We Go Deeper

Advanced diagnostics saves lives.

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In House Laboratory

Lying kitten
Our in-house laboratory provides your pets test results in a matter of minutes to expedite our diagnostic and treatment capabilities. Our in-house laboratory performs such tests as bile acids and canine pancreatic lipase, blood chemistry, complete blood counts, cortisol levels, electrolytes, thyroid screenings, fine needle aspirates, urinalysis, ear cytology, skin cytology, fecal examinations, heartworm and tickborne disease testing and infectious feline disease testing. Along with our laboratory capabilities, we also work with several outside laboratories should your pet require more specialized testing. Read More

Digital Radiology

My real friend portrait
Our digital radiology equipment enables us to take a wide array of radiographic images from toes to teeth. Radiographs (x-rays) are used in a variety of cases. They are vital in detecting bone fractures, bladder stones, foreign bodies as well as locating and assessing tumors. They are also used to aid in decision making during pregnancy by allowing the surgeon to see the size and number of fetuses present. In order to have a diagnostic radiograph, the patient must remain still for a brief moment during exposure. Most patients are very cooperative while others may need sedation. Certain situations do require light anesthesia in order for the patient to be completely relaxed during a particular view or procedure. Read More

Ultrasonography

A Border Collie dog playing with its owner on a frisk morning in the park.
Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive imaging tool that enables an in-depth view of your pet's organs. Many times an ultrasound will be used in combination with radiography. The ultrasound allows for the evaluation of internal organs and is highly useful in evaluating heart conditions, detecting alterations in abdominal organs, locating obstructions and assisting in the recognition of cysts, tumors, bladder or kidney stones and gallstones. Ultrasounds are also utilized to confirm pregnancy and monitor the development of the fetuses.
An ultrasound machine uses sound waves to penetrate internal organs rather than radiation. A hand-held probe is placed above the location for viewing. This probe transmits and then receives reflected sound waves which are analyzed by a computer forming a computerized image that displays on a screen for viewing. With the ability to obtain real time information, organs can be seen as they are functioning and the outcome can be evaluated right away. The procedure is painless therefore no sedation or anesthesia is necessary. Clients may choose to be present during ultrasounds and Dr. Groves can provide information about the anatomical structures seen during the ultrasound examination. Depending on the findings, Dr. Groves can confirm a diagnosis and recommend the best course of action, which can vary from requesting additional testing to changing medication to continuing with the patients same care.
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Electrocardiogram

Sleepy little gray kitten portrait inside a bag.
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a painless, noninvasive diagnostic test that records the electrical activity of the heart and is indicated when a heart murmur is detected, when heart enlargement is evident radiographically or when cardiovascular symptoms are present. The EKG is often complimentary to a physical examination, radiograph and ultrasound.
The EKG is performed by applying conductive gel to the patients skin and attaching clip or plate electrodes to the limbs and chest wall. The cables of the electrodes are connected to the EKG machine. Once the machine is started, the heart's electrical activity is recorded. This recording of electrical activity is printed onto paper from the EKG machine.
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Tonometry & Opthalmic Screening

The beautiful striped domestic cat plays with a toy.
Ocular Tonometry is a fast, painless method of accurately assessing the pressure within the eyeball. The Tonometer is the device we use to determine the pressure in the eye by measuring the tone and firmness of its surface. This diagnostic tool allows Dr. Groves to diagnose glaucoma and eye infections that, if not treated, could lead to blindness. Read More

Blood Pressure Test (petMap)

Dog and cat playing together outdoor
The petMap is a doppler blood pressure monitor which allows our medical staff to easily measure your pet's blood pressure. You will commonly see our petMap used during annual and semi-annual examinations, especially with our senior patients. High blood pressure (hypertension) and low blood pressure (hypotension) can lead to illness that often require medical attention. Blood pressure measurements are commonly used to diagnose and monitor hypertension, detect hypotension and evaluate a patients circulatory status during surgery or the treatment of the critically ill. Our method of measuring blood pressure is similar to that in human medicine. A cuff is placed around the patients limb and inflated, as air escapes the cuff the petMap determines the systolic and diastolic pressures. The procedure is painless and does not require sedation nor anesthesia. Read More