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Diagnostics |
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These are some of the diagnostic facilities we have:
Radiography
We have three machines for taking x-rays; one is designed for taking general diagnostic x-rays, which enables us to look at bones, the chest and the abdomen. This is powerful enough for the largest dog. The second is for dental x-rays allowing us to examine the teeth and jaw in greater detail when needed. The third is a portable machine ideal for taking x-rays during surgical procedures.
Blood Sampling
We have a purpose built laboratory on the premises, this allows us to process blood samples within 20-30 minutes. Providing rapid, accurate results even when other laboratories are closed. This allows us to diagnose and address problems rapidly and monitor response to therapy. We have machines that can read Haematology, Electrolytes and Biochemistry. If we are unable to process a sample in house, samples can be sent to Auckland Hospital or Gribbles laboratories.
Blood Gases
We have an i-STAT machine, one of only a couple in New Zealand Veterinary Clinics. This is a machine that measures blood gases, these are extremely useful in monitoring emergency, critical care and kidney cases.
 Opthalmology
We have a number of pieces of equipment to allow us to diagnose and monitor eye disease effectively.
Microscopy
This allows us to perform blood smears, fungal examinations, parasite evaluations and basic cytology.
Electrocardiography
This allows us to diagnose heart arrhythmias and monitor response to therapy. We have two machines one for paper recordings for interpretation and one for continuous monitoring during general anaesthesia and critical care.
 Doppler Blood Pressure monitoring
Hypertension is a common problem in older animals, particularly with certain diseases. The control of this condition and therefore diagnosis and monitoring is very important. The monitor is also used with all anaesthetised patients for early warning of hypotension - a common problem under anaesthesia.
Urinalysis
Refractometry, sediment examination and dipsticks are all available.
Pulse Oximetry
This is used particularly during anaesthaesia, but is also very useful in sick or injured animals to monitor the oxygen concentration in the blood. If the concentration is low we can use oxygen supplementation to correct this. We have a portable unit and a bigger fixed unit.
Capnography
This is used during general anaesthaesia. The machine measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in the expired breath. This is very useful to highlight us to potential complication under anaesthaesia and to address it as early as possible.
Further Diagnostics
We arrange referral to a specialist for more advanced diagnostics e.g. endoscopy, ultrasonography, CT and MRI scans when these are required.
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