Pet Diagnostic Care in Shawnee, KS
At Family Pet Hospital of Shawnee, we understand that your furry companions are more than just pets. When your dog or cat is not acting like themselves, getting answers quickly makes all the difference. Our in-house diagnostic lab, digital X-rays, ultrasound, and endoscopy allow us to identify what is going on and start a treatment plan, often during the same visit.
For more than 21 years, pet families across Shawnee, Lenexa, Merriam, and Overland Park have trusted our veterinary team to provide accurate, efficient diagnostic care. Whether your pet needs routine bloodwork during a wellness exam or urgent testing because something does not seem right, we are here to help.
When Does Your Pet Need Diagnostic Testing?
When Does Your Pet Need Diagnostic Testing?
Noticeable symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or behavior changes can all signal that something is going on internally. Other signs that may point to the need for diagnostic testing include:
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Excessive thirst or urination
- Persistent diarrhea or changes in stool
- Limping, stiffness, or reluctance to move
- Lumps, bumps, or swelling
- Coughing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing
- Changes in skin or coat quality
If you notice any of these changes in your dog or cat, scheduling a diagnostic appointment gives our veterinarians the information they need to determine the cause and recommend the right course of action.
Diagnostic care is not only for sick pets. Whether during routine check-ups or preventive care appointments, diagnostic services are crucial in detecting health concerns early. Baseline bloodwork and screening tests during annual wellness exams help us catch conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid disorders before they become harder to treat.
Our Diagnostic Testing Services in Shawnee, KS
Our diagnostic tools allow us to evaluate your pet’s health from multiple angles, so we can build a complete picture and make informed treatment decisions. Here is what we offer:
Digital Radiology (X-Rays and Ultrasound)
Our digital X-ray system produces high-resolution images within minutes, allowing our veterinarians to evaluate bones, joints, the chest, and the abdomen without a long wait. Radiology is vital in identifying internal injuries, detecting tumors, and assessing organ health.
For soft tissue evaluation, our ultrasound technology gives us a real-time view of organs like the liver, kidneys, spleen, and bladder. Ultrasound is particularly useful for identifying fluid accumulation, masses, bladder stones, and pregnancy. Because ultrasound is non-invasive and painless, most pets tolerate the procedure well with minimal stress.
Veterinary Endoscopy
Endoscopy enables us to visualize internal organs and tissues with precision and minimal invasiveness. Our veterinary team conducts endoscopic examinations, focusing on thorough evaluations and accurate diagnoses.
This minimally invasive procedure offers numerous benefits for your pet, including reduced post-operative pain and faster recovery times. We commonly use endoscopy to investigate chronic vomiting, difficulty swallowing, gastrointestinal inflammation, and to retrieve foreign objects from the stomach or esophagus without the need for open surgery.
In-House Veterinary Lab
Our in-house laboratory gives us the ability to run a wide range of tests right here in our Shawnee clinic and return results the same day, often within the hour. That means faster answers and faster treatment for your pet.
Our in-house lab services include:
- Bloodwork (complete blood count, chemistry panels, a pre-surgical screening)
- Urinalysis (to evaluate kidney function, detect infections, and check for crystals or stones)
- Fecal Analysis (screening for intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and giardia)
- Infectious Disease Screening (heartworm, Lyme disease, ehrlichia, and anaplasmosis testing)
- Liver Function Testing
- Kidney Function Testing
- Thyroid Panels (commonly used to diagnose hypothyroidism in dogs and hyperthyroidism in cats)
- Blood Glucose Monitoring (essential for pets with diabetes)
How Diagnostic Results Guide Your Pet’s Care
At Family Pet Hospital of Shawnee, we believe in building lasting relationships with our clients and their beloved pets. We understand that every animal is unique, so we take the time to get to know you and your pet personally. When you walk through our doors, you can expect a warm and welcoming environment where your pet’s comfort and care are our top priorities.
Our vets and staff provide compassionate pet diagnostic care and personalized attention at every step of the journey. You can trust that your best friend is in capable and caring hands at Family Pet Hospital of Shawnee.
Why Choose Family Pet Hospital of Shawnee for Diagnostic Care?
At Family Pet Hospital of Shawnee, we believe in building lasting relationships with our clients and their beloved pets. Here is what sets our diagnostic care apart:
- In-house lab with same-day results so you are not left waiting days for answers
- Digital radiology and ultrasound available on-site for immediate imaging
- Endoscopy for minimally invasive internal evaluation
- A veterinary team with more than 21 years of experience diagnosing and treating dogs and cats in the Shawnee area
- Clear communication at every step, so you understand your pet’s results and what they mean
Families across Shawnee, Lenexa, Merriam, Overland Park, and the greater Johnson County area trust us to provide the diagnostic answers they need when their pets are not feeling well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Diagnostic Care
Does my pet need to fast before bloodwork?
In many cases, yes. We typically recommend withholding food for 8 to 12 hours before blood testing so that results are not affected by a recent meal. Our team will provide specific fasting instructions when you schedule the appointment. Water is usually fine to offer up until the visit.
How quickly will I get my pet’s test results?
Because we have an in-house lab, most bloodwork, urinalysis, and fecal results are available the same day, often within the hour. Some specialized tests may need to be sent to an outside reference lab, which typically takes one to three business days. We will let you know what to expect when the test is ordered.
How often should my pet have diagnostic testing?
We recommend annual bloodwork and screening tests for most adult dogs and cats as part of their wellness exam. Senior pets (generally seven years and older) benefit from testing every six months, since age-related conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can develop quickly. Pets with chronic conditions may need more frequent monitoring based on their individual care plan.
Is sedation required for X-rays or ultrasound?
Most pets do not require sedation for X-rays or ultrasound. Our team uses gentle handling techniques and positioning aids to keep your pet comfortable and still during imaging. In rare cases where a pet is extremely anxious or in significant pain, light sedation may be recommended to reduce stress and ensure we get clear, accurate images.
Contact Family Pet Hospital of Shawnee for Pet Diagnostic Care in Shawnee, KS
Our in-house lab, digital X-rays, and ultrasound allow us to diagnose your pet’s condition and start treatment, often in the same visit. For pet diagnostic care you can count on, contact Family Pet Hospital of Shawnee. Call us to schedule a diagnostic appointment for your dog or cat.
