Veterinary Technology
Veterinary Diagnostic Lab
We leverage numerous technologies, including electromagnetic radiation, in diagnostic imaging to produce highly detailed images of your pet's internal structures.
The advanced tools we use at Bel Marin Animal Hospital help us to accurately diagnose your pet's medical issues. We offer a range of services from digital radiology to ultrasound.
With our diagnostic imaging capabilities, we can efficiently collect diagnostic information about your pet's condition and provide immediate treatment options.
In-House Lab & Veterinary Pharmacy in Novato
We conduct tests and receive results quickly in our in-house laboratory so that we can diagnose your pet's symptoms and start treatment as soon as possible.
We stock a range of prescription diets and medications at our pet pharmacy in Novato, which allows us quick access to any medications your pet may need while in our care.
Our Diagnostic Services
At our in-house veterinary diagnostics lab, we are proud to offer advanced diagnostic testing to allow our vets provide an accurate diagnosis of your pet's medical condition.
- Radiography (Digital X-Rays)
We can use a radiograph (digital X-Ray) to examine your pet's internal system to uncover data that may be invisible from the outside.
Radiography is a safe, non-invasive and painless procedure that uses only very low does of radiation. Because the level of radiation exposure needed to perform radiography is very low, even very young pets and pregnant females can undergo this procedure.
Radiographs may be used to evaluate organs and bones, and diagnose conditions including bladder stones, chronic arthritis, spinal cord diseases, broken bones and some tumors.
- Ultrasound
Diagnostic imaging allows our team of veterinary professionals to create extremely detailed images of your pet's internal structures.
Using ultrasound imaging, we expose part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the body's interior.
Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, we can see the structure and movement of your pet's internal organs, in addition to blood flowing through the vessels.
Having this valuable technology for our vets to use in our in-house lab means that your dog or cat's condition can be quickly diagnosed, and treatment can begin sooner.
- Bloodwork
At our vet lab in Novato we are able to run a number of common and specialized blood tests to determine the health of your pet, and to diagnose illness.
Some of the most common veterinary blood tests we do are CBC (complete blood count), white blood count, hemoglobin and MCHC, hematocrit, platelets, eosinophils, and blood serum profile.
- Urinalysis
Urinalysis is a key diagnostic test that provides your vet with essential insights into the physical and chemical properties of your pet's urine.
Urinalysis is primarily used to assess the health of your animal's kidneys and urinary tract system, but it can also be helpful in detecting issues in other organ systems and is important for diagnosing metabolic diseases such as diabetes.
This is a valuable diagnostic test for both healthy and sick animals and should be included in any comprehensive evaluation of your pet's overall health.
- Fecal Exams
A fecal exam is the microscopic examination of your pet's feces, which can be done at our in-house vet lab in Novato.
The ultimate goal of a fecal exam is to identify and treat any GI infections that could be compromising your pet's health and even the health of your family. Fecals allow your vet to determine if your pet has intestinal parasites such as roundworms or hookworms.
Parasites can make pets uncomfortable, irritable, and lead to more serious conditions. Some can even be transmitted to humans.
Since these parasites live in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract, they are often hidden from view. The only way to detect them is with a fecal exam.
Annual fecal examines should be a vital part of every pet's routine wellness exam.
- Digital Dental X-Rays
If your cat or dog is suffering periodontal disease, much of this damage occurs below the gum line where it can't be easily seen. Digital dental X-Rays help our veterinarians assess your pet's oral health.
Digital X-Rays are safer for your pet. They allow our team of veterinary professionals to examine roots, bones and internal anatomy of your cat or dog's teeth.
With digital X-Rays, the risk of radiation exposure for your pet is significantly lower than with traditional X-Ray technology. We are able to see below the surface of your pet's gum line to fully evaluate each tooth.
This technology allows your Novato vet to see results immediately, then project them onto a computer screen to review.