X-Ray and In-House Diagnostic Services in Montclair, NJ
At Montclair Veterinary Associates in Montclair, NJ, we provide advanced X-Ray and diagnostic testing services for pets. Our in-house radiology suite allows us to quickly assess your pet’s condition, enabling faster and more accurate diagnosis when time is critical.
Whether your pet is facing sudden illness, trauma, or ongoing symptoms, our experienced veterinary team is equipped to help you make informed decisions about their care.
Comprehensive Veterinary Diagnostics for Better Health Outcomes
When your beloved pet isn’t feeling well, getting a quick and accurate diagnosis becomes your top priority. At Montclair Veterinary Associates, we understand that waiting days for test results can feel frustrating when you’re worried about your furry family member’s health. That’s why we’ve invested in state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment that allows us to provide immediate insights into your pet’s condition, right here in our Montclair facility.
Our comprehensive in-house diagnostic capabilities, combined with digital X-ray technology and expert radiologist interpretations, ensure your pet receives the thorough evaluation they deserve. Dr. Cory Waxman and our experienced team use these advanced tools to quickly identify health concerns and develop effective treatment plans, helping your pet feel better faster. We believe that quality veterinary care starts with precise diagnostics, which is why we’ve made significant investments in the latest medical technology for our veterinary services.
Most of these tests are available on our in-house IDEXX lab equipment.
Complete Blood Count (CBC):
A CBC measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a sample of blood. The numbers of each type of cell give information to help Dr. Waxman diagnose anemia, infections, and leukemia. If your pet is undergoing treatment for a condition, a complete blood count can help your veterinarian monitor how your pet is responding to the treatment.
Urinalysis (UA):
Laboratory testing of your pet’s urine will help your veterinarian detect the presence of specific substances that normally do not appear in urine, including protein, sugar, white blood cells, or blood. Measuring the dilution or concentration of urine can also help your veterinarian diagnose illness. A Urinalysis can help diagnose urinary tract infections, diabetes, dehydration, kidney problems, and other conditions.
Blood Chemistry Panel:
A blood chemistry panel measures your pet’s electrolytes, enzymes, and chemical elements in the blood such as calcium and phosphorous levels. These measurements help your veterinarian determine how your pet’s organs are functioning. Blood chemistry panels also help your veterinarian accurately diagnose and treat illness as well as monitor your pet’s response to treatment. Dr. Waxman may also recommend a chemistry panel to obtain your pet’s baseline values, which can be compared to later tests. Any differences between the baseline values and values measured at a later time will help to diagnose new problems.
Thyroid Level:
Thyroid hormones affect the metabolism of both cats and dogs. It is common for a cat to have an overactive thyroid (“hyperthyroidism”), which can cause problems such as increased drinking and urination, weight loss, and hyperactivity. Dogs tend to have an underactive thyroid (“hypothyroidism”), which can cause problems such as lethargy, hair loss, and weight gain. Both conditions can be diagnosed by a blood test and managed with medications.
Infectious Disease Screening:
Heartworm and tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease are common problems for dogs and can be tested on a 10-minute blood screen. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukemia Virus are common problems for cats and can also be tested on a 10-minute blood screen.
Fecal test:
Intestinal parasites, such as worms, are common among social dogs and can be tested by sending a fecal sample to the lab. These parasites are very common in Montclair because they can be easily transmitted through another dog’s feces on the sidewalk or in the park. We routinely test for all intestinal parasites, including Giardia.
X-RAY SERVICES
Comprehensive In-House Laboratory Services
Our fully equipped in-house lab allows us to run a wide range of diagnostic tests without the delays and stress of sending samples to outside facilities. We maintain several advanced diagnostic machines that provide immediate results for the most commonly needed veterinary tests.
Our in-house capabilities include:
- Complete blood chemistry panels that evaluate kidney and liver function, electrolyte levels, and other crucial health markers.
- Comprehensive blood cell counts (CBC) to assess red and white blood cell levels, helping us identify infections, anemia, or other blood-related conditions.
- Multiple rapid diagnostic tests, including heartworm detection, Lyme disease screening, and pancreatitis evaluation, all of which provide results within minutes.
This comprehensive testing menu means we can address most diagnostic needs immediately, eliminating the anxiety of waiting for external laboratory results.
Specialized Diagnostic Equipment
We’re proud to house several cutting-edge diagnostic machines that set us apart from other veterinary practices in the area. Our urinalysis equipment uses advanced AI technology to detect crystals and other abnormalities in urine samples, providing more accurate results than traditional methods. This technology is particularly valuable because it analyzes fresh samples immediately, rather than samples that may have been sitting during transport to external laboratories.
We also maintain specialized equipment for detecting clotting disorders, which is essential for cases involving potential toxin ingestion, such as exposure to rat poison. Our coagulation testing equipment allows us to quickly assess your pet’s blood clotting ability and take immediate action if necessary.
Digital X-Ray Technology and Expert Interpretation
Our digital X-ray system represents the gold standard in veterinary imaging. Unlike older film-based systems, digital X-rays provide immediate, high-quality images that can be enhanced and manipulated for better diagnostic accuracy. The digital format also allows us to easily share images with specialists when needed and maintain perfect copies for your pet’s permanent medical record.
