In-House Lab & Veterinary Technology

Our Diagnostic Services 

Using our in-house veterinary diagnostic lab, we are happy to offer advanced testing in order to allow our vets to accurately diagnose your pet's health issues. 

• Radiography (Digital X-Rays)

  Using a radiograph (digital x-ray), we can examine your pet's internal systems to reveal information that may be invisible from the outside. 

  Radiography is a painless, safe and non-invasive diagnostic procedure for your pet. It only uses very low doses of radiation and because of this, even pregnant pets or very young animals are able to safely undergo the procedure. 

  Radiographs can be used to evaluate bones and organs, and diagnose conditions including broken bones, chronic arthritis, bladder stones, spinal cord diseases and some tumors. 

• Ultrasound

  The use of 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 your pet's body to high-frequency sound waves in order to produce images of your pet's internal structures and systems. 

  Because we capture ultrasound images in real-time, we can see the structure and movement of your pet's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through the blood vessels.

  Having this valuable technology available to our vets in our in-house lab means that your dog or cat's condition can be diagnosed quickly and treatment can start sooner. 

• Cold Laser Therapy

  Cold laser therapy increases blood flow and stimulates the regrowth of cells in a non-invasive approach.

  Using laser energy, we are able to desensitize pain receptors which reduces pain for your pet. There is also evidence suggesting that treatment with low-powered lasers can release the body's natural painkillers known as endorphins. 

• 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 pet's kidneys and urinary tract. It can also be helpful, however, in detecting other issues affecting your pet's body like 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 Des Moines.

  The ultimate aim of a fecal exam is to identify and treat any gastrointestinal infections that could be compromising your pet's health without you knowing it. Fecals allow your vet to determine if your pet has an intestinal parasite like hookworms or roundworms.

  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 Des Moines vet to see results immediately, then project them onto a computer screen to review.