Medical Services
Our Medical Service begins with a complete medical assessment.
This consists of a thorough consultation where historical information about your pet's behavior, lifestyle, and symptoms are carefully noted. The Veterinarian will then perform a complete physical examination whereby your pet's cardiopulmonary (Heart/Lungs), neurological (Brain/eye/pain), gastrointestinal (Mouth/stomach/intestine), dermatological (Skin/ears) and skeletal (Bones/muscle) systems are examined for any abnormalities.
Depending on what is found, a conclusion or diagnosis may be found or the Veterinarian may discuss further testing that is necessary to determine the cause of the problem.
Further Diagnostic Testing may include:
Radiology: When we are looking for that elusive penny that "Rex" may have swallowed or want to know if that leg is broken we turn to the x-ray machine to allow us a peek inside. Having our own x-ray suite allows us to get timely results.
Ultrasound: It may seem that it duplicates the x-ray unit but we have found it absolutely compliments it. Ultrasound permits more detailed study of internal organs. For example the liver may look enlarged on an x-ray and the ultrasound may indicate what portion is actually enlarged and how dense the enlarged portion is. Of course, owning an ultrasound unit is of no benefit if someone doesn't know how to operate it and interpret the findings. Several of our veterinarians have taken extensive training and have become very proficient.
Laboratory Testing: There are two ways for us to handle laboratory samples at Ajax Animal Hospital:
Cardiology Testing: Many heart problems can be identified on physical examination. Additional tests are usually required to accurately identify the cause of the heart disease. Additional tests include EKGs (electrocardiograms), radiographs (X-rays), and ultrasounds.
Tonometry: We have the ability to test your dog or cat's eyes for excess pressure easily and safely using our TONOPEN. This test allows us to diagnose glaucoma and eye infections that could cause blindness if not detected and treated early.
Our Medical Service begins with a complete medical assessment.
This consists of a thorough consultation where historical information about your pet's behavior, lifestyle, and symptoms are carefully noted. The Veterinarian will then perform a complete physical examination whereby your pet's cardiopulmonary (Heart/Lungs), neurological (Brain/eye/pain), gastrointestinal (Mouth/stomach/intestine), dermatological (Skin/ears) and skeletal (Bones/muscle) systems are examined for any abnormalities.
Depending on what is found, a conclusion or diagnosis may be found or the Veterinarian may discuss further testing that is necessary to determine the cause of the problem.
Further Diagnostic Testing may include:
Radiology: When we are looking for that elusive penny that "Rex" may have swallowed or want to know if that leg is broken we turn to the x-ray machine to allow us a peek inside. Having our own x-ray suite allows us to get timely results.
Ultrasound: It may seem that it duplicates the x-ray unit but we have found it absolutely compliments it. Ultrasound permits more detailed study of internal organs. For example the liver may look enlarged on an x-ray and the ultrasound may indicate what portion is actually enlarged and how dense the enlarged portion is. Of course, owning an ultrasound unit is of no benefit if someone doesn't know how to operate it and interpret the findings. Several of our veterinarians have taken extensive training and have become very proficient.
Laboratory Testing: There are two ways for us to handle laboratory samples at Ajax Animal Hospital:
- #1 In-house Laboratory Tests: We have a well-equipped laboratory with state of the art equipment that is constantly being updated with high quality control standards. This laboratory is managed by highly qualified and trained Registered Veterinary Technicians. The fact that we have an on-site laboratory permits us to get results for many tests in a timely manner. This ability is often life-saving as it allows us to gain critical information while treating emergency patients and ensures the convenience of achieving diagnostic answers during your veterinary appointment in many cases.
- #2 IDEXX Reference Laboratory Tests: There are some tests that we do not perform in-house and we are fortunate to have access to the services provided by IDEXX Veterinary Laboratories in Markham, Ontario. We have samples picked up at least twice per day and they are then directed to the proper area of their facility. Through IDEXX, we have access to leading specialists in Bacteriology, Parasitology, Endocrinology, Pathology (Clinical and Anatomic). Our veterinarians work regularly with these specialists to get to the bottom of your pet's health problem and achieve answers in a timely manner.
Cardiology Testing: Many heart problems can be identified on physical examination. Additional tests are usually required to accurately identify the cause of the heart disease. Additional tests include EKGs (electrocardiograms), radiographs (X-rays), and ultrasounds.
Tonometry: We have the ability to test your dog or cat's eyes for excess pressure easily and safely using our TONOPEN. This test allows us to diagnose glaucoma and eye infections that could cause blindness if not detected and treated early.
