In-House Veterinary Laboratory & Digital X-Ray
Faster Answers When Your Pet Needs Care
When your pet becomes ill or is injured, getting an accurate diagnosis quickly can make an important difference. At Whitworth Animal Clinic in Madison, Alabama, Dr. Whitworth and Dr. Rice have access to state-of-the-art, in-house diagnostic equipment that allows many important tests to be performed right here at the clinic.
Rather than waiting unnecessarily for routine diagnostic testing from an outside laboratory, our veterinary team can perform a variety of tests as needed, helping them better understand your pet’s condition and determine the most appropriate
Comprehensive In-House Diagnostic Testing
Every pet is different, and diagnostic testing is selected based on your pet’s symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and individual needs.
Our in-house veterinary laboratory capabilities include:
Blood Testing
Blood tests provide important information about your pet’s overall health and can help your veterinarian evaluate internal organ function, blood cell health, and other indicators of illness.
Bloodwork may be recommended when your pet is sick, before certain procedures or surgeries, or as part of routine wellness and preventive care.
Urine Testing
Urinalysis provides valuable information about your pet’s urinary system and overall health. Changes in urine can sometimes provide clues about underlying health problems that may not be apparent during a physical examination alone.
Viral Testing
Whitworth Animal Clinic can perform testing for several important viral diseases, including:
- Parvovirus
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Prompt testing can provide valuable information when a pet’s symptoms or history indicate that viral disease should be considered.
Heartworm Testing
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition affecting dogs and cats. Testing helps determine whether a pet has been exposed to heartworm infection.
Regular heartworm testing, along with appropriate preventive care, is an important part of protecting your pet’s health.
Skin Cytology
If your pet is experiencing itching, skin irritation, hair loss, sores, or other skin problems, skin cytology can help your veterinarian investigate what may be contributing to the problem.
Examining cells and other material collected from the affected area can provide useful diagnostic information and help guide treatment.
Ear Cytology
Ear problems are common in dogs and cats and can cause considerable discomfort. Ear cytology allows the veterinary team to examine material from the ear and look for abnormalities that may be contributing to inflammation or infection.
This information helps your veterinarian determine an appropriate treatment plan for your pet.
Pancreatitis Testing
Pancreatitis can cause significant illness in dogs and cats. When pancreatitis is suspected, diagnostic testing can provide additional information to help your veterinarian evaluate your pet’s condition and determine the appropriate course of care.
Mass Cytology
When a lump or mass is discovered, cytology can provide valuable information about the cells within the mass. A sample can be collected and examined to help determine what further evaluation or treatment may be appropriate.
If you discover a new or changing lump on your pet, let your veterinarian know—even if it doesn’t appear to be bothering them.
In-House Digital X-Ray
In addition to laboratory testing, Whitworth Animal Clinic has in-house digital X-ray technology.
Digital radiography is an important diagnostic tool that allows our veterinarians to look inside the body and evaluate areas that cannot be assessed through a physical examination alone.
X-rays may be useful for evaluating conditions such as:
- Bone fractures and other skeletal injuries
- Bladder stones
- Certain tumors or abnormal growths
- Swallowed foreign objects
- Other conditions involving the chest or abdomen
Having digital X-ray capabilities available in the clinic allows our veterinary team to obtain important diagnostic images when they are needed as part of your pet’s evaluation.
X-Rays Can Also Help During Pregnancy
Digital X-rays can provide important information when a pregnant dog or cat is approaching delivery and a Caesarean section may be necessary.
X-rays can help Dr. Whitworth or Dr. Rice determine the number and size of fetuses present, providing valuable information when evaluating whether a Caesarean section may be needed.
This information can be particularly important when a pet is having difficulty during labor or when there are concerns about the size or position of the fetuses.
Why In-House Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostics Matter
When your pet is sick or injured, waiting for answers can be stressful. Having diagnostic capabilities available in the clinic allows the Whitworth veterinary team to gather important information efficiently and make informed decisions about your pet’s care.
The goal is simple: get the information needed to understand what is happening and determine the best next step for your pet.
Diagnostic testing may be used for a wide range of reasons—from investigating an unexpected symptom to monitoring an ongoing condition or preparing a pet for surgery.
Diagnostics Are Part of Complete Veterinary Care
Diagnostic testing is just one part of comprehensive veterinary medicine.
At Whitworth Animal Clinic, your pet’s care begins with a thorough history and physical examination. When additional information is needed, our veterinarians can use laboratory testing, cytology, digital X-rays, and other diagnostic tools to develop a more complete understanding of your pet’s health.
This approach allows us to provide individualized care based on your pet’s specific needs.
When Should Your Pet Be Examined?
If your pet is experiencing a change in appetite, energy, behavior, urination, bowel movements, breathing, or mobility—or simply doesn’t seem like themselves—it’s worth contacting your veterinarian.
Pets cannot tell us when something is wrong. Changes that seem minor can sometimes be important clues to an underlying health problem.
Early evaluation can give your veterinarian an opportunity to identify concerns and recommend appropriate treatment before a condition becomes more serious.
Experienced Veterinary Care in Madison, Alabama
With more than 35 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Charles Whitworth and the team at Whitworth Animal Clinic are committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for dogs and cats throughout Madison and the surrounding North Alabama communities.
From wellness examinations and preventive care to advanced diagnostics, surgery, dentistry, grooming, and boarding, Whitworth Animal Clinic is equipped to care for many of your pet’s needs in one convenient location.
Have Concerns About Your Pet?
If your pet isn’t feeling well, don’t wait and wonder what’s wrong. Contact Whitworth Animal Clinic in Madison, Alabama, to schedule an examination and let our veterinary team help determine what your pet needs. Because we have and in-house veterinary laboratory, we can get the results quickly and are able to offer treatment sooner.