean in straightforward language. If a result points to a condition that needs additional expertise, we’ll discuss options through our Specialty Services or recommend an appropriate referral.

Our goal is to give you useful answers, not just test results, so you can make informed decisions about your pet’s care.