Does my pet need to be sedated for an X-ray?

Usually not. Most dogs and cats manage with gentle restraint. Light sedation is used when a patient is painful or when a position has to be held precisely for a safe, readable image. We will discuss it with you before it is given.

How long do results take?

Most blood and urine analysis is run in our in-house laboratory and comes back during the same visit. Digital radiographs and ultrasound images are available immediately. Specialized samples sent to an external laboratory take longer, and we will give you a realistic timeline when that applies.

What is the difference between an X-ray and an ultrasound?

An X-ray shows outlines and density, which suits bone, chest, and anything obstructing. An ultrasound shows soft tissue structure in real time, which suits organs such as the liver, kidneys, and bladder. They answer different questions and are often used together.

Pet Diagnostics for Dogs and Cats in Victoria

Pet diagnostics close the gap between “something is wrong” and “here is what we are dealing with”. A physical examination gets a veterinarian a long way, but hands cannot see a bladder stone, read a white cell count or tell a full stomach from an enlarged spleen.

In-house diagnostic tools allow us to identify health issues quickly, often during the same visit.

Digital Imaging

X-Ray, Ultrasound and Image Review

Digital radiography (X-rays)

Digital radiographs show bone, chest and abdominal structures in a single quick exposure, and the image appears on screen within seconds. X-ray is the right tool for a suspected fracture, joint wear, a change in the heart’s outline, gas or fluid where it should not be, or a swallowed object.

Images stay on file, so this year’s radiograph can be compared directly with one from two years ago.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound builds a live picture of soft tissue, so a scan can show the shape and texture of the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder wall and intestines while your pet breathes. It is painless and uses no radiation.

A small patch of fur is clipped so the probe makes proper contact, and it grows back. Most scans take fifteen to thirty minutes.

Dental radiography and image review

Dental radiographs show the roots and bone below the gumline that cannot be seen during an oral exam. Every image, dental or otherwise, is reviewed by our veterinarians as part of your pet’s diagnostic imaging consultation.

In-House Laboratory

Laboratory Testing on Site

Running samples in our own laboratory rather than shipping them out is the difference between a plan today and a plan on Thursday, which matters most for an unwell pet. A blood panel counts red and white cells and platelets and shows how the liver, kidneys and other organs are working, while urinalysis checks concentration, sediment, protein and sugar.

Some specialized samples still go to an external laboratory. When that happens, we tell you and give you a realistic timeline.

In-house laboratory

Clear Answers

Testing Decisions and Results

When we recommend testing

Testing is never automatic. We recommend imaging or laboratory work when it will change what happens next: before an anaesthetic, when an unwell pet’s signs point in more than one direction, when a senior needs a baseline for future comparison, or when a long-running condition needs monitoring.

Before anything is run, you will know what question each test answers and what it costs. Saying no, or not yet, is always a legitimate answer.

Understanding the results

A number on a page is not an answer by itself. Results are read against your pet’s history, previous values and examination findings, because a reading that is unremarkable for one animal can be meaningful for another.

Our veterinarians explain what was found, what it likely means and what the sensible next steps are. Sometimes the honest answer is that a borderline result is worth repeating in a few weeks rather than acting on today.

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Our AAHA-accredited team is here to provide the right care, at the right time, for every stage of your pet’s life.

FAQ

Will my pet need to be sedated for an X-ray or ultrasound?

Usually not. Most dogs and cats manage with gentle restraint and a steady hand. Light sedation is used when a patient is painful or very anxious, or when a position has to be held precisely for a safe, readable image. We will always discuss it with you before it is given.

Does my pet need to fast before bloodwork?

For some panels, yes. Ask reception when you book and they will tell you whether to withhold food and for how long. Water is normally left available. Fasting instructions vary by test, so please do not assume from a previous visit.