What truly sets our X-ray services apart is our partnership with board-certified veterinary radiologists. While many practices rely solely on the attending veterinarian to interpret X-rays, we send all our digital images to specialized radiologists who focus exclusively on diagnostic imaging. Studies have shown that general practitioners, while skilled, may miss subtle abnormalities that specialist radiologists are trained to identify.
Our radiologist partners provide detailed written interpretations typically within one hour of taking the X-rays. This means you can often receive comprehensive results during your visit or shortly after, allowing for immediate treatment decisions when time is critical. The radiologists’ reports include detailed descriptions of any abnormalities found, along with recommendations for follow-up care or additional testing if needed.
Common Diagnostic Applications
Our diagnostic equipment proves invaluable for a wide variety of health concerns that bring pets to our clinic. For sick animals presenting with vague symptoms, blood work often provides the first clues about underlying conditions. Whether we’re investigating gastrointestinal issues, respiratory problems, or unexplained lethargy, our comprehensive testing panels can quickly narrow down potential causes.
X-rays are beneficial for evaluating:
- Suspected fractures or joint problems following injuries or trauma
- Gastrointestinal blockages, especially common in dogs that tend to eat inappropriate items
- Respiratory issues, including pneumonia or fluid accumulation in the chest
- Abdominal pain or swelling that may indicate organ enlargement or masses
- Pre-surgical evaluation to ensure pets are healthy enough for anesthesia
For wellness visits, our diagnostic capabilities allow us to catch potential problems before they become serious health issues. Annual blood work can detect early kidney disease, liver problems, or diabetes, often before your pet shows any outward symptoms. Early detection almost always leads to better treatment outcomes and can significantly extend your pet’s healthy lifespan.
The Benefits of Immediate Results
Having diagnostic capabilities right in our facility offers numerous benefits for both pets and their families. Immediate results mean less stress for anxious pets who might otherwise need multiple visits for testing and follow-up. You don’t have to worry about waiting several days for results or making additional trips to collect test outcomes.
When we can provide answers quickly, we can also begin treatment sooner. This is particularly important for conditions that worsen rapidly or cause significant discomfort. Fast diagnosis also means you can have peace of mind sooner, either through reassuring normal results or by knowing precisely what we’re dealing with and having a clear treatment plan.
Montclair Veterinary Associates: Your Partner in Pet Health
At Montclair Veterinary Associates, Dr. Cory Waxman combines years of veterinary experience with the most advanced diagnostic technology available. Our commitment to maintaining cutting-edge equipment ensures that your pet receives the same high-quality diagnostic care available at larger specialty hospitals, right here in your neighborhood. As a locally owned practice, we take pride in building lasting relationships with Montclair families and their pets. Our diagnostic capabilities are just one way we demonstrate our dedication to exceptional care.
When your pet needs diagnostic testing, you can trust our experienced team to provide accurate results quickly and compassionately. Contact us today at (973) 321-7229 or use our convenient contact form to schedule an appointment and experience the difference that advanced in-house diagnostics can make for your pet’s health.
Why Choose Montclair Veterinary Associates for Diagnostics in Montclair, NJ?
What conditions can an x ray detect in pets?
An X-ray can help detect a wide range of conditions, including broken bones, arthritis, tumors, bladder stones, and the presence of cancerous cells. It also helps assess the size and shape of internal organs, which can reveal inflammation or disease. At Montclair Veterinary Associates, our x ray montclair services provide a clearer picture of your pet’s body, helping us make informed decisions about your pet’s health and treatment options.
How is ultrasound different from an x ray for pets?
While x rays use radiation to capture images of bones and dense tissue, ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to produce live images of soft tissues and organs. Ultrasound is especially useful for diagnosing conditions in the heart, liver, bladder, or reproductive system. It’s a non-invasive and pain-free diagnostic method, offering veterinary diagnostics that complement traditional x ray imaging for a more complete evaluation of your pet’s health.
Is diagnostic testing safe for pets?
Yes, modern diagnostic testing methods such as X-rays, ultrasound, and blood work are considered very safe. X-ray procedures use small amounts of radiation, carefully controlled for your pet’s safety. All imaging and lab tests at Montclair Veterinary Associates are conducted by trained staff with a focus on quality care. We aim to deliver accurate results quickly so that animal owners can take swift action to improve their pets’ health outcomes.
What is included in in-house diagnostic services?
Our in-house diagnostics include x ray montclair, ultrasound, complete blood count, urinalysis, and other essential tests. These services allow our team to evaluate symptoms, monitor chronic conditions, and detect hidden diseases without needing to send samples to an outside lab. With rapid turnaround, we can often determine a diagnosis the same day, helping patients begin the right treatment plan without unnecessary delays.
When should I schedule diagnostic testing for my pet?
Diagnostic testing should be scheduled if your pet is showing signs of illness, such as vomiting, limping, difficulty breathing, or changes in behavior. It’s also recommended for annual wellness exams, especially for senior pets. Preventive diagnostics, like x rays or ultrasound, help us detect issues before they become serious, improving long-term health. If you’re unsure whether your pet needs testing, our team at Montclair Veterinary Associates is here to help guide you.
